Sittin' at the Table | Podcast on RSS.com

Sittin' at the Table

Sittin' at the Table

by Stephen Berkemeier

Music Commentary Film Reviews

Season 1

Return of the King (Part 2)

In this episode, we review the second half of "The Lord of the Rings Return of the King" (extended edition). Together we break down different lessons young composers can learn from Howard Shore's soundtrack, as well as strategies for applying these lessons in their own music.

How Howard Shore Wrote a Masterpiece | Return of the King (Part 1)

In this episode, Stephen and Antonio dive into the iconic music of Lord of the Rings. Together they discuss their favorite scenes, the types of strategies Shore used to write his music, and how composers can turn their soundtracks into masterpieces!

Harmonic Storytelling | Creating Emotional Journeys w/ Character Themes

In this episode, Stephen shares a structured approach to composing character themes that feel like an extension of the characters themselves, as well as a strategy for how to adapt them to fit different emotional contexts.

Behind the Score: 6 Lessons for Aspiring Film Composers from Princess Mononoke

In this episode, a therapist and professional film composer each react to their favorite scenes from Princess Mononoke and discuss what young film composers can learn from studying these scenes.

Marvel's Magnum Opus: Unraveling the Film Scoring Lessons of Infinity War

In this episode, we discuss our favorite scenes from "Avengers: Infinity War." Together we talk about what film composers can learn from studying these scenes, including how character motivations can inform their themes, and how diving deeper to find the emotions of a scene help make the music much more impactful!

Beyond Berk: 3 Lessons for Aspiring Film Composers from How to Train Your Dragon

In this episode, we discuss each of our favorite three scenes from "How to Train Your Dragon." Together we talk about what film composers can learn from studying these scenes, including how John Powell uses motifs and how you can change the emotional content of character themes!

Time and Tension: Delving into the Film Music Mastery of Interstellar

In this episode, we discuss each of our favorite three scenes from "Interstellar." Together we talk about what film composers can learn from studying these scenes, including how emotions are used to understand the world of the film and how sound palettes can be used to reflect the core theme of a story.

Ghibli's Wonders: Understanding the Film Music Artistry of Spirited Away

In this episode, we discuss each of our favorite three scenes from Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away."Together we talk about what composers can learn from studying these scenes including portraying emotions with music and understanding the psychology of nostalgia.

Magical Mischief: 6 Key Insights for Aspiring Film Composers from Harry Potter 3

In this first episode, we discuss each of our favorite three scenes from "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban". Together we talk about what composers can learn from studying these scenes including portraying emotions with music and tips for how composers can get into the minds of their audience!