GONE are the days of the cinema organ playing at an appropriate tempo to match the mood on screen.

But the role of film soundtrack and sound effects is being explored at the University of Teesside, Middlesbrough.

Musician and composer Tom Cooke is leading a four-day course next month, looking at how different music is used to enhance atmosphere and create tension, with sound effects, from footsteps and doors slamming, to gunshots and animal sounds.

Students will finish the course by producing a CD of their work.

Wendy Sanderson, the university's culture and creative industries development co-ordinator, said: "Sound effects and music are an often overlooked part of the cinema experience, but who can forget the Jaws theme or the sound of a lightsabre?

"Anyone taking part in the course will have a lot of fun and learn about how to create sound for screen.

"It is great for people who make films at home, are considering a career in the industry, or who have just sat at the cinema and wondered how did they do that?"

To enrol on the course, call Sound 4 Screen on (01642) 384427