Frequently asked questions

HOW TO APPLY

1. Fill out the online application form We will need your email and phone number to let you know of the status of your application and to send payment details. Also, for some applicants we may ask for further information such as any previous orchestral scores or additional music. 2. Brief biography (max 300 words) Tell us about your musical background, what courses you have taken and your level of orchestration and music technology knowledge. We'd also love to hear about music that you have written and your experience in writing for orchestral ensembles (if any), or any scores you have written for the screen. Finally, let us know why you'd like to participate and what you'd like to gain from the experience. 3. Send a link of one piece of music Take note that submissions do not need to be produced in a studio as we are looking for talent and potential, not simply production value. Cues could be of any length and represent your style. Live recordings, virtual instruments, or a combination of the two are all eligible. Music submitted must be orchestrated by you and not a third party. Applicants will be selected according to the quality of submitted works. 4. Click SUBMIT CLICK TO APPLY



EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE NEEDED

Participants should have:

  • Laptop
  • Midi Keyboard
  • DAW
  • Sample Libraries
  • Notation Program
  • Headphones or good monitors
  • External hard drive with ample storage
  • Mp3’s of your best work to be viewed by tutors (optional)
  • Previous scores of your work (optional)



HOW DO I PAY FOR THE COURSE?

Successful participant submissions will be sent bank transfer details, payment schedule via email and accomodation options. An initial deposit of 10% ( €295) will be required for participants on acceptance of the summer program offer from Screen Composer Academy. This deposit is non-refundable. The remaining tuition fee is due before May 20th 2022 for participants.



WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

This program has been developed for composers with a level of musicianship that includes some experience/education of instrumentation and orchestration for orchestral ensembles. Relevant backgrounds may include having studied music through formal education or through instrumental musicianship and/or performing. As this is an intensive program led by professionals in the field, a certain level of adeptness and experience with music technology and notation is needed as well as a real interest in scoring for films and games.



HOW WILL MY SCORES AND PARTS BE PRINTED?

Screen Composer Academy will provide paper and a printing service at the location. We will print the final version after all the changes have been made during the mentoring sessions and all scores and parts have been checked by faculty staff. All recording and score preparation instructions will be given in the first week of lectures with templates provided for Sibelius, Finale and Dorico.



HOW WILL I GET MY RECORDINGS?

Recording sessions and video footage will be transferred to your external hard drives during the course. These files will contain the multitracks (spot mics, Decca tree etc), monitor mixes (stereo), ProTools sessions and video files.



TUITION FEE REFUND POLICY

If a participant cancels before May 20th, 2022, a full refund (minus the 10% participant non-refundable deposit) will be given. After May 20th, 2022 the following refund policy is as follows:

  • Cancellation before May 30th, 2022, tuition is 75% refundable (minus the 10% non-refundable deposit)
  • Cancellation before June 10th, 2022, tuition is 50% refundable (minus the 10% non-refundable deposit)
  • Cancellation after June 10th, 2022, tuition is non-refundable
Screen Composer Academy reserves the right to cancel any composer's participation if the tuition is not paid in full prior to May 20th, 2022. In this event, tuition paid up until this date will be refunded, less the non-refundable deposit. If due to unforeesable circumstances the intensive summer program course does not go ahead then all deposits and course fees received will be fully refunded, including the initial deposit.



WHAT WILL I GAIN FROM THIS PROGRAM?

Screen Composer Academy has created this program for composers who are seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in writing for film and gaming, as well as gain experience in writing for a symphonic orchestra and choir. In addition, students will have not only daily lectures but also one-on-one mentoring sessions with Hollywood film and game composers, faculty staff and tutors, for industry and compositional advice, comprehensive information about the business of film and game composing and how to further their careers. This program will focus on:

  • Instrumentation,orchestration and arrangement, score preparation
  • Midi-mockups, mixing and music technology
  • Reading visual cues for film and game cinematics
  • Scoring for film and game compositional approaches
  • Game audio interactive approaches
  • Industry business and career development
  • Working with and recording an orchestra and choir
  • Creating original music
The students will receive:
  • Two recording sessions; one strings ensemble to a game cue, one full orchestra and choir to a film cue
  • Multitracks of the session and a monitor mix
  • Individual tutoring and feedback on composition and midi mockups
  • Video recording of the sessions
  • A certificate of completion for all students (backed by Pulse College) that will provide a discounted entry to the MA in Scoring for Film, TV and Interactive Media. Entry to the Pulse Masters is at the discretion of Pulse College and dependent on students passing the mandatory interview and meeting the academic requirements
Screen Composer Academy reserves the right to modify program guests, conditions and events as necessary.



GLYFADA ACCOMODATION

The summer program will be based at the beautiful The Sea View Hotel in central Glyfada and all participants can avail of the special SCA room price during their stay. There are many hotels nearby within walking distance and SCA has created an accomodation guide. Please contact info@screencomposeracademy.com for the guide and with any accomodation questions. Alternatively, students can also search Airbnb, Homestay and Vrbo for studios, apartments, or rooms: www.airbnb.com www.homestay.com www.vrbo.com SCA can connect students who wish to share accomodation and it is advised to book as soon as possible due to the busy summer period.