Music for Video Games

	Music for Video Games • Application

What's the program?

The Film Scoring Department at Berklee College of Music presents a weekend of intensive workshops exploring the role, design, creation, production, delivery, and business implications of music in the multibillion-dollar game industry. Participants will attend seminars and sessions in Berklee's classrooms and state-of-the-art recording studios and labs. Offerings range from introductory theory and technical applications to interactive lab participation and current industry practices.

Am I eligible?

All participants must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program.

Are there any prerequisites?

No, but some familiarity with both Mac computers and the software program GarageBand will be helpful.

Is it all about technology?

No, it's about creating music for visuals—sometimes using synthesizers and sometimes not. Many of today's most popular games rely on the power and range of originally created symphonic music.

Who are the instructors?

Seminars and workshops will be conducted by members of Berklee's internationally renowned faculty along with industry professionals.

What's the schedule?

Basic Scoring to Visual Media—Learn (or review) the basics of dramatic scoring, including both ensemble- and synthesis-based production.

Specific Scoring Techniques and Requirements for Video Games—Using current game models, explore the ways in which game music requires unique designs, applications, and deliveries.

Synthesizer Programming—Be introduced to relevant synthesizer and sampler architecture, programming, and the basics of sound/patch editing for many types of synthesis.

Interactive Work—Take advantage of on-site, professional-level recording facilities and labs for experimentation and musical creation.

Music-Business Issues—Before taking the big leap, get smart about licensing, publishing, royalties, residuals, and contracts. Also, learn the important legal and professional differences between working in the game industry and in the television/film business.

Final Session—Bring your own original musical segment for critique and productive comments by professional workers.

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.

Video Game Music Concert—Berklee students perform provocative musical selections from popular video games.

Program content subject to change.

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.

How much are the tuition and fees?

How and when can I pay my fees?

Bills for this program will be mailed 30 days prior to the start of the program. The bill will include a payment coupon and return mail envelope for your convenience. All bills will have instructions on how to make payment using the Internet, phone, and bank-to-bank wire transfers; they will also include the due date for the payment. Tuition and housing fees are to be paid together, unless you are living at an off-campus location. Payments are due in full one week prior to the start of the program. This will expedite your registration. Payment on the date of registration is highly discouraged. If you are experiencing difficulty making your payment by the due date, contact our offices for assistance. If your application was not received and processed in time for you to have a bill sent in the 30-day period, call the Office of the Bursar to check your balance. A bill will be mailed regardless of when your application is processed and it will indicate "Late Add." No additional charges are assessed for this, however, you are still responsible for making the payment within the due date guidelines.

The Office of the Bursar is available to assist you with your questions regarding payment of your summer program. Please address any of these issues by emailing bursar@berklee.edu or by contacting one of our representatives at 617 747-2165 or 617 747-2610.

How do I apply?

When will I know if I've been accepted into the program?

Please allow us four weeks (six weeks for international applicants) to process your application. Once your application has been processed, we will notify you of your enrollment status by mail.