Course Description
This course provides a project-based introduction to composing and producing video game music. Students examine music’s function in non-linear media, compose loops, hits, and stingers for games, and learn basic game-audio implementation. The course also covers industry practices, challenges, and analysis of game scores through interactive projects and discussion.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students are expected to produce longer, more complex, professional-quality projects. In comparison to their undergraduate counterparts, graduate students are expected to use more advanced production techniques and develop denser, more narratively complementary, and/or stylized compositions.
Athena Title
Game Composition Production
Undergraduate Prerequisite
MUSI 4650/6650 or permission of department
Graduate Prerequisite
MUSI 4650/6650 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will produce professional quality compositions, loops, hits, and stingers by implementing both vertical and horizontal composition methods.
- Students will apply industry-standard practices such as creating/evaluating music briefs and implementing music into games using game audio implementation software.
- Students will mediate/troubleshoot industry challenges associated with video game music composition such as communicating with audio directors, navigating challenging team dynamics, negotiating compensation, and overcoming “writer’s block.”
- Students will recall popular video game scores and analyze how the music supports the game’s narrative and environments by identifying the music’s type and function.
- Students will further develop technical skills needed for media music composition such as “mocking up” virtual instruments, mixing, and mastering.
Topical Outline
- Introduction: Career paths in game music
- Introduction/refresher (if necessary): The psychology of media music
- Refresher: Digital audio workstation fundamentals: template-making, virtual instruments, and the art of “mocking up.”
- Game composition fundamentals:
o Music briefs and templates
o Loops, hits, and stingers
o Vertical vs. Horizontal composition/implementation
o Types & function: low-, mid-, and high-intensity; exploration vs. combat
o Introduction to game audio implementation software
o Industry-standard deliverables
- Discuss video game industry-specific topics, approaches, and challenges:
o Communicating with audio directors
o Contracted vs. In-house/-studio composers
o Navigating challenging team dynamics
o Game jams and timed competitions
o Festivals, conferences, and communities
o Front-end and back-end compensation
- In-depth video game music score analysis and discussion
- Communication and critical analysis of own work through peer and class review exercises.
