Compose with the most common tension-filled orchestral action textures from classic blockbuster films. Start by learning how the central component of each family – the rhythmic motor – is orchestrated. Then learn which components are typically added to the motor to create rich orchestral textures that express both the level of tension and narrative meaning you desire.

The central concept in this series of courses is that motors that are used for similar situations tend to be scored in similar ways. Similar motors define a broad texture family, of which we study several in this course:

• High Tension (3 families)
• Build-Up Textures
• Crisis Textures
• “Holding One’s Breath” Textures

Examples from classic blockbuster films and new original compositions demonstrate how these textures can be used to create cues that accompany specific narrative events.

The course comes with a set of composition exercises that are in MIDI format for DAWs, MusicXML for notation software, and PDF for pencil and paper. You can also get feedback directly from the instructor by posting your answers in the site forums. And review content quickly and easily with the Quick References section.