Score – A piece of music that has been written specifically for a film or theatrical production

(Pronounced skor)

To remember what score means, use the following mnemonic:

The silent movie showed someone scoring (score) a goal, and the live orchestra accompanied this with a musical composition written specifically for the film.

Note: Scores are typically orchestral pieces with strings and classical instruments. Modern scores can include electronic instruments. The purpose of a score is to musically support what's happening on screen.

The difference between a film score and a film soundtrack:

Film scores are usually written by a single composer and is designed to fit the film giving the right emotional ambience such as a romantic sound in a love scene or a horror sound when there is immense danger.

A film soundtrack is a selection of songs created by different artists to be featured in a film.