Degree Type
Honors Capstone Project
Date of Submission
Spring 5-1-2009
Capstone Advisor
Stephen Meyer
Honors Reader
Bob Halligan, Jr.
Capstone Major
Television-Radio-Film
Capstone College
Public Communications
Audio/Visual Component
no
Capstone Prize Winner
no
Won Capstone Funding
no
Honors Categories
Creative
Subject Categories
Film and Media Studies | Radio | Television
Abstract
My capstone project involves creating an original musical score to an independent film. As the music is so invested in the narrative of the film, all work leading up to the actual composition of the music was on the history of film scoring and possible technical and creative methods, learned in classes on the subject. This knowledge and hands-on practice provided me with some limited experience, but this film was the first practical application of my composing skills.
My extensive background in music allowed me to perform all of the parts heard in the score. It was my job to compose music that would supplement the story portrayed on screen. Using every resource available to me, including instruments, recording software, technological facilities, other musicians, and subject research, I composed, performed, recorded, and edited all of the music heard in the film.
While there is no problem that the score solves per se, it is a vital part of the film as a whole. By using music to parallel or contradict the visuals, a whole new layer of understanding and analysis is placed upon the story. Working in conjunction with the director, whose vision I am helping to complete, is precisely the type of collaboration present in the film industry today.
My goals in completing this project were to accurately portray, sonically, the feelings, moods, and director’s vision for the film and to have a score worthy of featuring in my portfolio. I believe that I accomplished these goals, but for me it is only a beginning. This film should be viewed as the beginning of my career in music for film.
Recommended Citation
Peters, Jeff, "Film Score" (2009). Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All. 412.
https://surface.syr.edu/honors_capstone/412
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Included in
Film and Media Studies Commons, Radio Commons, Television Commons
