The Newman Dynasty in Film Music

With nearly one hundred Academy Award nominations collectively, the Newman family has been a fundamental force in shaping the sound of American cinema over the last century. Their work traces the evolution of movie music, from grand orchestral scores and the introduction of jazz to the creative exploration of new sound palettes and the development of distinct musical identities for American films. In this course, we examine the remarkable generational contributions of this family, discussing what made the scores of iconic films like Wuthering Heights, How the West was Won, Pleasantville, American Beauty, and Toy Story so memorable. Our exploration begins with Alfred Newman’s talent for scoring, adapting Broadway music, and managing a major studio's music department. We then continue through the significant contributions of his brothers, Lionel and Emil, and the modern masters of the following generation: Randy, David, and Thomas Newman.