Introduction to Film Scoring (16+)

This course is open to anyone aged 16+ who has some prior musical experience.

Experience of using a digital audio workstation (DAW) is also beneficial.

The course aims to provide students with a foundation in the basic theory and terminology required for scoring to picture as well as exploring the analytical, practical and technological skills required for its composition, arrangement and production.

Using industry-standard software and hardware, students will be guided in producing their own music to accompany a small selection of video clips.

By the course’s conclusion, students will be equipped to:

• understand the purposes of music for film and TV, the challenges for the composer and the intentions behind its use by directors and editors
• set up a composing session in a DAW, including video, timecode, spotting markers and sketching resources
• make appropriate musical decisions to support existing visual cues, dialogue and sound design
• make use of arrangement, orchestration and production techniques to flesh out a sketch into a fully realised cue

• Plan and prepare to attend all classes.
• Dress comfortably in clothes which are suitable for the activity you are taking part in.
• Bring a notepad and pen/pencil in case you wish to make notes.
• Please bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during your class.

Further course preparation details will be sent with all welcome information approximately 2 weeks before the course start date.

David Simpson

David R Simpson is a composer, creative technician and educator from Glasgow, Scotland. With a background spanning a wide range of genre and experience, his work combines innovative subtlety with the immediacy of pop sensibility.

With over 25 years of experience as a composer, David’s work has featured on Netflix, Amazon Prime, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky as well as CBS, NBC and ABC in the US and numerous other international networks. Most recently his music was featured on Tom Basden’s
award-winning sitcom, ‘Here We Go’, for BBC One.

Other commissions include music for the BAFTA-nominated ‘Dennis The Menace & Gnasher’ (CBBC), Justin Long’s ‘The Real Stephen Blatt’
(Amazon), Pulcinella-nominated animation series, ‘Wendy’ (ZDF) and BAFTA winner, ‘The Walking Wounded’ (BBC Two).

In addition to his composition work, David has had considerable involvement in the spheres of live and recorded music, having worked with CHVRCHES, Lauren Mayberry, First Aid Kit, Zara Larsson, Hayley Williams (Paramore), Matt Berninger (The National), Marshmello and Karine Polwart as a performing musician, musical director, sound engineer and technician.

As an educator, he particularly enjoys bringing a hands-on approach to participants’ projects, fostering an atmosphere of welcoming discussion and openness. Previously, David has taught at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the University of the West of Scotland, the University of Strathclyde, the Edinburgh College of Art and for leading software developer, Ableton.

Summer Accommodation

We are pleased to welcome students from across the world to our Summer Schools. Our course fees do not include accommodation or food, and these should be organised by the student. Our campus is located in Glasgow city centre, and you can find the addresses below.

We recommend Base Glasgow, as purpose-built accommodation for Conservatoire students, with Rehearsal Rooms, Practice spaces and Dance Studios. Base Glasgow is perfectly suited for our summer school students; both safe and secure, with 24/7 staff presence and only 3 mins walk from our main Renfrew Street building, keeping travel costs to a minimum.

Classic En-Suite rooms come with a 3/4 bed, en-suite bathroom, ample storage, mirror, study desk and chair. The shared area includes a spacious lounge and kitchen area.

Please note that Short Courses staff are not affiliated with BASE or on site outwith the summer school teaching hours, and therefore cannot take responsibility for students outside of these hours.

For more information about booking accommodation at BASE Glasgow you can contact them directly via website BASE – Student Accommodation in Glasgow or email baseglasgow@herestudents.com.

Alternatively, there are plenty of hotels, hostels, and b’n’b options available. We are located close to transport links should you wish to stay outside the city centre. If you are travelling to Glasgow for a course, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers course fees, travel, accommodation, and cancellations due to COVID-19 – as RCS will not refund in this circumstance. You can view the Cancellations and Refund policy for full information.

For students under 18 years old, we strongly advise travelling with a responsible adult should any emergency situations arise during class. Students are only monitored by staff during class times.

Renfrew Street Campus: 100 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G2 3DB
Wallace Studios Campus: 210 Garscube Road, Glasgow, G4 9RR