Advanced Composition

The book explores a range of theoretical concepts of modern composition and the various ways they are used in film and mediacomposition. Topics covered include intervals and chords, pitch in tonal and nontonal music, pantriadicism, Neo-Riemannian theory, chromatic and modal composition, minimalism, and aleatoric composition. Students will then have an opportunity to explore these stimulating concepts within their own music.

• Norman Ludwin, an accomplished American composer and teacher, with over 40 years of experience as a session musician and orchestrator in Hollywood, delves into the core of such questions by focusing on the three fundamental aspects of learning to write music for films: composition, orchestration, and techniques for developing your own material. His hands-on approach cuts though complexities while providing sound foundations and a consistent set of tools of the trade for the modern composer. The information provided is always supported by – and often originates from – a wealth of musical examples, where Dr. Ludwin’s unique analytical style casts light on the path from awareness to creativity.