Course · Trailer
Trailer Music Essentials
The simple techniques behind every one of my placements.
- 17 lessons
- 2.8 hours of video
- Beginner
- Lifetime access
- Watch online, any time
Maybe you’ve already invested in a trailer music course, and your tracks still don’t have that professional edge. Your samples sound a bit “meh”. The structure doesn’t quite work and you can’t say why. The build never reaches the excitement you hear on real trailers.
You’re not alone. These are the most common pitfalls I see, and they almost never need complicated theory or extravagant orchestration to fix.
I’ve used the techniques in this course on all of my placements. A compelling build on Captain America: Civil War. The structure of a piano cue for Mary Queen of Scots. A drum-only track for Britney vs Spears that grows from nothing to huge walls of sound.
The course has three parts. The basics: chords, ostinatos and melodies that suit trailers. The samples: making MIDI sound real and adding depth. And the build: layering, rhythm, and how to turn one simple chord sequence into a full track.
Simple techniques, used well. That’s most of the job.
By the end, you’ll be able to
- Bring your MIDI to life so your samples stop sounding dull
- Build tension and anticipation that actually pays off
- Write tracks that flow instead of looping and fizzling out
- Write chord sequences, ostinatos and melodies that work for trailers
- Turn a simple idea, or a simple chord sequence, into a full track
At a glance
Techniques you’ll learn
- three-act trailer structure
- chord progression sketching
- ostinato layering
- pattern writing
- four-part harmony
- filter sweep automation
- fake development
- reverse audio tension building
- risers
- incremental layering
- polyrhythm
- modulation swells for realism
Write music for
- movie trailer sync
- film trailer underscore
- TV drama promo
- video game cinematic cutscene
- action highlight reel
- theatrical teaser trailer
Proof it works
What composers say
You can't put a price on the opportunities and coaching that Richard has given us. It was so much more than I ever could have imagined!
I trust my ideas and skills so much more and I don't judge my music during the production anymore.
I really understood the power of creating my own sounds a whole new world of possibilities opened up to me. I can actually do whatever I want with whatever sound I want. Its just about to go with whatever crazy sound idea that comes to my mind.
What’s inside
- Trailer Music: The Basics
The fundamental principles of trailer music, chord sequences, ostinatos and memorable melodies.
- Trailer Music: The Samples
Making your MIDI sound more real, adding depth and dimension, and the signature elements of cinematic trailer music.
- Trailer Music: The Build
Layering, engaging rhythms, the illusion of progression, turning a chord sequence into a full track, and one of my favourite tricks for smooth, impactful builds.
This is for you if…
- You've already done a trailer music course but your tracks still lack polish
- Your samples sound lifeless however much you spend on them
- Your track starts to loop, then fizzles out
- You worry your string patterns sound amateurish
It’s not for you if…
- You've never used a DAW. I assume basic theory and production knowledge
- You're looking for complicated theory or extravagant orchestration. This is about simple techniques
Who’s teaching
I’ve written music for ads since 2007 and movie trailers since 2011, and went full time in 2014. My music has been used on over 100 campaigns, including Captain America: Civil War, Glass Onion, WandaVision and The Conjuring 2, and I’ve won eight awards along the way. Since 2017 I’ve taught thousands of composers how to do the same. More about me.
Questions before you buy? Email [email protected].
Questions
What do I need?
A computer with a DAW. I use Logic Pro X, but any DAW that handles audio and MIDI is fine. I also assume you understand basic music theory and production.
Who is it best suited for?
Aspiring trailer composers who are new to the industry or refining their skills, composers who've dabbled and want their tracks to stand out, and producers who want to add trailer music to their repertoire.
How long is the course?
Almost 4 hours of video across 3 modules and 17 lessons.
Can you guarantee I will get a placement?
Of course not. The composers who get work are the ones who put the hours in. They also happen to be very nice people (industry secret).
How long do I have access?
Forever. It's a one-time payment, not a membership, and you get all future updates and new lessons free.
What if it's not for me?
Within 30 days of registering you can ask for a full refund, as long as you haven't accessed more than 30% of the course (not counting anything public or in the Welcome module).
Trailer Music Essentials
The foundations every trailer composer needs. Bring MIDI to life, build tension and dynamics, and turn a simple chord sequence into a full track.
Not ready yet? Start with the free path
The free learning paths cover the same ground in article form. Work through one first and come back when you want the full walkthrough.
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