Operation Manual

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bleak or tense scenes or a major key for happy and joyful scenes. First, add a virtual
instrument track to Mixcraft. Select the keyboard icon to launch the virtual instrument
browser. Students can select from a number of virtual instruments and record a part
using a MIDI controller, musical typing, or by programming MIDI with the pencil tool.
An “A Minor” scale, often used by composers to portray sadness or suspense.
A “C Major” scale often used by composers to portray joyful or carefree moods.
C. Create personal recordings of music or sound eects
Students can compose and perform original music for the score. Depending on the
subject of the film, of course, acoustic instrumental music or a capella parts could
certainly be considered. Additionally, recorded sound effects or noises from the
environment can give an earthy or mundane reality to the film. Search for free sound
effects online at (http://www.freesound.org/).
7. Instruct students to experiment with different arrangements of sound effects, recorded audio,
or loops on the various tracks. It is important to appropriately align the music and sound
effects segments with the appropriate areas of the film track. For example, a properly placed
“crash” sound will serve to heighten the emotional impact of a shot where a plate shatters.
FINISHING THE FILM
1. Adding text: When the music is completed and the film is edited, students can polish off
their film with a movie title and credits section:
A) Adding a movie title: To add a title to the film, select the text feature from the
top menu > Video > Add text…
Selecting the text option in Mixcraft allows users to add text to films.