The Film Scoring Department at Berklee College of Music presents a weekend of intensive workshops and hands-on composition and production. The content will explore the role of music in games and its creation, production, delivery, and business implications in this multibillion-dollar industry. Following instructional seminars and sessions in Berklee's classrooms on introductory theory, technical applications, and current industry practices, participants will compose in our state-of-the-art labs. Those individuals accepted at the advanced level (Section 2) also will have the opportunity to record in the Film Scoring Department's studio in collaboration with Berklee's professional engineers and top-notch student musicians. Participants in both sections will be provided the opportunity to create a demo DVD that displays a short animated segment accompanied by their own original composition.
Please note: Applicants interested in being considered for Section 2 will need to submit written affirmation of familiarity with Pro Tools, Logic, or Digital Performer sequencing as well as a CD or mp3 recording that contains at least 45 seconds of their own original music. The written affirmation and CD or mp3 should be submitted along with your application to the address above. These materials may be sent separately if you apply online and your application has been received and processed.
Is it all about technology?
No, it's about creating music for visuals–but participants will compose primarily using computers and electronic keyboards.
Who are the instructors?
Seminars and workshops will be conducted by members of Berklee's internationally renowned faculty along with industry professionals. Previous guests include Clint Bajakian, Norihiko Hibino, Paul Lipson, Gerard Marino, and Tommy Tallarico.
What's the Schedule?
All participants:
- History of Video Game Music–An introduction to the history, theory, aesthetics, and applications of video-game music.
- Sound Design in Games–A look at the rest of the world of sound in video games and how music fits into the total mix.
- Panel Discussion–Several respected industry professionals discuss the critical role of music in the rapidly exploding game industry and the related professional career opportunities for musical artists, craft workers, and entrepreneurs in the United States and abroad.
- Final Session–Original, interactive music written and recorded in the studio by Section 2 participants will be screened in synch for faculty, guest artists and fellow participants.
Section 1:
- Basic Scoring to Visual Media–Learn (or review) the basics of dramatic scoring, including both ensemble- and synthesis-based production.
- Sequencing and Virtual Instruments–Be introduced to - or learn more about the GarageBand sequencing program and the synthesizers and samplers it includes.
- Individual Scoring–Take advantage of on-site, professional-level labs for experimentation and musical creation, culminating in your own scored cue for a video game scene.
Section 2:
- Approaches to Video Game Music–Using current game models, explore the ways in which game music requires unique designs, applications, and deliveries.
- Studio Preparation–Learn how to integrate your sequenced sounds with live instruments in a studio recording session.
- Interactive Scoring–Take advantage of on-site, professional-level recording facilities, labs, and studio musicians to create your own interactive music composition for integration into an example game.
Where will I eat and sleep?
When we have processed your application, you will be sent information and an application for residence hall housing. Most program participants elect to stay in the Berklee residence halls. However, acceptance to the program does not guarantee a residence hall space. Space is limited. To optimize your chances for on-campus housing, you must return the housing application immediately upon receiving it. To be eligible to live in the residence hall, you must be 15 years of age by the start of the program. If you are applying to the program after mid-May, call the Housing Office at 617 747-2292 to find out if residence hall space is still available.
