Horror ClassicsNo. 7200 · The 2026 edition
Music for Film, TV, and Games
Ever wonder what makes the opening of 'The Shining' so chilling? We break down the eerie soundscape and musical choices that set the tone for this classic horror film.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at online.berklee.edu.
This article explores the musical elements featured in the main title sequence of Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining.' It details how specific compositions and sound design techniques contribute to the unsettling atmosphere of the film's introduction. The piece analyzes the role of music in building tension and establishing the psychological horror that defines the movie.
About this
This is the archive landing page for Berklee Online Take Note's 'Music for Film, TV, and Games' category, collecting articles, lesson excerpts, and podcast episodes about scoring, music supervision, and game audio. It features interviews with working composers and supervisors, breakdowns of iconic soundtracks, and career-focused pieces. Navigation links and featured spotlights from other categories are also present on the page.
The list
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01
Vivian Aguiar-Buff on Hans Zimmer, DreamWorks, and Her Emmy Win
Featured interview with Emmy-winning music supervisor; instructor of Music Supervision and Film Scoring courses.
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02
Mental Practice Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide for Musicians
Featured lesson excerpt from Barbara LaFitte's Practicing Techniques for Musicians course; mental practice tips.
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03
Songs about Climate Change and the Environment
Featured article tied to Earth Day on April 22; songs for reflection on collective responsibility.
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04
Drummer Cindy Blackman Santana on Carlos, Lenny, and Visitations from Jazz Greats
Featured podcast interview; jazz roots, Lenny Kravitz, husband Carlos Santana, jazz spirits.
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05
Berklee Online Announces New Music Supervision Graduate Degree
By Berklee Online. Introduces graduate program integrating music into movies, TV, games; free workshop and contest.
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06
Music Supervision: What Does a Music Supervisor Do?
By Brad Hatfield. Explains the role and prep for the first-of-its-kind Music Supervision graduate degree.
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07
From 'Blade Runner' to Berklee Online: Owen Gurry's Path to Film and TV Scoring
By Pat Healy. Guitarist-composer from rural Wales worked on Blade Runner 2049 and Netflix series.
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08
Berklee K-Pop Expert Dr. Ray Seol on the Phenomenon of 'KPop Demon Hunters'
By Talia Smith-Muller. Discusses chart success, with 'Golden' hitting No. 1 in summer 2025.
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09
Frank Louis's Year of 'Yes': A Major League Collaboration with Berklee's Katie Day
By Talia Smith-Muller. Advertising music path led to national MLB campaign; finishing bachelor's degree.
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10
John Williams and the Music of 'Star Wars'
By Jack Freeman. Explores Williams's career and franchise music for Star Wars Day on May 4.
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11
Horror Music from 'The Shining' Main Title Explained
By Ben Newhouse. Course excerpt analyzing melody, tone color, tempo, harmony, and time in main title.
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12
Berklee Online Student Chris LaRosa Places Top 5 in European Recording Orchestra Contest
By Ale Gil. Orchestral score from a course assignment became a top-five Call for Scores finalist.
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13
A Film Composer's Guide to the Movie Set: Directors, Producers, Writers, and More!
By Patrick Kirst. Film Scoring 101 excerpt on who does what on a movie set.
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14
Video Game Design and the Playcentric Approach
By Lori Landay. Game Design Principles excerpt on centering the player experience in design.
More photos
Photos hosted by online.berklee.edu.
