Scoring entails composition and the creation sheet music based on that composition. It is a way of transferring organized sound to the page. Scoring has a long and distinguished history as an essential part of many fields of music. No matter what instrument a musicians plays, scored music can become a part of their practice. Though some musicians improvise and memorize, most do fall back on scoring to learn new tunes. Most musicians play the compositions of others, and they need a score to be able to do so. As a musical scoring program graduate, you will play a role in providing music to countless musicians and audiences for years to come.

Scoring provides a guide to playing music. Musicians and ensembles learn to read sheet music so that they can play songs that someone else composed. For a long time, scoring was traditionally drawn up by hand. These days, musicians and scorers have an advantage: they often capture a tune using music notation software. Many professional composers—and even individual musicians who occasionally compose—do their own scoring, but others seek outside help to professionally and completely capture the song on musical staff paper.

Humans made music for thousands of years before anyone was able to put sound to paper. Eventually, people wanted to be able to share music with others, even if they weren’t there in person. Musical notation has been found carved into ancient Sumerian tablets from thousands of years ago. With the advent of books and paper, religious communities used scoring to capture their sacred music. Over the last few centuries, with a wider availability of standardized instruments that used the same scales, scoring evolved alongside standardized notation. Digital advances mean that professionally and efficiently notating music is easier than ever before. That being said, scoring is still a specialized profession requiring particularized knowledge.

Musical scorers may be a good career for you if you possess or strive for some of the following characteristics:

• Mathematical aptitude
  • Music is an inherently mathematical endeavor. Musical scoring especially involves the ability to count, divide, and mathematically rework scores to fit the time signature of the music.
• Creative interest
  • As you pursue a career in music scoring, you will encounter the need for creativity time and time again. Whether you are creating original music of your own or discovering how to score old music for a new instrument, musical scoring requires creativity.
• Detail-oriented attention
  • Because other musicians will be playing the music you score, you simply cannot afford to make mistakes. Musical scoring school will teach you how to avoid errors in scoring and strive for perfection. A detail-oriented attitude will help you along the way.
• An eager drive to problem-solve
  • Composing or transposing music into a new key or for a new instrument can require advanced levels of problem-solving. This kind of critical thinking will be necessary for the entirety of your career, and is an asset in any job.
• Keen musical ability
  • Excellent musical scorers are also great musicians. Your willingness to practice, improve, and excel in playing music will strengthen your scoring abilities.

Musical composers and scorers enjoy a wide range of opportunities and career paths. Some scorers pursue advanced degrees and work in educational fields, teaching high school, college, or private students. Other scorers garner fellowships, grants, or other opportunities that fund their pursuit of composition. Some scorers work for film and television studios, composing and scoring music for audiences around the world.

1. Small Class Sizes

   1. Because scoring is a creative field, it’s important that you seek out a school with a small class where you can shine as an individual.

2. Plenty of Personalized Attention

   1. Scoring school means little if you do not receive feedback geared towards your specific work. At a school with small class sizes, you will be sure to receive the kind of personalized attention you deserve.

3. A Collaborative Classroom Environment

   1. Learning from mentors, you will work alongside your peers in a hands-on environment where you can learn to use the tools that will be your assets for the rest of your career.

4. Technology Labs

   1. These days, musical scoring entails a range of cutting-edge technology like notation software, smart microphones, and more. As a scoring student, it’s important that the school you attend provides access to the latest scoring technology.

5. A World-Class Location

   1. In some ways, the musical world is all about connections. As you pursue schooling for scoring, you’ll want to make sure that the location of the school grants you access to the network of opportunities that will pay off for the rest of your career.

As an applicant to a musical scoring program, you will need a basic musical foundation. Whether you took part in your high school band or orchestra, participated in private lessons, attended musical summer camps, or journeyed through another musical path, a college-level scoring program will build on your past experiences. Accredited scoring schools require a comprehensive application: they want to get to know you as a whole person and see the potential you bring. Consulting the admissions office even before applying may help you get a sense of what you will need to prepare for your application.

The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami offers a premiere scoring program. No matter your musical genre, creative career interests, or scoring focus, The Frost School has worked with aspiring students like you to take your career to the next level. The Frost School uses the exclusive Frost Method™, an approach in which individualized attention is prioritized. At The Frost School, you are viewed as an individual, and your talents will have room to soar.