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Contemporary Media and Film Composition

About

Under the direction of Mark Watters, Emmy Award-winning composer and conductor, the Master of Music in Contemporary Media and Film Composition and builds on the film legacy of the School’s founder, George Eastman.

students performing a live to film orchestral event for Frankenstein

Live Performances, Recording Sessions and More…

The masters in film composition provides students with instruction and opportunities that prepare them for the increasingly evolving demands in the professional world. Students compose for more than a dozen recording sessions and live performances, featuring superb Eastman instrumentalists. In addition to numerous recording sessions, there is the annual departmental recital, “Visual Music”, featuring all of the second year students conducting their compositions live-to-picture.

 

Collaborative Experiences Abound

Film composition students have opportunities to work with established visiting artists: professionals actively engaged in composing, producing, orchestrating and/or conducting for film and other contemporary media. Students also collaborate on cross-disciplinary and multi-media projects with fellow Eastman students and faculty members from the humanities, composition, and other departments. There are also opportunities to work with community arts organizations and universities such as the Rochester Institute of Technology’s world renowned film, animation and video game developing schools. The Beal Institute enhances the graduate degree program in convergent media and film music.

Live Performances, Recording Sessions and More…

The masters in film composition provides students with instruction and opportunities that prepare them for the increasingly evolving demands in the professional world. Students compose for more than a dozen recording sessions and live performances, featuring superb Eastman instrumentalists. In addition to numerous recording sessions, there is the annual departmental recital, “Visual Music”, featuring all of the second year students conducting their compositions live-to-picture.

 

Meet, greet and travel!

Second-year students travel to Los Angeles during their Spring Break where they attend recording sessions, meet working composers, orchestrators and studio music executives. This trip is funded, in part, by a generous donation from BMI.

Limited enrollment = Personalized experience

Enrollment is limited, allowing for a more personalized experience. At least a quarter of the curriculum is left up to the student and director, Mark Watters, to decide. Some students will want or need more training in technology. Others will choose more traditional studies such as conducting, orchestration or counterpoint. Having a small class size, and this boutique, individualized approach, allows us to work more closely with each student to develop their unique talents and skills.

Interested in more from Sound Arts and Engineering?

Explore BS in Audio and Music Engineering and BA in Audio Arts and Technology degrees through Hajim School of Engineering, or MM in Contemporary Media/Film Composition through Eastman.

Sound Arts and Engineering

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