A glimpse into the professional world: Film scoring with Jeanine Cowen
When composer Jeanine Cowen led a film scoring session at Interlochen Arts Academy, junior Emma Niu witnessed a leading professional at work—and gained the confidence and skills she needed to direct her own thesis film score.
Emma Niu films during Jeanine Cowen's film scoring session at Interlochen Arts Academy.
For Emma Niu, a third-year junior at Interlochen Arts Academy, watching acclaimed media composer Jeanine Cowen lead a film scoring session was like peering through a window into her own future.
"There were monitors that displayed segments of film and they played the scoring as the video played. It was really cool to watch," Niu recalls.
But what made the experience truly valuable went beyond the technical setup—it was observing how a seasoned professional communicates her creative vision.
Cowen, whose compositions have been featured in Emmy-winning productions like PBS's The Great War and acclaimed works across film, television, and video games, brought her extensive industry experience directly to Interlochen students. Chair of Screen Scoring at USC and former professor at Berklee College of Music, Cowen has worked on everything from Lord of the Rings Online to documentaries like The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo.
What struck Niu most was Cowen's ability to balance professionalism with approachability.
"Jeanine came in with a super professional way of doing things, but she also kept the environment really cool and fun," Niu explains. "I liked seeing how she combines being friendly and assertive."
This kind of mentorship—learning not just the craft but the interpersonal skills that make collaboration successful—is exactly what sets Interlochen Arts Academy apart.
"It's very inspirational because although we're just students, we get to work with people who are professionals, and have a little glimpse into what our futures could look like," Niu reflects.
The impact has been tangible. Since working with Cowen, Niu feels more confident in approaching student musicians and composers to help create a score for her thesis film.
"It was really interesting to watch the music and film come together, and get insights on how to communicate with musicians," says Niu. "I feel more confident that I can express my own creative visions to others I'm working with.”
At Interlochen Arts Academy, guest artists like Jeanine Cowen don't just visit—they work directly with students, sharing the techniques, habits, and communication skills that define successful careers in the arts. For students like Emma Niu, these experiences transform abstract career dreams into concrete, achievable paths forward.
Students at Interlochen Arts Academy enjoy world-renowned artistic training from gifted professionals alongside college-preparatory academics. Learn more about Arts Academy.
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