Class descriptors: Film Composition

90-100: Professional standard. Exceptionally sophisticated work that could scarcely be

improved upon. Some or all of the following attributes will be present: exceptional technical
command and crafting of appropriate musical material; exceptionally compelling musical
ideas that enhance the films emotional content and add depth to characterisation through
very well considered spotting and underscoring; leitmotif use (where appropriate) will be
extremely well considered and the synchronisation with visual cues will have only a few
very minor errors. The work will evidence exceptional understanding of the needs of the
film and will be suitable for professional performance or publication.
80-89: High first class. Exceptional work that goes well beyond what is expected of an
undergraduate. Some or all of the following attributes will be present: excellent technical
command and crafting of appropriate musical material; excellent compelling musical ideas
that enhance the films emotional content and add depth to characterisation through very
well considered spotting and underscoring; leitmotif use (where appropriate) will be very
well considered and the synchronisation with visual cues will have only a few minor errors.
The work will evidence a very strong understanding of the needs of the film and will be
suitable for professional performance or publication after modest revisions.
70-79: First class. Excellent work that shows a high degree of technical achievement and a
wide range of appropriate music cues. Work at this level will contain strong musical ideas
that suggest compositional individuality and also add considerably to the films emotional
content, add depth to characterisation through well considered spotting and underscoring.
Leitmotif use (where appropriate) will be well considered and the synchronisation with
visual cues will be largely accurate. The work will evidence a very strong understanding of
the needs of the film and some understanding of professional standards.
60-69: Upper second class. Good work that shows a degree of technical achievement and
an understanding of the needs of the film with a range of appropriate music cues. Work at
this level will contain focused ideas that are the result of careful spotting and underscoring;
the music will largely enhance the films emotional content and characterisation; leitmotif
use (where appropriate) will be generally well thought through and the synchronisation
with visual cues may contain some errors but will be mostly accurate. The work will
evidence a strong understanding of the needs of the film and also some understanding of
professional standards.
50-59: Lower second class. Satisfactory work that shows a degree of technical
achievement and an understanding of the needs of the film but does not always deliver
appropriate musical cues. Work at this level will contain musical ideas that are the result of
spotting that is not always appropriate for the emotional content of the scene/film; leitmotif
use (where appropriate) may be inappropriate and the synchronisation with visual cues
may contain considerable errors. The work will evidence some understanding of the needs
of the film and also very little understanding of professional standards.
40-49: Third class. Work that shows very low technical achievement and a basic
understanding of the needs of the film; a limited range of appropriate music cues will be
used. Work at this level may not show evidence that the films spotting has been
considered carefully enough; the music will not contribute to film or scenes emotional
content and characterisation and may actively detract from the visual element; leitmotif use
(where appropriate) will be poor and the synchronisation with visual cues may be
considerably flawed. The work will evidence a poor understanding of the needs of the film.