Selected Topics (335-0-1)
Topic
Electronic Film Music
Instructors
Christopher A Mercer
camercer@hotmail.com
Faculty member, Composition and Music Technology program. Composer of electroacoustic music, combining lo-tech analog techniques with extensive digital signal processing; specialist in multi-channel audio and spatialization. Composer of acoustic music focusing on extended instrumental techniques, modified conventional instruments, and instruments of the composer's own design and, most recently, combining this approach with real-time electronics and spatialization. Author of articles on musical aesthetics and composition. Residencies at Experimentalstudio SWR in Freiburg, Künstlerhaus Schloss Wiepersdorf, and Sound Traffic Control in San Francisco. Principal teachers were Peter Otto and Roger Reynolds, electronic music and Chaya Czernowin and Chinary Ung, instrumental music.
Meeting Info
RCMA Lower Level 121: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
The course will focus on electronic approaches to film scoring. It will consist of historical overview (going back to the 1940s), significant composers and repertoire examples, and practical exercises in scoring. The course will cover multiple film genres with special emphasis on science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Composers covered include John Carpenter, Vangelis, Jerry Goldsmith, Dave Porter, Hans Zimmer, and Hildur Guðnadóttir.
Registration Requirements
Prereqs: MUS_TECH 259 or equivalent experience.
Learning Objectives
General history of electronic music in film scoring. Basic approach to practical electronic scoring.
Teaching Method
Lecture and projects
Evaluation Method
Quality of projects
Class Materials (Suggested)
Materials will be provided by the professor.