MFA in Music for Motion Pictures and Contemporary Media

A one-year intensive programme created for aspiring composers who are passionate about cinematic storytelling and need to gain real-world professional experience. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Internationally recognised. 54 credits.

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The Ultimate One-Year Practical Experience for Film and Game Composers

You can't break into the industry in 2024 without a finely tuned skillset, hands-on production experience and an impactful portfolio. We've solved that problem for you.

This fully-immersive MFA goes beyond theory and straight into practical experience with 15 live recording assignments with the European Recording Orchestra (ERO). You will graduate with the confidence to quickly produce your music at a professional level, collaborate with directors and work seamlessly within an experienced production team.

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Learn. Compose. Record. Produce.

We approach this programme like a production company, complete with clients, deadlines and recording sessions.

Get hands-on experience on every step of the film music production process. The job comes in the door (the assignment is given) and the process begins: the cue is sketched, mocked up, critiqued, revised, orchestrated, reviewed, printed and copied. Pro Tools sessions are prepared and you head to the studio to record with a professional orchestra. After the session comes mixing, syncing and dubbing.

Become a well-versed professional ready to work as a composer, arranger, orchestrator, MIDI programmer, producer, copyist and score supervisor.

15 Sessions

15 recording sessions of your music with the European Recording Orchestra (ERO) at the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) and Doli Media Studio

12 Modules

Learn the art of Scoring the Screen, MIDI Mockups, Sound Design, Orchestration, Scoring for Games, Studio Conducting and Mixing & Production

Personal Mentorship

Advance your skills through regular 1-on-1 sessions with your module leaders and guest lecturers, focusing on both course content and your music

Supportive Network

Learn from A-list faculty & renowned artists, and collaborate with talented classmates to unlock your full musical potential

12 Module Catalogue

The role of the modern media composer has evolved into a multi-faceted profession, demanding speed, musical prowess, and expertise in producing, engineering, editing and business. Master the four pillars of scoring for the screen: Analysis, Composition, Orchestration and Music Technology.

15 Studio Recording Sessions

Bring your music to life - quickly!

Record from intimate solo piano to a large-scale 84-piece symphony orchestra and a 26-piece choir featuring the unmistakable sound of 6 Bulgarian folkloric singers. Manage your session from the booth, the podium, or even via a remote feed from thousands of miles away. Our programme is built on live recording opportunities for composers. 

Film Composer Production Facility

A supportive environment designed to spark your creativity and ignite collaboration. 

Enjoy 24/7 key fob access to the Academy which includes a high-tech classroom with dedicated composer workstations, a student lounge equipped with score and parts printing, comfortable furniture, free coffee, plus a conducting room with full length mirrors, faculty offices and a balcony. Situated right in front of a park in a residential neighborhood.

Study with Experienced Lecturing Faculty and Industry Professionals

Our globally recognised faculty members have years of experience in the industry and will share their knowledge and expertise with you to help you develop your own unique voice as a composer.

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Dr. Andy Hill

MFA Programme Director

Former Vice President of Music Production at Disney, Author of the acclaimed book "Scoring the Screen"

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Dr. Norman Ludwin

Orchestration for Film

Hollywood Orchestrator whose credits include Jurassic World, Inside Out, Star Trek Into Darkness, and more

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Mikolai Stroinski

Music for Games

Mikolai is the composer for The Witcher, Metamorphosis, Age of Empires IV, and many more

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Conrad Pope

Orchestration for Film

Hollywood Orchestrator whose credits include Jurassic World, Inside Out, Star Trek Into Darkness, and more

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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Watch Our Masters Composers in Action

EKRON - Jon Dudagoitia (Spain), European Recording Orchestra (ERO) 

MFA Alumnus Jon Dudagoitia's brilliant work, EKRON, is recorded by the European Recording Orchestra (ERO) at Bulgarian National Radio Studio 1 and a Bulgarian choir at Sofia Session Studio

A NEW HISTORY - Henrik Lindström (Sweden), European Recording Orchestra (ERO)

MFA Alumnus Henrik Lindström (Sweden) makes the most of this massive 110-piece Symphony Orchestra at Bulgarian National Radio Studio One with his incredible work titled "A New History"

GABRIEL - Fabrizio Riso (Italy), European Recording Orchestra (ERO) 

MFA Alumnus Fabrizio Riso gives a masterclass in string writing with his beautiful cue composed for the film GABRIEL

Experience Sofia, Bulgaria

Bulgaria's capital is known for its rich history, culture and vibrant nightlife. Affordable, friendly, a hidden gem you didn't know you were missing.

Nevsky Cathedral

One of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Built between 1882 and 1912 and features a mix of different architectural styles.

Nezavisimost Square

Built in 1950 consisting of iconic yellow cobble stone streets with a glass roof covering the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Serdika.

Vitosha Mountain

Vitosha Mountain, easily accessible from Sofia, is a popular tourist destination providing well-maintained ski and snowboarding slopes.

Sofia's History

Sofia has a long and rich history dating back to the Neolithic era. Throughout the centuries, it has been ruled by various civilizations including the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, before becoming the capital of modern Bulgaria in 1879.

Six Scholarships Awarded Annually

The Admissions Board grants up to 6 partial scholarships for incoming MFA composers each year, in cooperation with celebrity composers, the European Recording Orchestra (ERO), and the Society of Composers and Lyricists. No additional applications for scholarships are necessary.

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What Our MFA Graduates Say

Early Admissions Open for Academic Year 2025-2026

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Apply before 1 January, 2025 to receive a €1,000 scholarship!

Interested in more information?

Fill out the form to receive personalised answers to your questions and more information about the Master of Fine Arts in Film and Game Scoring.

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Students from the United States qualify for Financial Aid via the FAFSA Federal Student Aid Program

Additional Information: Master of Fine Arts

Tuition and Fees

2025-2026 MFA Program Tuition: €36,950

Tuition Schedule

Program Deposit: €2,000 (Due Immediately to Enroll)
Tuition Downpayment: €5,000 (Due June 1, 2025)
Payment 1: €11,950 (Due September 1, 2025)
Payment 2: €9,000 (Due December 1, 2025)
Payment 3: €9,000 (Due March 1, 2026)

The MFA program at the Film Scoring Academy of Europe is the most affordable full-time Masters program in film & game scoring available today, while simultaneously offering more recording sessions than any other program in the world, thanks to our partnership with the European Recording Orchestra (ERO).

Be sure to check out the "Costs of Living in Sofia" dropdown to see how much more affordable Sofia is compared to other major European and American cities.

 

Financial Aid

Students from the United States can take advantage of the FAFSA Federal Student Aid program. For more information, visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

More Financial Aid Programmes:

All students searching for scholarships should search this website: https://www.wemakescholars.com
Norway: Lanekassen - https://www.lanekassen.no/
Colombia: Colfuturo - https://www.colfuturo.org/
South Africa: National Film and Television Foundation (NFVF) - https://www.nfvf.co.za/home/
South Africa: Oppenheimer Trust - https://www.omt.org.za/

 

2025-2026 Academic Calendar

Two semesters of course work with a third semester dedicated to the Major Project.

2025-2026 Academic Calendar

Semester 1 - Full-time, presence in Sofia required
Sept. 15, 2025 - Semester 1 commences
Nov. 27 - Thanksgiving Holiday
Dec. 19 - Final day of classes
Dec. 22 - Winter break

Semester 2 - Full-time, presence in Sofia required
Jan. 12, 2026 - Semester 2 commences
May 29 - Final day of classes
May 31 - Semester 2 ends

Semester 3 - Presence in Sofia Optional
June 1, 2026 - Semester 3 commences
Aug. 31 - Semester 3 ends

 

Costs of living in Sofia

Costs of living in Sofia are extremely low in comparison to other major European and American cities. Exponentially cheaper than LA, NYC, London, Valencia, or Boston, while maintaining a comfortable standard of living.

Sofia, Bulgaria compared to other cities that are home to Film Scoring Masters degrees:
73% lower than New York City
65% lower than London
64% lower than Los Angeles
66% lower than Boston
30% lower than Valencia

For more information on comparing prices between cities, visit www.numbeo.com

The Film Scoring Academy of Europe has real estate agents in Sofia that work to help MFA students find accommodation that fits their needs and budget.

MFA Students who wish to live together will be able to find shared accommodation for as low as €150 - €200 per month.

MFA Students who wish to live alone will be able to find accommodation for as low as €350 - €400 per month.

 

Technology Requirements

Technology Requirements:

  • Avid Pro Tools 12
  • DAW (Logic Pro X, Cubase, Digital Performer, etc.)
  • NI Kontakt Full
  • Serum by Xfer Records
  • High Quality Reference Headphones
  • Industry Standard Orchestral Sample Libraries

Technology Recommendations:

  • Apple Macbook Pro (minimum quad-core, 16GB ram, internal SSD)
  • Cinematic Studio Series samples (CS Strings, CS Brass, CS Woodwinds)
  • NotePerformer Playback Engine
  • Spectrasonics Omnisphere
  • Fabfilter Mixing Suite
  • Minimum 1TB External SSD for Sound Libraries
  • MIDI Keyboard with mod wheel (for home use)

All students will receive a copy of Steinberg's notation and scoring software, Dorico Pro. Students will also have access to a hardware station in the Film Scoring Academy of Europe headquarters that is equipped with a Nektar 61-key MIDI keyboard (with sustain pedal), a 24" curved external display, a Scarlett Solo Audio Interface, ethernet and power connectivity and a powered USB hub.

 

Visa Requirements

Accepted students from the EU do not need a Visa. They will simply need to establish residency upon arrival in Sofia, which our team will assist with.

Accepted students from outside the EU will require a Type-D Student Visa. Assistance on this process will be provided by our Visa Officer after a student officially enrols. It is advisable that accepted students from outside the EU begin preparing the Student Visa requirements listed on the Bulgarian Embassy website in their country as soon as possible, as this process can take a substantial amount of time.

 

Partnerships & Associations

Partnerships & Associations

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