Learn film scoring essentials in this masterclass covering harmony, counterpoint, and orchestration through a mentor-student dialogue on movie composition.

A great score isn't just about the notes—it's about becoming the film's third author. You are looking for places to protect the silence, using it as a compositional tool just as powerful as a fortissimo brass section.
This masterclass focuses on the technical and creative pillars of movie soundtrack composition, specifically harmony, counterpoint, and orchestration. It explores how these classical foundations are applied within the modern film music industry. By following the dialogue between an experienced master and a budding composer, listeners gain practical insights into the structural elements required to create professional-grade cinematic scores.
The session is designed for aspiring composers, film students, and musicians interested in the nuances of orchestration and film scoring. It features a unique dynamic between a seasoned film music expert and a student who has just secured their first professional project. This makes the content highly relevant for those looking to bridge the gap between academic study and a professional career in film music.
The masterclass treats harmony and counterpoint as essential tools for storytelling rather than just theoretical exercises. It examines how these techniques are used to build tension, emotion, and narrative depth within a film score. Through the mentor-student exchange, the session demonstrates how to effectively balance complex musical arrangements with the specific timing and atmospheric requirements of a movie soundtrack.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
