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Composing Music for Video Games

MUSC X 478.52

Through weekly writing assignments and audio-visual demonstrations, you gain an understanding of the composition techniques, organization, and delivery formats unique to the video game industry.

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What you can learn.

Cover topics including in-game versus cinematic scoring, budgeting and project management, and contracts
Understand technological tools for asset creation and processing
Learn what music engines and compositional techniques are specific to video game music
Find the delivery of assets to different console formats such as Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and more
Weekly composition assignments focus on writing original adaptive music similar to works created for current games

About this course:

Through weekly writing assignments and audio-visual demonstrations, you gain an understanding of the composition techniques, organization, and delivery formats unique to the video game industry. Topics include in-game versus cinematic scoring, budgeting and project management, contracts, technology tools for asset creation and processing, music engines and compositional techniques specific to video game music, electronic music creation versus using live musicians, mixing, composing for different game genres and audio formats, delivery of assets for different console formats, and pitching for projects. Weekly composition assignments focus on writing original adaptive music similar to works created for current games.

Prerequisites

MUSC X 449.91 The Art and Craft of MIDI and/or equivalent experience in music composition is required. Students must have access to and working knowledge of a sequencing host software (Logic, Cubase, Pro Tools, etc.) and familiarity with how to export audio mixes of their compositions into different audio formats.

Winter 2025 Schedule

January 7 - March 18

Tuesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT

Available

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Instructor: Roger Suen

401178

Fee:

$785.00

In Person

Location: UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood

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Notes

Enrollment limited; early enrollment advised. Internet access required.

Refund Deadline

No refunds after January 21, 2025

Course Requirements

Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

MUSC X 449.91 The Art and Craft of MIDI and/or equivalent experience in music composition is required.

Students must have a sequencing host software (Logic, Cubase, Pro Tools, etc.) and familiarity with how to export audio mixes of your compositions into 44.1KHz 16-bit .wav audio format.

Textbook Purchase information: https://www.gameaudioinstitute.com/workshop/gai-5003-ucla-extension-music-for-games-bundle/

Schedule

Type

Date

Time

Location

Discussion

Tue Jan 7, 2025

7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT