Reel Music: Exploring 100 Years Of Film Music

by Roger Hickman

Reel Music provides an in-depth, chronological overview of music’s role in film from the birth of the medium to the present. Ideal for nonmajors, the text introduces the basic elements of music and narrative film to help beginners appreciate the combined artistic effects of the two forms. Reel Music also includes excellent pedagogical features and viewing guides.

Genres: Music, Film, Nonfiction, School, College, History

526 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2005

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of a Berklee College of Music online course about the history of film music. It’s a great textbook and would probably do well as a standalone book for anyone interested in film music. (Just be careful about spoilers if you haven’t seen some of the films the author discusses.)

[kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

good textbook, very informational

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good textbook. I liked that the chapters were short so they were pretty easy to read. I didn't like how he would reference movies and make huge charts on all the cues and things like that. I also found that a lot of the information was repeated a lot. It was one of the better textbooks I've read however.

[Franz Gunther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book about film music in general. Not too detailed, it covers a wide range of aspects regarding the history of the genre. Perfect for introduction to the field, but must be completed with other books and sources to go deeper in the study of this popular cultural field. I really did appreciate it.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

originally read as part of a class around 2010 or so. Re-reading a newer edition and appreciating it a bit more despite it very much a cursory glance at the subject matter.