How A Pro Editor Uses Music (Tutorial)

In this week's video lesson I show you the WHY and the HOW behind three killer music edits I use every day as a pro editor.

I’ll show you what beginners often get wrong, I’ll reveal how to look at music structure, and I’ll take you through the three edits in a way you can start implementing today.

I have found that beginner editors often have a mental block that stops them from executing an effective music edit. I think it’s inherent in the way timelines work, especially with sync sound. I think it makes you feel that you have these blocks of connected video and audio that you place next to each other, so it encourages you to start and stop audio at the same time.

Instead, imagine the video and audio tracks as separate elements that move independently, occasionally meeting together for a sync sound moment. Much of editing is this sort of sleight of hand—where you change the visual language while the soundtrack remains the same, or you change the soundtrack while the visual language changes.

To check out the entire lesson, please watch the video above...

To check out the stock footage and music used in this video go to Artlist (affiliate).

Austen is an ADDY award-winning film & commercial editor with over 20 years of experience. He has worked with global brands like Meta, KPMG, SAP, and Christianity Today. His PSA work has championed causes like school safety (with Matthew McConaughey), driving safety, and anti-tobacco. A thought leader in the editing field, his online lessons quickly amassed over 100K views after launch.