Themes in music enhance storytelling, most often without the audience realizing it. In this class we will look at recurring patterns and themes in film scores and video game soundtracks and learn how composers use them to create emotions in the audience. Students will learn how to actively listen to music in media so they can interpret the music and its hidden meanings. The class will offer video and audio examples mainly from Harry Potter, Star Wars, The Legend of Zelda, and Final Fantasy VII, though students will be encouraged to think of examples from other games and movies.

Students will hear music that they've heard before, music that seems familiar but won't be able to tell quite where it comes from, and music they may not have noticed was in their favorite movies and games before. We will often pause to discuss reactions and opinions of a given musical example, so interaction between students is encouraged!

Breakdown of class:
10 minutes: What is a musical theme?
15 minutes: How can music make us become attached and emotional?
20 minutes: How do composers change musical themes, and what does it mean?