Music has played an important role in cinema since the silent film era, when musicians would provide live accompaniment to set the mood. With the advent of sound films in the late 1920s, recorded soundtracks allowed voices and background music to be synchronized to the picture. Today, composers work closely with directors to determine what music is needed and when during the film. Cue sheets provide timing information to ensure the composed music fits the film precisely.

1. Music for Films

2. ► Music has always played a very important
part in the cinema. In the early days, silent
films were accompanied by ‘live’ music ,
usually played on the piano organ.
► The musician’s job was to keep an eye on
the screen and provide non- stop
entertainment, changing the mood as the
film required.

3. On your ½ crosswise, answer the following questions:
(per group)
What particular music, song, improvised
sound or instrument will you use to the
given scenario:
(to be perform and discuss next week)
c. Duel of 2 cowboys
d. An angel appeared
e. Car chase

4. d. Kilig moments
e. Car accident
f. Vampire or wolf appearance
g. Clubbing
Allotted time for the activity is
15 minutes only.

5. In the late 1920’s , the ‘sound-track’ was
invented. The voices of the actors – an the
background music could be recorded onto
film itself and reproduced whenever it was
shown. The days of the cinema pianist were
over.

6. Writing music for a film
The composer is first called in to see a ‘rough
cut’ .This is a film roughly assembled but
with the precise lengths of shots not yet
finally decided. Both the composer and
director discuss which kind of music is
needed, and at which points of the film it is
to be heard.

7. Next , the film is edited, so that some
sequences may be altered or shortened.
Then, a ‘fine cut’ is assembled – the film as it
will be seen in the cinema.

8. CUE SHEET
► The timings on the cue sheets show the
composer how he must plan his music,
which must fit the film exactly.
► When the music is completed , the orchesta
is called into the studio.
Let’s listen to some famous soundtrack and
try to guess the movie it was made.

9. Music Listening
Identify the movie it was made:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.