Pre-Screening

Pre-screening materials are due by the following deadlines:

• Early Decision (BM only): November 1st
• Regular Decision: December 1st
• Late Admission: May 1st

BM Music for New Media

• Basic understanding of music and application of musical skills
• Enthusiasm for film and game music, and the ability to differentiate the field from pop and electronic music
• Able to discuss varying emotional states in dramatic situations

MM Film and Game Scoring

• Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent study
• Understanding of music and application of musical skills
• Enthusiasm for film and games and their music
• Ables to discuss a variety of emotional states in dramatic situations

Learn more about Pre-Screening

Prerequisites

• Have a basic knowledge of music notation and the rudiments of music theory
• Possess, or be willing to learn, a working knowledge of any MIDI sequencer and/or Digital Audio Workstation application (we teach with Logic Pro X and ProTools)
• Show strong academic achievement as demonstrated through GPA

Application Materials

BM Music for New Media

• Submit a portfolio of at least five original works, demonstrating creativity and an understanding of the fundamentals of composing music with traditional or software instruments.
  • You may submit as many pieces as you like, but be sure to include at least three pieces that are not “beat-driven” or loop-based; these should be instrumental pieces, and can range from ambient synth beds, to solo piano or full orchestrations; they should be designed to set a mood or enhance drama and emotions, as appropriate for film, TV or game soundtracks.
  • These can be audio or video files (.WAV, .MOV, .MP3, etc.) of any length – even a 16-bar piece is admissible if it demonstrates melody, phrasing, harmony, instrumentation, and mood. It is acceptable to include “rescores” i.e. video clips from Hollywood shows or games, substituting the original soundtrack with your own music.
• Include detailed documentation about the compositional process, technical specifications, and creative goals for each of your portfolio pieces
• Write an essay describing your background and how it led to interest in Music for New Media. Include a description of your career ambitions upon graduating with the degree.
• Foundations Benchmark exam – Applicants who pass the pre-screening will be notified of this requirement and associated deadlines via email, prior to the interview. The test is administered online.

MM Film and Game Scoring

• Three or four original instrumental compositions that demonstrate creativity and the fundamentals of composing.
  • Total portfolio must be between 5-10 minutes. We are primarily looking for music that tells stories, conveys nuanced and varied emotions, is sensitive to the needs of a film or game, and demonstrates artistic range, vision, and voice.
  • Traditional compositions made in notation software or with pencil/paper must include a clean recording of a live performance or be rendered with NotePerformer or equivalent (stock Sibelius, Finale, etc.; Sounds are not permitted).
  • Compositions should be submitted a high quality mp3, wav, or mp4 files.
• The following criteria should be met within at least one composition in the portfolio:
  • Media scoring (choose at least one):
    • Scored to Picture (at least 1.5 minutes). Clips may be found at thecuetube.com
    • Adaptive video game package containing (at least) 3 looping vertical layers for different game states (e.g. explore, stealth, combat).
  • Acoustic instrumentation for at least 4 instruments (include a score).
  • Large orchestral or orchestral “hybrid” using virtual instruments or live musicians.
  • Use of electronic instruments and/or musical sound design.
• Include detailed documentation about the compositional process, technical specifications, and creative goals for each of your portfolio pieces.
• Write an essay about your interest in scoring for film and games. Include a description of a particular film or game that resonated with you, and how the music supported the overall experience.
• Foundations Benchmark exam – Applicants who pass the pre-screening will be notified of this requirement and associated deadlines via email, prior to the interview. The test is administered online.

Interview

BM Music for New Media

• Attend a 20-minute interview either in person at Peabody or remotely over Zoom, during which you will be required to break down and analyze one or more of your compositions, either by soloing and highlighting MIDI parts on your DAW, or by playing the parts live on your main instrument. In addition you will be asked to demonstrate live at least elementary piano/keyboard skills—so have your keyboard and DAW ready to go!
• The interview may include questions such as:
  • What do you think music contributes to a movie or game?
  • We enjoyed your piece entitled {insert title here}. Please open the project in your DAW and solo the most important parts. Explain how you picked the sounds, and describe the chord sequence you used. Or, if you prefer, use your piano/keyboard to show us.

MM Film and Game Scoring

Attend a 20-minute interview either in person at Peabody or remotely over Zoom, during which you will be required to break down and analyze one or more of your compositions, either by soloing and highlighting MIDI parts on your DAW, by playing the parts live on your main instrument, discussing the narrative implications of your music, and/or discussing your creative and compositional process.