Film Scoring Summer Program

Embark on a 24-day immersive summer journey designed specifically for composers eager to refine their skills in film and game scoring. 4 recording sessions with the European Recording Orchestra (ERO). 6 university credits conferred upon completion.

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A 24-day Summer Practical Experience

Designed for film and game composers by the Film Scoring Academy of Europe

The Summer Program Package

5 July - 28 July, 2025

The longest running Film Scoring Summer Program in the world. Includes 4 studio recording sessions of your music, 4-star hotel accommodation and a comprehensive lecture series delivered by faculty of the Film Scoring Academy of Europe. 6 university credits conferred upon completion.

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24

Days

3.5 weeks on the Black Sea beach in Varna, Bulgaria. 4-star hotel accommodation included in your tuition.

2

4

Sessions

4 recording sessions of your music with the European Recording Orchestra (ERO).

3

12

Lecturers

A comprehensive lecture series for the modern film composer. Learn from faculty of the Film Scoring Academy of Europe.

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220+

Alumni

Over 200 international alumni working at various levels in the film music industry.

4 Studio Recording Sessions

Four recording sessions of your music, recorded by the European Recording Orchestra (ERO). Receive multi-cam HD videos of your sessions to enhance your professional portfolio.

Produce your sessions alongside our orchestrators and score supervisors right there in the control room, or you can choose to conduct the orchestra.

Daily Classes 

Our daily classes and workshops offer a comprehensive round-up of MIDI and DAW techniques, orchestration, recording and mixing, production, and of course, the art of screen scoring. Learn essential skills like the production of hybrid scores, essential MIDI mockup techniques and the processes of creating orchestral colours.

Classes are held each day in the morning and afternoon, and the evenings are reserved for composing, getting extra one-on-one help from faculty, or collaborating with the other composers.

Daily Classes 

Our daily classes and workshops offer a comprehensive round-up of MIDI and DAW techniques, orchestration, recording and mixing, production, and of course, the art of screen scoring. Learn essential skills like the production of hybrid scores, essential MIDI mockup techniques and the processes of creating orchestral colours.

Classes are held each day in the morning and afternoon, and the evenings are reserved for composing, getting extra one-on-one help from faculty, or collaborating with the other composers.

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Accommodation

The Summer Program is held at the 4-Star Cherno More Hotel, right in the heart of Varna, just 5 minutes away from the seaside. Enjoy comfortable, well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, and savor delicious cuisine right outside the door.

Choose between a single room or a shared room with another composer. All of the lectures are delivered in the spacious Cherno More conference room, so you're never more than 60 seconds away from your room.

Study with Experienced Lecturing Faculty & Industry Professionals

Each summer, the Film Scoring Academy of Europe sends a roster of faculty to Varna to host the Film Scoring Summer Program. Made up of guest lecturers, faculty members from Sofia and practicing industry professionals, the composers spend 24 days in residence with our dedicated, experienced team of educators.

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Friends

Networking! Form lifelong relationships with dozens of other composers and industry professionals who all share your passion for film music.

S

Score

Film Scoring from DAW to Studio. Spotting scenes, establishing tempo, scoring the screen, orchestrating, score prepping and recording live studio musicians.

S

Success

Transition from composer to film composer. Work through all of the essential technique needed for success in the modern, international film industry.

P

Portfolio

Develop your portfolio with live recordings, an integral component of the film composer's journey. More live recordings than any other summer program.

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Experience Varna, Bulgaria

Located on the Black Sea coast, Varna is Bulgaria's third largest city and has been home to the Film Scoring Summer Program for 10 years. You'll never be more than 5 minutes away from the beach, and you'll love calling this place home for 24 days.

Varna's Coastal Charm

Varna, Bulgaria's maritime capital, is known for its lovely beaches and vibrant culture and is a favourite for tourists and locals alike.

The Sea Garden

The Sea Garden, Varna's Green Heart and oldest public park, offers a mix of nature and culture. This green space features walking paths, sea views, and historic landmarks.

Rich History

Varna, influenced by Thracians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, is famous for the Varna Necropolis and is home to the world's oldest gold treasure.

Beach Clubs

Varna beach by day is enjoyed by tourists, families and locals. By night, the beach clubs come alive and transform into a flurry of vibrant night life.

Exclusive Alumni Network

Study alongside and collaborate with other international composers. Join our network of over 360 composers from more than 60 different countries via our Alumni Access initiative. Gain exclusive ongoing access to live lectures, webinars and virtual events with guest composers.

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"The best month of my life!" 

The statement we hear over and over, summer after summer.

ulrika varankaite
I must admit that before the program I had many fears because I wasn't writing music at the time, but now I am so happy that I decided to participate - I feel inspired and driven to write music again. I learned so much as it was an intensive hands-on experience, and what a feeling to hear your music being played by live musicians (and orchestra!) during the four recording sessions - all this happened in less than one month! The people were amazing, such a positive atmosphere, so much support and everyone was enjoying each other’s music. It's the best musical adventure I've had so far.
I must admit that before the program I had many fears because I wasn't writing music at the time, but now I am so happy that I decided to participate - I feel inspired and driven to write music again. I learned so much as it was an intensive hands-on experience, and what a feeling to hear your music being played by live musicians (and orchestra!) during the four recording sessions - all this happened in less than one month! The people were amazing, such a positive atmosphere, so much support and everyone was enjoying each other’s music. It's the best musical adventure I've had so far.
 
Ulrika Varankaite (Lithuania) | 2023
louise loh
The Summer Programme exceeded my expectation in every way. Short three and a half weeks but lifelong impact...musically, interpersonally and personally!
The Summer Programme exceeded my expectation in every way. Short three and a half weeks but lifelong impact...musically, interpersonally and personally!
 
 
Louise Loh (Singapore) | 2023
william preat
Absolutely life changing experience. An extremely intense yet rewarding program where you're writing and recording with live musicians from the moment you land!
Absolutely life changing experience. An extremely intense yet rewarding program where you're writing and recording with live musicians from the moment you land!
 
 
 
 
William Preat (Australia) | 2023

Early Admissions Open for 2025

0
Discounted Spots Remaining
All-Inclusive Tuition:
  • 5 July - 28 July, 2025
    arrival on 4 July, departure on 29 July
  • 25 nights of 4-Star Hotel Accommodation
    including breakfast & WiFi
  • 4 Recording Sessions
    with the European Recording Orchestra including multi-cam HD video
  • 6 University Credits
    internationally recognized and transferrable
  • Entire Film Composer Lecture Series
    created by the Film Scoring Academy of Europe
Shared Room €5,500
Single Room €6,300

Interested in more information?

Fill out the form to receive personalised answers to your questions and more information about the Film Scoring Summer Program.

Early Admissions Now Open

 

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** EARLY ADMISSIONS • LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE **

 

All-Inclusive Tuition:

 

25 nights of 4-Star Hotel

Accommodation

including breakfast & WiFi
 

4 Recording Sessions

with the European Recording Orchestra including
multi-cam HD video
 

6 University Credits

with the European Recording Orchestra including
multi-cam HD video
 

Entire Film Composer Lecture Series

with the European Recording Orchestra including
multi-cam HD video
 

 Shared Room     Single Room 

€6,100            €6,900

Apply Now

Have questions about this program? 

Our admissions team is here to help you. Submit this form, and check your email!

Additional Program Information

#1: Financial Terms and Conditions

All payments are subject to the following terms and conditions:

The €500 deposit is non-refundable. The €500 deposit to enroll is subtracted from the total tuition amount of the enrolling composer.

Tuition fees paid (less the deposit) are fully refundable if the composer cancels prior to April 1, 2025.

If a composer cancels for any reason on or after April 1, 2025 (GMT+3), the tuition is non-refundable.

Remaining tuition amounts from enrolled composers are due before May 1, 2025. The Film Scoring Summer Program reserves the right to cancel any composer's participation if the tuition is not paid in full prior to this date. In this event, tuition paid up until this date will be refunded, less the non-refundable deposit.

The composer must decide which hotel arrangement they want: a shared room with another participant, or a single room. The corresponding prices are listed on the enrollment form on our homepage. A single room can be shared with the composer's spouse at a small extra cost per night on top of the single room price. Consult the Admissions Director if you would like to avail of this option.

Tuition covers the composer's hotel stay for a check-in on July 4, 2025 and a check-out on July 29, 2025. If the composer needs additional nights in the hotel before or after the program, they will note this upon submission of the "Landing Form" prior to their arrival at the Film Scoring Summer Program, and will pay for these extra nights separately at the hotel desk. Composers will receive our discounted rate in the Cherno More Hotel if they need additional nights outside of the included dates.

 

#2: Participation Terms and Conditions

All payments are subject to the following Participation Terms and Conditions:

The Film Scoring Summer Program reserves the right to cancel any composer's participation if it is decided that the composer does not meet any of the following participation requirements:

Composers must possess the ability to read and notate music. If you can't read music, unfortunately you'll not be successful on the Film Scoring Summer Program, as this is a foundation all composers must possess in order to orchestrate their music for the ERO's live ensembles.

Enrollment Procedures

  • The composer's score and music will be adjudicated upon enrollment via the Enrollment Form.

  • If a composer's skillset is deemed unready for participation in the Film Scoring Summer Program, they will be notified within 72 hours and their deposit refunded.

  • If a composer's skillset is deemed acceptable for participation in the Film Scoring Summer Program, they will be notified within 72 hours and their spot on the program will be confirmed.

  • In some borderline cases, the composer may be given a "to-do list" which they must agree to in order to be ready for participation in the program.

 

Composers must also possess some basic orchestration or arranging skills.

Composers must possess some basic skills in notation software (Sibelius, Finale, or Dorico) and a DAW (Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer, Ableton, etc.)

Composers must use Sibelius, Finale or Dorico during the Film Scoring Summer Program. Scores rendered in MuseScore or any other notation software will not be permitted.

Composers must own and bring the following technological requirements:

  • A laptop OR portable desktop with display

  • A small MIDI Keyboard with a Mod Wheel

  • Notation Software (Sibelius, Finale, or Dorico)

  • DAW (Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer, Ableton, etc.)

  • Sound libraries (New to this? Try the East West Composer Cloud and/or Musio.com!)

 

All composers are required to provide proof of health insurance that covers them in the event of emergency during their participation in the course.

 

What does my tuition cover?

Your tuition covers:

  • 4-star hotel accommodation (including breakfast and wifi) for the duration of your stay

  • all 4 recording sessions (including HD video footage)

  • the entire lecture series at the Film Scoring Summer Program

  • the 6 university credits offered upon completion.

     

What your tuition does not cover:

  • Any Visa expenses, if applicable

  • Travel arrangements to/from Varna

  • Travel arrangements to/from the airport and Cherno More Hotel

  • Food expenses (lunch and dinner) during your stay

  • Social expenses (drinks at the beach!)

What about the 6 university credits?

The Film Scoring Summer Program is a 3.5 week / 6 credit summer course offered through the European Academy of Fine Arts / Irish American University, an accredited institution of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the United States.

All composers who successfully complete the Film Scoring Summer Program will automatically be conferred 6 transferrable university credits from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the United States.

6 Middle States credits transfer to approximately 12 ECTS credits. The receiving institution ultimately decides how many ECTS credits are transferrable.

 

Partnerships & Associations

Partnerships & Associations

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