Composing movie soundtracks – or film scoring – has always been a hugely popular topic with students and teachers alike, but there are always questions around where to find movies, what to do if there is a soundtrack already, which software to use and how to approach the topic with students. I answer those questions and more in this episode of the Music Tech Teacher podcast.
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Resources and links mentioned
Music software options
- For the most flexibility: any digital audio workstation that has a video import feature (such as GarageBand on Mac, Mixcraft, Logic, Pro Tools etc)
- For simple projects: GarageBand app on iPads, Soundtrap or Soundation on Chromebooks
Movie editing software (a few examples – there are many others!)
- Entry level: iMovie or Windows Movie Maker
- Online software: WeVideo
- Screencasting software: Screenflow or Camtasia
- Advanced options: Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro
Where to find movies for film scoring
- The Internet Archive – head to the moving images section
- Music Tech Resource Bank inside the Midnight Music Community (MMC) has short videos that are already edited (for members of the MMC – you can join here if you’re not already a member)
- BBC Wallace and Gromit movies and other resources (from a film scoring competition they ran a while back)
Where to find sound effects
- Check the loop library of your music software
- Record your own
- Consider editing a sound effect you already have
- Search online (last resort!) – try the Orange Free Sounds or Freesound.org
Where to find music you can legally download
- Incompetech (my favourite go-to option)
- CC Mixter
More useful links!
- I have a Pinterest board titled Film Scoring Resources which has lots more useful links.
- Live Film Scoring with Elementary Students – Halloween Activity
- An Intro To Film Scoring: Same Scene 5 Ways
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Midnight Music Community: special rate for MTT podcast listeners
The Midnight Music Community (MMC) is an online space for music teachers interested in learning more about music technology. There are online courses, lesson plans and lots of other resources for Chromebooks, iPads, Macs and PCs. Professional development certificates are available for all training undertaken by MMC members and I am in the Community everyday, personally answering questions and offering advice to members.
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