MASTERING THE ART OF FILM SCORING

“Mastering the Art of Film Scoring”
at HMW Baden & Vienna Synchron Stage

With CONRAD POPE

July 6 -11, 2025

Recording the score for a film is one of the most expensive and critical days in the production process. With a full orchestra, engineers, and an entire production team involved, every detail must be meticulously planned. Knowing how to handle a scoring session – anticipating challenges, preparing efficiently, and executing smoothly – is essential to achieving the music
your film needs.

This summer, at Hollywood Music Workshop in Baden and Synchron Stage in Vienna, CONRAD POPE will guide you through every key aspect of preparing for a film scoring session with an orchestra of 60 players. Not only will you have the opportunity to perform and record a piece of music for a large orchestra, but he will walk you through the entire process – from the initial spark of creativity to the final mix.

Vienna Synchron Stage ranks among the world’s finest recording studios. CONRAD POPE had the privilege of conducting the inaugural recording sessions when the stage opened a decade ago, and he was struck by the meticulous attention to detail from the architects and technicians who brought the space to life. It’s an honor to return and record with them once again.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS WORKSHOP

• Sketching & Conceptualization: How to organize your initial ideas before writing a
  single note—and how to build upon those ideas once you start composing.
•  Execution & Orchestration: Translating your sketches into a full orchestral score, going
  beyond samples, and ensuring clarity for the performers.
• Score Preparation: Working with music editors, copyists, and orchestrators to ensure
  your score is ready for production.
  
• Conducting & Rehearsal Strategies: Preparing to conduct your piece and getting the
  best performance possible from the orchestra.
• Recording Day Workflow: Setting up the control room, running the session efficiently,
  and capturing the best takes.
• Post-Production & Final Mix: How to edit, mix, and integrate your recorded material
  into the final film.

Throughout the workshop, key members of a composer’s team will be invited – music editors, orchestrators, copyists, recordists, and even business professionals—to share their expertise. You’ll gain valuable insights into how each role contributes to a smooth and successful recording session. From the first spark of inspiration to the final mix, CONRAD POPE will offer a comprehensive tour of what it takes to bring a film score to life.

Additionally, CONRAD will implement a “buddy system” where composers will team up in pairs to collaborate on bringing their work to the recording stage.

Before meeting at HMW Baden & Vienna Synchron Stage, there will be a series of three Zoom meetings for ACTIVE participants

First Meeting
A one-hour session with each participant, either via Zoom or in person (for those in Los Angeles). This is an opportunity for CONRAD to get to know you and
understand how he can best support your goals.

Second and Third Meetings
Focused on the piece you’re writing for the recording session.

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION / Active participants
Applicants should submit a resume and a sample of their work (score plus MP3). The score doesn’t need to be the one you intend to record, but it should represent your style as a composer. Please submit your files via e-mail to: rolf.gustavson@outlook.com

We will accept 8 Fellows (Active) and 12 Auditors (Passive) to guarantee the high quality of the lectures & recording.

• FELLOWS, or ACTIVE participants, will have their pieces recorded and the chance to conduct their cue at the recording session.
• AUDITORS, or PASSIVE participants, will participate in all lectures prior to recording and will attend the LIVE recording-session as visitors.
• ! Please note: ACTIVE participants must apply until APRIL 15th, 2025 due to the preparation process ! 

This course is especially designed for young composers who have recently graduated from music school or are currently working in the industry.

Additional Information

Each ACTIVE participant will have 50 minutes of professional recording session time to record their piece with the orchestra.
Recorded materials may be used for personal and promotional activities but may not be used for commercial purposes without prior approval.