Music Composer

Music Composer specializes in creating original soundtracks for video games. They are responsible for composing, arranging and producing music that enhances the overall gaming experience. They work closely with other positions to ensure the music complements the tone and mood of the game and must be able to adjust the music to match the player’s actions and emotions.

A video game Music Composer is well-versed in music theory, composition and production. Also, they should have an excellent understanding of game design and collaborate with other positions to create adequate music for a specific game. They must be creative, versatile and able to adapt their musical style to fit different game genres and themes, and they must be proficient in using audio software and have a good understanding of music technology for their compositions to come to life.

Tools

Logic Pro X

Ableton Live

Cubase

Pro Tools

FL Studio

Reaper

GarageBand

Sibelius

Finale

COLLABORATION WITH OTHER TEAMS:

A Music Composer works closely with other positions to ensure that the music they create matches the narrative, tone and mood of the game. They must collaborate with Programmers, Game Designers and Producers to understand the game’s vision, story and mechanics. This information helps a Composer create music that enhances the gaming experience and immersion. They must also be able to adapt the music to suit different situations within the game, such as intense battle sequences, peaceful exploration or emotional moments.

In addition to collaborating with others during game development, a Music Composer may also work with other positions after the game’s release. For example, they work with the Marketing team to create trailers and promotional videos to attract players. A Music Composer must be able to communicate effectively with these positions to ensure that the music accurately represents the themes of the game and engages the players on a deeper emotional level.

Skills

Music Composers should have these skills in their arsenal:

Hard skills

  • Music theory:
    • understands concepts such as melody, harmony, rhythm and chord progression and fits them into the narrative, tone and mood of a game.
  • Composition and arrangement:
    • creates original music, arranges music to fit different scenarios and emotional moments of the game.
  • Audio production:
    • uses DAW and other music software, works with Sound Designers and Audio Engineers to integrate sound into the game.

Soft skills

  • Collaboration:
    • works effectively with others to ensure that the music composition is consistent with the game’s vision and mechanics.
  • Adaptability:
    • adjusts music to fit different scenarios and emotional moments, adapts to new music technology and software.
  • Ear for detail:
    • pays attention to technical details such as timing, tempo and sound quality to seamlessly integrate music with sound effects.

Seniority

Depending on seniority, a Music Composer is expected to be able to master, do and deliver the following:

Junior

  • Follows instructions from other Composers, Game Designers and Programmers, includes feedback in their compositions, is receptive to constructive criticism.
  • Creates simple compositions that match the tone and mood of the game, knows basic music theory and composition techniques and applies them in their work.
  • Knows the basic features of popular DAWs and can use them to create simple compositions.
  • Works effectively with others, clearly communicates their ideas and is open to feedback, helps seniors and mids, takes on additional tasks as needed.

Medior

  • Creates complex compositions that integrate with the narrative, tone and mood of the game, knows advanced music theory and compositional techniques and applies them.
  • Collaborates with creative teams to ensure music seamlessly integrates with sound effects and voiceovers.
  • Manages their projects and meets tight deadlines, works independently and is proactive in identifying and solving problems.
  • Mentors juniors, provides them with feedback, guidance and training, helps them improve their skills and develop their talent while contributing to the team culture.

Senior

  • Leads and manages complex projects from start to finish, setting goals and timelines, delegating tasks and ensuring compositions are in line with the game’s vision.
  • Collaborates with executive teams to ensure music composition aligns with the game’s business goals and brand identity.
  • Innovates and keeps up with trends in the gaming industry and new music technology, uses new music software and hardware in their work.
  • Mentors team members, provides feedback, guidance and support, builds and maintains a positive and productive team culture, and helps team members develop their skills.
MUSIC COMPOSER // AUDIO //
MUSIC COMPOSER // AUDIO //

Education

If you are interested in a career in audio in the gaming industry, consider focusing on a combination of music, sound design and technology. A formal education in audio engineering, music production, or sound design can provide you with a basic knowledge of recording techniques, digital audio workstations (DAWs), sound synthesis, and mixing/mastering. Look for educational programs that offer courses specifically tailored to video game audio, covering topics such as interactive audio, game engine implementation, and audio middleware tools such as Wwise or FMOD. Understanding the technical aspects of audio production and how audio integrates with gameplay mechanics is key to success in this field.

Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships or project collaborations can be invaluable. Experiment with creating sound effects, composing music, and implementing sound in game engines to build a portfolio that showcases your skills. Networking within the industry, whether through events or online communities, can also provide opportunities to connect with professionals and gain insight into unique challenges and trends. Follow advances in audio technologies and software used in game development to further improve your capabilities and competitiveness in this field.

Resources

Blogs

  • “A Composer’s Guide to Game Music” – Winifred Phillips
  • “Music and Game: Perspectives on a Popular Alliance” – Michael Austin
  • “Game Audio Implementation” – Richard Stevens, Dave Raybould
  • “The Complete Guide to Game Audio” – Aaron Marks
  • “Writing Interactive Music for Video Games: A Composer’s Guide” – Michael Sweet

Books

  • “A Composer’s Guide to Game Music” – Winifred Phillips
  • “Music and Game: Perspectives on a Popular Alliance” – Michael Austin
  • “Game Audio Implementation” – Richard Stevens, Dave Raybould
  • “The Complete Guide to Game Audio” – Aaron Marks
  • “Writing Interactive Music for Video Games: A Composer’s Guide” – Michael Sweet

Individuals

  • Winifred Phillips (@winphillips)
  • Jon Pemberton (@jonnypemberton)
  • Laura Shigihara (@LauraShigihara)
  • Gareth Coker (@GarethCoker)
  • Austin Wintory (@Austinwintory)

How to prepare for the interview?

News

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MUSIC COMPOSER // AUDIO //
MUSIC COMPOSER // AUDIO //