The Sound of Modern Sci-fi
$89
What makes a great sci-fi score in 2025? In this compact, practical course, you’ll explore some of the techniques and trends that define today’s cutting-edge sci-fi soundtracks – and learn how to make them your own.
You’ll create bold, futuristic textures while shaping a sound that’s uniquely yours. Working to realistic director-style briefs, you’ll experience how this approach helps you finish tracks faster and build a standout portfolio.
This course is for composers who already understand the foundations of cinematic composition and production, but want to expand their sonic palette.
Create Futuristic SCI-FI Textures
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Understand what makes modern Sci-Fi scores unique.
- Design and refine your own signature sounds that set your work apart.
- Tell stories with your music, using instrumentation as a primary storytelling device.
- Break down and respond to briefs – just like you'd get from a director – giving you the confidence to tackle real-world scoring gigs or guide your creative process.
COURSE BREAKDOWN
module 1
Learn about creating your own unique sound pallet – a crucial skill in the world of sci-fi writing. But what does this really mean in practice? This module will explore the purpose of signature sounds, how to get your source material, and how to use effects to shape and craft your sonic world.
module 2
This module is all about creating pads and soundscapes with synths. Working with synth pads can be a bit of a cliche in sci-fi, but you can’t ignore the fact that they’re a crucial part of the sound, and an obvious way to extend your composition beyond some more traditional organic sounds.
module 3
Is there a specific set of melodic and harmonic techniques that can be used to accurately nudge your music in the Sci-Fi genre? The answer isn’t quite clear, but what is clear is that all media music, regardless of genre, needs to convey a narrative. That’s our focus for this module.
module 4
Now it’s time to bring it all together. If you work with any real-world client they’ll give you a brief, or at least a set of references, for what rough stylistic direction you should be heading in when writing your music. Even if you’re just writing for your own enjoyment, knowing where you’re heading is a great way to narrow your choices and compose with intent.
Taught by an award-winning composer
course only – £49
course + 4 LIVE WEBINARS – £99
Only available during Introductory offer. Lifetime course access plus four exclusive two-hour live webinars with professional composers – details below. Get extra insights, inspiration and motivation. You'll also receive full recordings. 30-day money-back guarantee on your course
webinar 1
Tuesday Oct 14 @ 7pm uk • 2pm NY • 11am LA
webinar 2
Tuesday Oct 21 @ 7pm uk • 2pm NY • 11am LA
webinar 3
Monday Oct 27 @ 7pm uk • 2pm NY • 11am LA
Emmy–winning composer Michael Worth (Rush Hour 3, Law & Order) and Michael will listen to a selection of submitted compositions and provide professional insights to help you take your music to the next level. (Submitting music for review is optional. For time reasons, we’ll select the pieces that will be most helpful for the wider audience to learn from.)
webinar 4
A Deeper Dive Into Scoring Sci-fi With Bafta-winner Jason Graves
Tuesday Oct 28 @ 7pm uk • 2pm NY • 11am LA
You will receive Zoom links for the webinars via email after the introductory offer on this course ends. We will do our best to deliver the live sessions as advertised but sometimes life gets in the way and the content, date and time may need to be changed.
course INtroduction
With MinusONE projects, one element is left for you to add yourself, so you can focus on developing a single key skill at a time.
PRACTICAL projects
Learn by doing
Alongside 6+ hours of engaging video tutorials, you’ll get plenty of hands-on activities – because the best way to learn is by doing.
Work to director-style briefs that keep your writing focused and help you actually finish tracks. Explore interactive widgets to spark new themes and experiment with effects.
And dive into MinusONE projects – downloadable stems with step-by-step tutorials – each designed to sharpen one key skill at a time and avoid the 'fear of the blank page'.
DISCORD SERVER
LEARN WITH FELLOW Composers AROUND THE WORLD
This course includes lifetime access to our ever-growing community of music makers on Discord. You can chat to other people taking the course, pick up and share tips, and grow your network. You can also share your MinusONEs and Projects from the course to gain useful feedback and pointers from your peers.
Don’t worry if you’ve never used Discord before, it’s simple to get set up, and totally free.
Buy now, start anytime
- An enjoyable, hands-on course for creating and mixing music in Ableton Live
- Interactive videos to test your skills and explore your creative choices
- Downloadable stems and project files to practice getting great results
- Lifelong access to our worldwide Discord network of music makers
course only
Lifetime access. Start, finish and revisit anytime.
30-day money-back policy
course + live webinars
Lifetime access. Start, finish and revisit course and webinar recordings anytime.
30-day money-back policy
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions not answered here, please get in touch using the contact details below and we'll get back to you.
Related Courses
DAW SCHOOL: HOW TO USE CUBASE
$89
An interactive, hands-on course for making and mixing your music in Cubase
HOW TO WRITE MUSIC
$49
INTRODUCTION TO MIXING
$189
SAMPLED ORCHESTRATION
A ThinkSpace Interactive course. Create MIDI mockups with the realism of a live orchestra.
Related Masters degrees
MA CREATIVE MUSIC PRODUCTION
(Formerly MA Songwriting & Music Production) Few musicians truly manage to fulfil their potential. We want to change that. This degree is designed to bring out the best in you and to help you to keep innovating long after you’ve graduated.
MA PROFESSIONAL MEDIA COMPOSITION
Offering much more than your average Film Scoring Masters, this course teaches you all you need to know about the challenges of writing for film, TV, and other types of commercial media. Hear from professionals with a long history of working in the industry, as well as from those working on the front-lines today.