Video Game Music Composition Masterclass: Complete A-Z Guide from Udemy

Video Game Music Composition Masterclass: Complete A-Z Guide for Composing Game Music

Learn first hand what it takes to succeed as a video game music composer.

Learn from the ground up what it takes to go from beginner to video game composing pro with this course, taught by Kyle Davies, long-time musician, pianist and composer. Kyle has a masters degree in Music and has been composing for the past 20 years. This course offers a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to starting out as a video game composer.

You have the opportunity to create exciting, vibrant video game music that other's can enjoy, starting with zero music experience. With hard work, focus and dedication, you can master the skills needed to make your video game music concepts a reality.

This course is a must-have for those looking to grow their skills in video game composition. You will learn how to work with game audio engines like FMod and Unity. These will allow you to program your music to share with game developers.

In this course you will learn:

How to begin composing today with no previous composing experience (with full walkthroughs)
How to build beautiful layers of sound
Music theory foundational lessons on melody, harmony and rhythm
Solid foundational video game basic skills
How to use Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) to create video game music
How to use Game Audio Engines like FMod and Unity

This course also includes how to take your game music composing skills to the next level with:

The #1 Way to Improve as a video game composer
Keyboard shortcuts that will save you time while composing
How to market your skills as a video game composer

This course is easy to follow with many full live demos and walkthroughs of exactly what to do. This is perfect for those who want to learn how to begin composing game music.

Your instructor, Kyle, has over 20 years of professional music experience. He has composed for many of those years and will be able to guide you through the challenges and opportunities of composing.

Learn how to compose original music for video games today.

This course is design for all abilities and levels. No previous experience is necessary.

Who this course is for:

Beginner music composers curious about creating music for video games
Experienced music composers looking to break into the video game music industry
Gamers who want to learn how they could create music for video games from scratch

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction to Video Game Music Composition Masterclass

By the end of this section you will be able to start composing video game music immediately with this free online tool.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Kyle Davies, who has a master's degree in Music and 20 years of composing experience, which may help learners gain practical insights

Explores FMod and Unity, which are game audio engines that allow learners to program their music to share with game developers

Includes foundational lessons on melody, harmony, and rhythm, which are essential for composing music in any genre

Uses Cakewalk by Bandlab, which is a DAW that may require learners to familiarize themselves with its interface and features

Teaches how to use repetition in game music, which is a technique that can enhance the player experience and create memorable themes

Reviews summary

Beginner guide to video game music

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in video game music composition, particularly for those with little to no prior experience. Many found the instructor's approach clear and easy to follow, appreciating the practical demonstrations using software like Cakewalk, FMod, and Unity. While it provides a good starting point and covers essential theory and concepts, some more experienced composers felt it remained quite basic. Overall, the sentiment is largely positive, making it a strong entry point into the field.

Relies heavily on one free software.

"The focus on Cakewalk is fine since it's free, but I wish there were more general DAW principles or alternatives shown."

"While Cakewalk is a decent free option, users of other DAWs will need to translate the concepts."

"Getting started quickly with Cakewalk is a plus, though it's not the industry standard for everyone."

Introduces essential music theory/ideas.

"The course covered basic music theory relevant to game music, which was exactly what I needed."

"I learned about musical form, repetition, and how music functions differently in games."

"It provided a good overview of fundamental composition techniques applicable to the genre."

"Understanding the principles of layering sound and melody was very helpful."

Helpful walkthroughs of key tools.

"The sections on Cakewalk, FMod, and Unity were very practical and showed exactly how to implement the music."

"Seeing the instructor demonstrate how to use the DAWs and audio engines was the most valuable part for me."

"I appreciated the clear, live demos on getting started with the software needed for game audio."

"Learning how to get my music into Unity and FMod was a key takeaway from this course."

Instructor explains concepts clearly.

"Kyle is a great teacher. He explains complex ideas in a simple, easy-to-digest manner."

"The instructor's passion for the subject really comes through, making the lectures engaging."

"His step-by-step guidance, especially in the software demos, was incredibly helpful."

"I really enjoyed the instructor's clear speaking voice and well-structured lessons."

Excellent starting point for newcomers.

"This course is perfect for absolute beginners wanting to get into game music composition. It starts from scratch."

"I had no prior music composition experience, and this course made everything understandable and manageable."

"As a gamer with zero music background, I found this course incredibly accessible and easy to follow."

"It provides a comfortable entry point into what seemed like a daunting subject."

May not challenge experienced users.

"As someone with prior music background, I found the initial sections very basic and wished it progressed faster."

"Experienced composers might find this course covers familiar ground in the beginning."

"While great for absolute beginners, intermediate learners might need a more advanced follow-up course."

"It gives you the A-Z, but the 'Z' is more like 'M' if you have prior music knowledge."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Video Game Music Composition Masterclass: Complete A-Z Guide with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

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Strengthen your understanding of melody, harmony, and rhythm, which are foundational concepts for video game music composition.

Browse courses on Theory

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Review scales, chords, and key signatures.
Practice identifying intervals and chord progressions.
Complete online music theory quizzes.

Read 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of music theory principles to enhance your composition skills.

View Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How... on Amazon

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Read the book chapter by chapter.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.

Practice Composing Short Melodies

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Develop your melodic writing skills by composing short musical phrases daily.

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Set a timer for 30 minutes.
Compose a short melody using a DAW or sheet music.
Experiment with different scales and rhythms.
Save your melodies for later use.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Compose a Short Video Game Music Track

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Apply the concepts learned in the course by creating a complete music track for a hypothetical video game level.

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Choose a video game genre and level type.
Create a mood board for inspiration.
Compose a main theme and variations.
Arrange and mix the track using a DAW.

Read 'A Composer's Guide to Game Music'

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Gain insights into the practical aspects of composing music for video games, including working with developers and using game audio engines.

View A Composer's Guide to Game Music (Mit Press) on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes.
Identify key concepts and techniques.
Reflect on how to apply these concepts to your own work.

Build a Portfolio Website

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Showcase your video game music compositions to potential clients and employers.

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Choose a domain name and hosting provider.
Select a website template or design your own.
Upload your best music tracks.
Write a compelling bio and artist statement.
Promote your website on social media.

Attend Game Development Conferences

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Connect with game developers and other composers to expand your network and find potential collaborations.

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Research upcoming game development conferences.
Register for a conference and book travel/accommodation.
Prepare a business card and portfolio.
Attend sessions and network with attendees.
Follow up with contacts after the conference.

Career center

Learners who complete Video Game Music Composition Masterclass: Complete A-Z Guide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Video Game Composer

A Video Game Composer creates the musical scores and soundscapes that define the auditory experience of video games. This role involves understanding the narrative, gameplay, and overall atmosphere of a game to craft music that enhances immersion and emotional impact. A course of this type helps aspiring Video Game Composers by providing foundations in music composition, techniques for building layers of sound, and instruction on using Digital Audio Workstations. Knowing how to compose with DAWs is critical. The course also delves into using game audio engines like FMod and Unity. This skill is essential for integrating music directly into games. Learning from someone with extensive experience provides invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities of this profession.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Composer

FMod Developer

An FMod Developer specializes in using the FMod audio engine to implement and optimize audio in video games. This involves scripting audio events, creating sound banks, and ensuring seamless integration of sound effects and music. A class of this kind provides FMod Developers with practical knowledge of music composition, which can enhance their ability to implement adaptive and dynamic audio systems. Additionally, the specific training in FMod within the course is directly applicable to their role. Learning about music theory is something all developers can benefit from.

See salaries and explore the career path for FMod Developer

Interactive Composer

Interactive Composers specialize in creating dynamic and adaptive music that reacts to player actions and in-game events, enhancing the interactive experience. They design music systems that change based on what's happening in the video game. A course of this type helps those eager to become Interactive Composers by offering essential musical knowledge. Understanding the foundations of music theory is important when creating dynamic music. The training in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) is useful for composing music. Interactive composers may find the course's content on FMod and Unity useful. Learning how to use these tools is essential for implementing interactive music systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interactive Composer

Freelance Composer

Freelance Composers create original music for various projects on a contract basis. They often work with diverse clients, including video game developers, filmmakers, and advertisers. A course of this type provides aspiring Freelance Composers with the skills and knowledge needed to create video game music. The course helps build a foundation in music theory. It also provides training in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Understanding audio engines like FMod and Unity can significantly enhance a Freelance Composer's ability to integrate their music. You'll need to market your skills effectively as a freelancer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Composer

Sound Designer

A Sound Designer crafts the auditory elements of a game, including sound effects, ambient noises, and environmental sounds, to create a believable and immersive experience for the player. A Sound Designer's work enhances the feel of actions like a character moving, or using an weapon. This course may be helpful for aspiring Sound Designers by introducing them to the fundamentals of creating music for games. The course's demonstrations of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) may be useful for Sound Designers looking to expand their toolkit. Furthermore, the curriculum covers integration of game audio engines like FMod and Unity. This might benefit the Sound Designer, enabling them to integrate their sound effects directly into the game environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer

Game Audio Programmer

A Game Audio Programmer implements the audio aspects of a video game, including integrating music and sound effects, designing audio systems, and optimizing audio performance. A Game Audio Programmer brings music and sound to life in video games. This course may be useful by equipping them with a foundational understanding of music composition. Gaining familiarity with tools like FMod and Unity is a great way to get started with programming game audio. Learning about composing inspires programmers to find interesting ways to program audio.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Audio Programmer

Music Producer

A Music Producer oversees the entire process of music creation, from composing and arranging to recording, mixing, and mastering. They may work on music for a wide range of media, including video games. This course may be useful for aspiring Music Producers interested in specializing in video game music. The foundations in music theory, composition, and the use of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) taught in the course may enhance their skill set. The course also provides specific instruction on how to use game audio engines like FMod and Unity. This knowledge is essential for integrating music into video games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Unity Developer

A Unity Developer uses the Unity game engine to create interactive experiences, including video games and simulations. This involves programming game logic, designing user interfaces, and integrating assets like music and sound effects. This course may be useful for Unity Developers seeking to enhance their understanding of game audio. The course offers direct instruction into Unity. This can benefit developers who want to create a more immersive auditory experience for the players.

See salaries and explore the career path for Unity Developer

Audio Director

An Audio Director is in charge of all audio-related aspects of a video game project, from conceptualization to implementation. They guide the audio team, establish the sonic vision for the game, and ensure that the audio aligns with the overall game design. A course of this type may be useful for Audio Directors by providing a strong foundation in video game music composition and integration. Understanding music theory, working with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), and using game audio engines like FMod and Unity may help guide audio teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Director

Game Developer

A Game Developer is involved in the creation of video games, including programming, design, and art. Understanding the music creation process can help developers better collaborate with audio professionals and integrate music effectively into their games. This course may be useful for Game Developers by introducing them to the basics of video game music composition. The course provides insights into how music enhances the gaming experience. Furthermore, the curriculum covers the integration of audio using FMod and Unity. This knowledge is crucial for developers who want to work closely with the audio aspects of their games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Virtual Instrument Designer

Virtual Instrument Designers create digital instruments and sound libraries that composers and producers use to create music. These instruments often emulate real-world instruments or create entirely new and unique sounds. This course may be useful for those interested in Virtual Instrument Design by providing a solid foundation in music composition and production. Understanding how composers use virtual instruments may allow designers to make better instruments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Instrument Designer

Orchestrator

An Orchestrator arranges musical compositions for an orchestra, assigning instruments and adapting scores to maximize their sonic impact. While orchestration is more common in film and television, it can also be valuable in video game music, especially for games with cinematic soundtracks. A course of this type may be useful for aspiring Orchestrators looking to broaden their skill set and explore opportunities in the video game industry. The course focuses on music composition, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), and game audio engines like FMod and Unity. Orchestrators who understand these elements may find themselves more successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Orchestrator

Sound Editor

Sound Editors refine and manipulate audio tracks to create a polished and immersive soundscape. They clean up recordings, add effects, and ensure that all audio elements blend seamlessly. A class of this kind may be useful. Skills relating to DAWs will be helpful for editors in the field. Sound Editors working on video games will find value learning about programs like FMod.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Editor

Music Supervisor

A Music Supervisor selects and licenses existing music for use in video games, films, television shows, and other media. While this role typically involves working with pre-existing tracks, understanding the process of music composition can help Music Supervisors make more informed decisions. A course of this type may be useful for Music Supervisors by providing insights into the creative process behind music composition. Understanding the nuances of music creation may allow supervisors to find the perfect song.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Supervisor

Game Designer

A Game Designer conceptualizes and designs the gameplay, story, and overall experience of a video game. Understanding how music and sound contribute to the player's immersion can help Game Designers make more informed decisions about the game's audio direction. This course may be useful for Game Designers by providing insights into the video game music composition process. By studying the curriculum, game designers may learn how music influences the game's tone.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Video Game Music Composition Masterclass

Complete A-Z Guide

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Beginner guide to video game music

Activities

Career center

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