Premier Graphics
& Animation
Work with us
Menu
Studio
OverviewServicesCapabilitiesThe Collection
Institute
OverviewProgrammesCourse libraryHow we teachCareersGuidesFor universities
Journal About Contact Work with us
Sound · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Animated Music Videos

This high-energy course explores the symbiotic relationship between sound and image. Students will learn the unique workflow of producing animated music videos, from lyric visualization to full narrative productions. The curriculum emphasizes “Synesthesia”—visualizing audio frequencies—and covers rhythm-based editing, stylized rendering, and the art of matching visual pacing to musical beats.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Analyze song structure (Verse, Chorus, Bridge) to map visual arcs
  2. Master "Audio-Reactive" animation techniques using keyframes and expressions
  3. Create engaging "Lyric Videos" using kinetic typography
  4. Develop unique visual styles that complement the artist’s brand identity
  5. Execute a complete production pipeline from "Treatment" pitch to final export
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01History of Music Videos: MTV to YouTube
  2. 02Song Analysis: Breaking Down the Beat
  3. 03The Treatment: Pitching the Visual Concept
  4. 04Character Design & Style Frames
  5. 05Storyboarding for Music: Pacing the Cuts
  6. 06The Animatic: Syncing to the Track
  7. 07Kinetic Typography: The Lyric Video
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Production Phase: Rough Animation
  10. 10Camera Movement & Dynamic Angles
  11. 11Clean-Up & In-Betweening (or Splining)
  12. 12Coloring & Texturing for Mood
  13. 13Visual Effects (VFX) & Compositing
  14. 14Glitch Art & Post-Processing Effects
  15. 15Final Edit & Color Grading
  16. 16Final Project: The Full Animated Music Video

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Full Animated Music Video

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Music Video and the Politics of Representation by Diane Railton
  2. Design for Motion: Fundamentals and Techniques of Motion Design by Austin Shaw
  3. The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams
  4. Type on Screen (for Lyric Videos) by Ellen Lupton
  5. Kinetosis (Industry Magazine/Online Resources)
More in Sound
Audio Production and Sound DesignSound is the emotional heartbeat of media. This course combines technical engineering with artistic design. Students will learn to capture pristine audio in the studio, but also to manipulate sound waves to create new worlds.
Music Production with AIThis course introduces musicians and producers to the rapidly evolving world of AI Audio. Students will learn to use AI not to replace the musician, but to augment the studio workflow.
Music ProductionThis course introduces the fundamentals of sound, audio behavior, recording principles, software tools, and studio workflow.
Music VideoThis high-energy course sits at the intersection of music, fashion, and experimental film. Students will learn the specific workflow of music video production, which differs significantly from narrative film.
Musical Theatre PerformanceThis intense studio course is designed for the "Triple Threat"—the performer who acts, sings, and dances. Students will learn to seamlessly integrate these three disciplines to tell a story.
Podcasting and Audio Storytelling"The theatre of the mind." This course explores the explosion of on-demand audio. Moving beyond simple "two people talking" formats, students will learn the craft of narrative audio.