Has anyone here taken Michael Whittaker’s Scorecraft Academy or FilmScoreSeminar.com courses?
I’ve heard and saw some YouTube videos on his own channel "whittymusic", great things about both programs for film and game scoring. I’m interested in learning from them and but want to know about your experiences, pricing, and whether they’re currently open for enrollment.
If anyone has insights or updates on availability, please share here so others can benefit too.

 

Perhaps the AI has some answers to your questions:

Spoiler: Source: Grok KI

Overview of Michael Whittaker's Programs
Michael Whittaker is an Emmy-nominated composer with over 30 years of experience scoring more than 300 TV shows and films (e.g., Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The New Addams Family). His YouTube channel, whittymusic, features free tutorials on film scoring techniques, orchestration, and MIDI mockups, which align with what you've seen—practical, industry-focused content. Based on recent searches (as of November 2025), both programs are active, but they cater to different levels and formats. I'll break down experiences, pricing, and enrollment below, drawing from user reviews on forums like VI-Control and Reddit, plus official sites.

Key Differences Between the Programs


Aspect FilmScoreSeminar.com Scorecraft Academy
Format Self-paced online course (lifetime access, recorded videos) Live 5-month intensive (twice-weekly sessions, recorded for review)
Target Audience Beginners to intermediates; flexible for self-learners Intermediate/advanced (can start from basics but requires commitment)
Duration ~25 hours of core content + assignments 5 months (starts Aug 25, 2025)
Core Content 10 score-to-picture projects across genres (action, horror, trailers, etc.); orchestration deep dives; instrument lessons; DAW templates; MIDI controllers; sound design; business basics (pitching, royalties). Weekly real-world projects (e.g., scoring a 30-min episode final); harmony systems (e.g., STATE method for emotion-based chords); techniques from composers like John Williams/Hans Zimmer; business pitching; guest sessions on tools like Vienna Ensemble.
Support Optional personal feedback; community forum; ongoing Q&A. Direct mentorship from Whittaker + pros; cue reviews (even video feedback on late submissions); post-grad client pitching.
Unique Perks Free bonuses: DAW templates (Logic/Cubase/Studio One), cinematic loop library, orchestration eBook, harmony lesson. Hands-on with live pros; limited to 20 students for personalized attention.

User Experiences and Reviews
Feedback is mixed but leans positive for those seeking structured, pro-level guidance—especially in the live Academy format. Many praise Whittaker's passion, real-world insights, and generosity (e.g., extra Zoom help). However, the self-paced course gets some criticism for feeling like "talking-head videos" without enough depth for the price. Here's a summary from recent sources:

• Positive Highlights:
  • VI-Control (2024 review of Scorecraft Academy): "After initial skepticism... this course was a wealth of knowledge. University-level scoring program with practical perks like recorded classes and generous feedback." One user called the orchestration module with David Shipps "the favorite part."
  • VI-Control (2023 on Film Score Seminar): "Michael is legit... a true master, not a journeyman composer." Users appreciate the hands-on assignments and team of active pros.
  • Reddit (r/filmscoring, 2024): "Michael is a very passionate and knowledgeable teacher! The class gives feedback on assignments and covers intensive topics like orchestration."
  • Official sites: Testimonials emphasize Whittaker's communication skills and industry cred (e.g., "Absolutely incredible... a consummate professional").
• Criticisms:
  • Reddit (2024 Black Friday sale review): One user felt "ripped off" by the Complete Composer course, calling it "podcast-like" and worth only $30, despite buying at $149. They noted it's beginner-heavy with camera-talking segments.
  • Older VI-Control thread (2023): Minor complaints about enrollment glitches (e.g., no confirmation email), but Whittaker personally resolved via email/Zoom.
  • General: Self-paced suits casual learners, but live Academy demands "extra hard work" if starting from scratch. No widespread scam reports; issues seem isolated.

Overall, if you're drawn to his YouTube style, the Academy might deliver more "aha" moments through live interaction. Experiences vary by commitment level—dedicated students rave about career prep, while quick-completion seekers find it light.

Pricing
Pricing isn't always transparent on sites (no exact figures for the full Academy beyond deposits), but here's what's current:



Program Regular Price Sale/Discount Price Payment Options Notes
FilmScoreSeminar.com (Complete Film Composer) $499 (one-time) $399 (ongoing sale as of Nov 2025) One-time payment Black Friday 2024 hit $149 (75% off); check site for holiday deals. Includes all bonuses.
Scorecraft Academy (5-Month Intensive) Not listed (fraction of university costs, est. $2K–$4K based on reviews) N/A $500 deposit now; full by Aug 1, 2025; USA payment plans (6/12/24 months via PayPal/Stripe) Geared as "affordable alternative" to 4-year degrees; exact total via inquiry.

For precise Academy pricing, email [email protected] (Whittaker responds personally).

Enrollment Availability (November 2025)

• FilmScoreSeminar.com: Open enrollment anytime—self-paced, so no cohorts or deadlines. Enroll directly on filmscoreseminar.com. Site's active with a sale timer running.
• Scorecraft Academy: Open for the Aug 25, 2025 cohort (twice-weekly starts Mondays). Limited to 20 spots—"sells out quickly." Secure with $500 deposit now via scorecraftacademy.com. Full payment due Aug 1, 2025. If full, they may open waitlists or future sessions.

Recommendations
If you're serious about film/game scoring and want live feedback, go for Scorecraft Academy—its project-based approach mirrors pro workflows and includes client pitching post-grad. For a low-pressure intro (building on his free YouTube vids), start with FilmScoreSeminar at the sale price. Both seem legit and open, but vet with a quick email to Whittaker for 2025 specifics. If you've got more details on your experience level, I can refine this! Others in forums like VI-Control or r/filmscoring might have fresher takes—worth posting there too.