aBOUT
THE INSTRUCTOR
Grammy-winning composer and top studio orchestrator Penka Kouneva has worked in Hollywood for 25 years scoring television (Dragon Age Absolution series), films (Aga, Encounter), video games (Legends of Runeterra, Prince of Persia) and theme parks (NASA). On IMDB, she has 170+ credits. Penka holds a Duke University Ph.D. in composition and is known as a great mentor who’s helped 100+ young film, game and concert composers cultivate remarkable Hollywood careers and become top studio composers. She is excited to share her passion for soundtrack analysis with media composers.

NOW ENROLLING FOR
Winter 2025
Starting on Jan.13, 2025
ending on April 4, 2025
Spring 2025
Starting on April 7, 2025
Ending on June 27, 2025
* * * * SUCCESS STORIES as of December 2024 * * * *
– R.Y., S.A. & J.O. were hired as Composer Assistants by top Emmy & Grammy-winning studio composers, with Penka’s referral.
– B.R., B.T., D.E., V.I. and N.I. co-scored Penka’s 5 recent independent feature films (drama, genre, family, thriller), with Screen Credit, full Cue Sheet percentage, great composer fee, and mentoring by Penka. This is their first feature film credit.
– A.N.’s score was a winner at an Int’l Film Festival.
– K.A. was hired as a game composer on an AAA game.
– Four mentees are working on artist singles & EP’s to be recorded with live orchestra as demos for obtaining future scoring jobs. (E.L., J.A., V.C., W.E.)
– Five mentees were accepted at prestigious, competitive Composer conferences, with demos composed for the Masterclass. (S.A., V.I., R.O., K.A., W.E.)
– A dozen+ mentees scheduled meetings with industry veterans at pro conferences, with Penka’s introductions, including GDC, SCL, etc

Orchestrator Larry Rench
ENDORSEMENTS
Penka’s Master Class is an invaluable investment in yourself. Her guidance and class resources will raise the bar of any composer. Nick Cimity, Film & TV composer, US (Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head, Zappa, Duncanville)
In the media scoring business, there is no mentor or educator as accomplished and supportive as Penka. Jocelyn Scofield, film, TV and animation composer, US
This masterclass was an extraordinary and invaluable experience. Penka is not only a master of her craft, but a wonderful mentor. Thomas Booker-Price, game composer, UK
WHAT IS IT?
Weekly scoring, individual feedback and suggestions for revisions
Weekly 40-minute private mentoring
50+ curated reading materials for media composers