Topic Four (1.4): Film Scores

Topics Icon.png Objectives for this topic

Film scores are produced to accompany a film by a composer. Using the resources provided, you will explore the subtle differences between a film score and film soundtrack, listen to examples of film scores and choose your own film scores to play on your instrument.

Quiz Icon.png Instructions

Most films have both a film score and soundtrack.

A score is the music specially composed for that particular film. A composer will work with the film producers and directors to create instrumental music (generally) that works with the action on screen to elevate the viewing experience of the audience.

A soundtrack, although very similar is a selection of pieces from the film that includes both pieces written specially for that film, as well as existing pieces of music used within the film (e.g. a classic music piece by Mozart), or songs with lyrics. A soundtrack for popular films is often released as a soundtrack album, whereas a film score is not released in this way.

Begin by looking at an example of a famous film soundtrack to see the songs included.

EXPLORE – Lion King Soundtrack imdb.com Links to an external site.

Then compare the score of the film, which contains instrumentals from the film, as well as the famous songs. In this example of pieces from the soundtrack you will be able to hear familiar melodies, as well as transitional instrumentals that occur in the film/s.

WATCH – The Lion King Score (1994 and 2019 YouTube) Links to an external site.

Then, choosing from the suggested film, select a piece from the film’s score to play on your instrument (if your instrument is the voice, there are films that have scores with vocals in them, and you can ask your tutor for help with this). If you have a film score you already know and enjoy listening to, please use your own example instead!

EXPLORE – Animated Film Scores Classicfm.com Links to an external site.

Now, search for the sheet music for the score on one of these free websites, or purchase the full score from a sheet music supplier if you wish. 

https://musescore.com/ Links to an external site.

https://sheetmusic-free.com/ Links to an external site.

https://www.musicnotes.com/free/ Links to an external site.

https://www.8notes.com/ Links to an external site.

Review Icon.png Review

  • Are you confident with the difference between a film score and film soundtrack?
  • Have you practised your chosen piece from a film score so that you are confident with all the notes?
  • Have you identified a film score you enjoy listening to?

Bridge Icon.png  Support activity for this topic

Using the free sheet music websites, select a version for Beauty and the Beast (ideally the ‘prologue’, as this is a repeated theme from the score) for your instrument and level. This  score won the composer, Alan Mencken, two Oscar Academy Awards, and so is an example of a very successful score.

Stretch Icon.png Extension activity for this topic

You could now practise your chosen piece from a film score to a good standard and perform this in an audio or video recording. Then share this with your tutor as an example of your learning and research for this topic. They would love to receive your performance!