Dumbworld presents NI Film Scoring Summer School
NIFSS 2025 | Ulster University, Magee Campus Foyle Arts Building | 1 - 6 September 2025
Intensive course for aspiring film music and games composers
Dumbworld presents NI FILM SCORING SCHOOL in partnership with Regional Cultural Centre and Ulster University.
Specifically designed for early-career musicians and composers looking to develop their music composition and technology skills in writing music for screen (film, games, TV, etc).
The week consists of workshops, talks, and tutorials that focus on the professional tools and approaches needed to create an original score. This course will be delivered by some of the most established and high-profile professional names working in film scoring, contemporary music, and music production, including Brian Irvine (The Woman in the Wall [BBC, 2023]). Talks will also feature advice and support from an array of experienced professionals about building a career as a film music composer.
The course covers both the aesthetic and creative aspects of writing for screen as well as technical elements, software, and score preparation methodologies. It further offers the chance to connect with a network of Directors, Producers, and Sound Designers. It is a unique opportunity to experience the real-life process of composing an original score for screen.
As well as learning a huge amount of information from experienced professionals, participants will also come away with a fully mixed and mastered copy of their recorded score. Digital scoring will be strongly encouraged and supported while engaging in composing for a live ensemble will be optional.
Funded by Shared Island, Civic Society Fund.
Each participant will:
- Be mentored by our internationally acclaimed faculty and visiting industry professionals
- Compose an original score for a specific segment of film
- Receive a mastered recording of their composition
Schedule Overview
DAY 1
Welcome & Introduction
Creative & Technical Analysis
Instrumentation Tutorial
Scoring for Screen: Notation – Writing with timecode – Synchronisation of music and visual
DAY 2
From conception to composition: Creating and Structuring a score
Orchestration as a creative tool: Texture, Timbre, and extended performance techniques
Individual mentoring sessions with Visiting Industry Professional
DAY 3
Discussion and development of ideas
Sampling technologies
Individual mentoring sessions with Visiting Industry Professionals
DAY 4
Individual mentoring sessions: Directions for completing the score
The Film Value Chain: Creative relations in the Film-Making Process
Individual mentoring sessions with Visiting Industry Professional
DAY 5
Finalising the score and troubleshooting
Score Delivery
DAY 6
Recording of the Film Scores with Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble
Feedback session and round-up of the week
POST DAY 6
Mastering sessions with individual composers
Fee: €550.00
Fee does not include Accommodation but does include Lunch.
Campus accommodation will be available starting from £50 per night. More details will be supplied if the application is successful.
Find previous attendee feedback, application criteria, visiting professional list and more at the Dumbworld website.
Deadline Extended: Monday 14 July, 5pm