CSU Summer Arts 2021 at Fresno State

College of Arts and Humanities

The Art of Scoring for Video Games

Title: The Art of Scoring for Video Games

Dates: July 20 to August 2, 2021
Course Number: MUSIC 420/MUSIC 620 Credits: 3

Recommended Prerequisite – Students should know how to read and write music. It is recommended that all
students have completed a minimum of one semester of music theory or music composition.

Instructor – Kenneth Froelich

Email – kfroelich@mail.fresnostate.edu
Phone – 559-278-1349

Location – Synchronous Online Course.

Guest Artists/Additional Faculty:

Eduoard Brenneisen (https://www.eb-music.net/)
Jason Hayes (http://criticalhitband.com/musicians/jason-hayes/)
Michael Krikorian (https://www.michaelkrikorianpianist.com/)
Peter Scaturro (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterscaturro/)
Garry Schymann (http://garryschyman.com)

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Course Description This is a full-immersion course in the study of video game music composition. Students
will learn to overcome the unique challenges of scoring for video games, such as composing loopable tracks
and dynamic layered cues that can adapt to shifting game states and player activity. Students will also learn the
fundamentals of digital music production and explore how music is composed for use in video games. Students
will make invaluable connections, gain unique insight into the process of collaboration between game
developers and musicians, and receive helpful advice on career development from industry leading
professionals.

Course Goals and Objectives

Students will learn:

• the fundamentals of creating music in DAW software using both MIDI data and recorded audio.
• specific idiomatic techniques that apply to the composing of video game music
• methods for working collaboratively with musicians, video game directors, and other composers in
order to create a complete game soundtrack.
• skills that are necessary for starting a career in video game music.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Create music in a DAW with electronic samples and synthesizers to sequence midi data and produce
high quality music tracks.
2. Understand the unique challenges of composing for video games, such as creating loopable audio tracks
and writing dynamic cues in layers that can adapt to player activity.
3. Collaborate between composers, sound artists, musicians and video game directors.
4. Apply knowledge and advice on career development from working professionals in the field of video
game music.
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The Art of Scoring for Video Games

Teaching and Learning Methods Primary lessons with guest artists will take the form of synchronous
lecture-demonstrations over Zoom. These will be coupled with small independent work sessions and
ultimately assessed through work created in a portfolio of electronically rendered music.

Reading: Websites, Texts, and Software

N/A (see below for software and equipment needs)

Materials, Software, Equipment or Other Items the Student Will Need

For this class, the DAW we will be working in is Reaper. You are welcome to work with any DAW software that
you already own (i.e. Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, etc.), but if you do not own your own software then
we are recommending you purchase a copy of Reaper. However, it is required that you have your own
computer that is maintained and up-to-date so that it is capable of running your DAW software without
technical issues.

In addition, we are requiring all students to purchase a one-month license for the following:

• EastWest ComposerCloud: Huge variety of different products, including both sampled instruments and a
handful of unique synthesizers. They offer a monthly subscription service which grants you access to their full
catalogue for $20/month.

Below is a list of recommended software, sample libraries, and plug-ins. These are not required for the class,
but they will give you a distinct edge in producing high quality music:

Orchestral:

● Spitfire Audio: The Albion libraries are robust collections of sampled orchestral instruments
performing a huge variety of different techniques to give you a broad sonic palate to work with.
Spitfire LABS are free software instruments from standard string, wind, and keyboard samples
to more experimental instruments like Frozen Strings and Granular Whalesong.

o https://www.spitfireaudio.com/
o https://labs.spitfireaudio.com/

Effects, Percussion, Synths:

● Native Instruments: Komplete Ultimate 13: A Diverse and highly versatile collection of software
instruments and effects that includes synthesizers, percussion, and numerous sample libraries. It’s a
fantastic set of tools that come in handy in a wide range of situations.

o https://www.native-instruments.com/en/catalog/komplete/

● Arturia: V Collection 8: A collection of 28 modeled analog synthesizes and keyboards. Int includes a
virtual CS 80, so this is a great collection to pick up if you want to compose some Blade Runner-esque
synthwave!

o https://www.arturia.com/

Piano and Keyboards:

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The Art of Scoring for Video Games

● Moddartt: Pianoteq 7: Pianoteq is a virtual instrument that models several different pianos, including
a Steinway D, a Bechstein grand, and an assortment of electric pianos and historical instruments. It
does not use samples, so it is less resource-heavy and takes up a small fraction of the hard drive space
other sampled instruments would. It does not sound as good as the pianos offered by VSL, but it is
cheaper and less hardware intensive. You can also tweak a multitude of different parameters to create
some interesting sounds

o https://www.modartt.com/pianoteq#overview

● UVI: IRCAM Prepared Piano: A niche software instrument that is extremely fun to play with, and
offers a huge palette of sonic possibilities.

o https://www.uvi.net/en/pianos-keyboards/ircam-prepared-piano.html

Chiptunes:

● Famitracker: Emulates the tracker software that composers would have used to program the sound
chips on vintage consoles, such as the NES. It’s free!

o http://famitracker.com/

● FamiStudio: Enables the creation of authentic NES-style chiptune music in a user-friendly DAW-like
interface. It’s free!

o https://famistudio.org/

● Magical 8bit Plug 2: A simple plug-in that emulates the NES sound chip that should work in any DAW.
It’s free!

o https://ymck.net/app/magical-8bit-plug-en

● Plogue: Chipsounds: A more robust software synthesizer that models sound chips of several vintage
video game consoles.

o https://www.plogue.com/products/chipsounds.html

● Impact Soundworks: Super Audio Cart: A software instrument that contains audio sampled directly
from vintage consoles including the NES, SNES, Gameboy, Commodore 64, and others.

o https://impactsoundworks.com/product/super-audio-cart/

Overview of Assignments and Course Expectations

• Projects 600 points

- Project 1: Stingers (50 points)

- Project 2: Interactive title Screen Music (125 points)
- Project 3: Layered Cue (Ambience vs. Tension) (125 points)
- Project 4: Scoring a cut scene (125 points)
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The Art of Scoring for Video Games

- Project 5: Interactive Cue (125 points)

- Project 6: Student Choice (50 points)

● Final Project and Presentation 200 points

- Presented during final student showcases
- Students will take one of their previously created projects and
finalize it for presentation.

● Class participation 100 points

● Class presentation 100 points

= 1000 points

Grading Policy (Evaluation Methods & Criteria)

Grading Scale

Points on Assignment Letter Grade Grade Points

100-90 A 4

89-80 B 3

79-70 C 2

69-60 D 1

59 and below F 0.0

General Grading Rubric

A Student performance has been outstanding and indicates an exceptional degree of academic achievement in
meeting learning outcomes and course requirements. Projects exceed all expectations of academic and professional
quality.

B Student performance has been at a high level and indicates solid academic achievement in meeting learning
outcomes and course requirements. Projects meet a high level of academic and professional quality.

C Student performance has been adequate and indicates satisfactory academic achievement in meeting learning
outcomes and course requirements. Projects meet basic expectations of academic and professional quality.

D Student performance has been less than adequate and indicates deficiencies in meeting the learning outcomes
and/or course requirements. Projects do not meet basic expectations of academic and professional quality.

F Student performance has been unacceptable and indicates a failure to meet the learning outcomes and/or course
requirements. Projects are unacceptable and fail to meet expectations of academic and professional quality.
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The Art of Scoring for Video Games

Policies
The Creative Environment
You will be exposed to multiple teaching styles via the different guest artists. It is your responsibility to accept
and embrace each guest artist’s style and expectations. You will be asked to share your work publicly in class;
therefore, it is critical that you work with a spirit of openness, non-judgment, and respect for opinions and
beliefs not your own. Students are expected to be active participants in the online environment and should
minimize distractions wherever possible (i.e. cell phone use, texting, working in another browser during a
presentation, etc.).

Disruptive Classroom Behavior

The classroom is a special environment in which students and faculty come together to promote learning and
growth. It is essential to this learning environment that respect for the rights of others seeking to learn, respect
for the professionalism of the instructor, and the general goals of academic freedom are maintained.
Differences of viewpoint or concerns should be expressed in terms which are supportive of the learning
process, creating an environment in which students and faculty may learn to reason with clarity and
compassion, to share of themselves without losing their identities, and to develop an understanding of the
community in which they live. Student conduct which disrupts the learning process shall not be tolerated and
may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from class.

Food and Water

Please do not eat during class time unless we have scheduled a meal or snack together. You may of course have
something to drink during class.

Attendance, Punctuality, and In-Class Participation:

Attendance is mandatory; however, if you are ill or have an emergency, allowances may be made. Punctuality is
vital—you are expected to arrive ten minutes before the beginning of class—prepared!

Non-Discrimination
The California State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation in its
education programs or activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and
state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the
university (both on and off campus). Title IX protects all people regardless of their gender or gender identity
from sex discrimination, which includes sexual harassment and violence. If you experience any problems in
these areas, contact Joanne Sharp immediately at 562-951-4065.

Wellness Statement
Personal concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression, cross-cultural differences, etc.,
can interfere with your ability to succeed and thrive at the CSU Summer Arts/Fresno State. For helpful
resources contact Joanne Sharp at 562-951-4065, or jsharp@calstate.edu

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Fresno State seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If
you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Services for
Students with Disabilities (SSD) office at 559-278-2811. SSD will work with you and the instructor to make
arrangements for accommodations. All information in this course can be made available in alternative format
with prior notification to the SSD. (http://www.fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/ssd/).
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Students with Disabilities: Upon identifying themselves to the instructor and the university, students with
disabilities will receive reasonable accommodation for learning and evaluation. For more information, contact
Services to Students with Disabilities 559-278-2811.

For free tutoring on campus, contact the Learning Center (http://fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/lrc) in the
Collection Level (basement level) of the Henry Madden Library. You can reach them by phone at 559.278.3052.

Fresno State campus has developed SupportNet (http://fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/lrc/supportnet) to

connect students with specific campus resources promoting academic success. Students may be referred to it if
you believe they need the services provided by SupportNet to succeed in your course.

Campus or Local Emergencies

If you are required to leave the classroom or dorm room under the directive of your professor, or another
school official, do so immediately. Quickly gather and take your valuables with you, in case we are not allowed
to return to our classroom or dorm room. In the case of being evacuated from the classroom, immediately
check in for roll-call at your professor’s designated area.

Late Work and Make-Up Work Policy:

All projects and assignments are due at the beginning of the class period. In the case of an excused absence,
your assignment or project is due the day of your return. Late assignments and projects will be accepted up to
the next class meeting after its due date if your absence is unexcused. A 50% penalty will be applied to your
late assignment. NO assignment or project will be accepted after this subsequent class meeting. If you are
absent – excused or unexcused – it is YOUR responsibility to contact a classmate for any announcements and
assignments. All students are expected to attend the final project presentation. Failure to attend this
presentation will result in a grade of zero for your final project!

Honor Code
“Members of the Fresno State academic community adhere to principles of academic integrity and mutual
respect while engaged in university work and related activities.” You should:
a) understand or seek clarification about expectations for academic integrity in this course (including no
cheating, plagiarism and inappropriate collaboration)
b) neither give nor receive unauthorized aid on examinations or other course work that is used by the
instructor as the basis of grading.
c) take responsibility to monitor academic dishonesty in any form and to report it to the instructor or
other appropriate official for action.

Cheating and Plagiarism

Cheating is the actual or attempted practice of fraudulent or deceptive acts for the purpose of improving one's
grade or obtaining course credit; such acts also include assisting another student to do so. Typically, such acts
occur in relation to examinations. However, it is the intent of this definition that the term 'cheating' not be
limited to examination situations only, but that it include any and all actions by a student that are intended to
gain an unearned academic advantage by fraudulent or deceptive means. Plagiarism is a specific form of
cheating which consists of the misuse of the published and/or unpublished works of others by misrepresenting
the material (i.e., their intellectual property) so used as one's own work. Penalties for cheating and plagiarism
range from a 0 or F on a particular assignment, through an F for the course, to expulsion from the university.
For more information on the University's policy regarding cheating and plagiarism, refer to the Class Schedule
(Legal Notices on Cheating and Plagiarism) or the University Catalog (Policies and Regulations).

Plagiarism Detection
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The campus subscribes to Turnitin and the SafeAssign plagiarism prevention service through Blackboard, and
faculty members may elect to use these services. If used for your course, you will need to submit written
assignments to Turnitin/SafeAssign. Student work will be used for plagiarism detection and for no other
purpose. The student may indicate in writing to the instructor that he/she refuses to participate in the
plagiarism detection process, in which case the instructor can use other electronic means to verify the
originality of their work. Turnitin/SafeAssign. Originality reports will be available for your viewing.

Copyright Policy
Copyright laws and fair use policies protect the rights of those who have produced the material. The copy in
this course has been provided for private study, scholarship, or research. Other uses may require permission
from the copyright holder. The user of this work is responsible for adhering to copyright law of the U.S. (Title
17, U.S. Code). To help you familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, the University encourages
you to visit its Copyright Web Page http://www.fresnostate.edu/home/about/copyright.html
Blackboard course web sites contain material protected by copyrights held by the instructor, other individuals
or institutions. Such material is used for educational purposes in accord with copyright law and/or with
permission given by the owners of the original material. You may download one copy of the materials on any
single computer for non-commercial, personal, or educational purposes only, provided that you (1) do not
modify it, (2) use it only for the duration of this course, and (3) include both this notice and any copyright
notice originally included with the material. Beyond this use, no material from the course web site may be
copied, reproduced, re-published, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way without the
permission of the original copyright holder. The instructor assumes no responsibility for individuals who
improperly use copyrighted material placed on the web site.

Adding and Dropping Classes

Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about the adding/dropping of classes,
academic renewals, etc. Students can find more information on adding and dropping at
http://www.fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/classschedule/registration/add-drop.html.

This syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.

CSU Summer Arts 2021 at Fresno State

College of Arts and Humanities
REFINED SCHEDULED

Date Time Topic Activity/Artist/Faculty

Tuesday 10:00 am - noon Course Introduction, Scoring for Video Games Overview, Meet Kenneth Froelich and Michael Krikorian
Michael Krikorian
July 20 1:00 - 2:00pm Lecture: History of Video Game Music, Analog Synthesis Michael Krikorian
2:15 - 4:00pm Introduction to Project 1: Stingers and Project 2: Interactive Michael Krikorian
Title Screen music
4:00 - 7:00pm Independent work on Projects 1 and 2 with Michael Krikorian Michael Krikorian
(drop in room)
7-8:30pm Kickoff Event
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Wednesday 9:30am - noon Meet Garry Schyman and his music Garry Schyman
July 21 1:00-3:30pm Project 3 Introduction: Layered cue, ambience/tension Garry Schyman & Michael Krikorian

4:30-6:00pm Project 1 due - Listen to tracks and workshop with Michael Michael and Kenneth

Thursday 9:00 - noon Independent work with Michael Krikorian (drop in or sign-up); Michael Krikorian & Kenneth Froelic
Tech-help room with Dr. Froelich (drop in)
July 22 1:00 - 2:30pm Group review of projects in process Kenneth Froelich and Michael Krikorian
7:00 - 8:30pm Project 2 due - listen and workshop with Michael Michael Krikorian

Friday 11:00am - 12:30pm Masterclass with Garry Schyman Garry Schyman

July 23 3:30 - 5:00pm Garry Schyman - Professional Lecture Garry Schyman

7:00 - 8:30pm Project 3 due - Listen and workshop with Garry Garry Schyman

Saturday 9:00-12:00 noon Lecture: Introductions and collaboration Jason Hayes

July 24 1:00-2:30 PM Project 4A: Collaborative Composition part 1 Jason Hayes

6:00-7:30 PM Collaborative Compositon part 2 Jason Hayes

Sunday 9:00-12:00 noon Intro to scoring cut scene & work Proj4B Jason Hayes
July 25 1:00-2:30 PM Open office hours on zoom to coach and support as needed Jason Hayes
(3-4 min each)
6:00-7:30 PM Final presentation of cut scene (Project 4B)

Monday morning Free

July 26 afternoon Free
night Free

Tuesday 8:00am - 10:00am Lecture: Interactive music Edouard Brenneisen

10:15 - 11:15am Lecture: Ambient music Edouard Brenneisen

July 27 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm Project 5: Interactive cue, exploration/stealth/combat Edouard Brenneisen

Wednesday 8:00 - 11:00am Roundtables on Project 5, portfolio review Edouard Brenneisen

July 28 afternoon Independent work on Project 5 (individual time, drop-ins with Drs. Froelich and Krikorian available)
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6:00 - 7:30pm Project 5 due: Listen and workshop with Edouard Edouard Brenneisen

Thursday 10:00am-noon Lecture: Audio Production, Mixing, and Mastering. Peter Scaturro
Collaborating with game developers.
July 29 2pm - 4pm Case Study: The Unfinished Swan Peter Scaturro
6pm - 8pm Lab work and Mastering with Peter Peter Scaturro

Friday 8:00am - noon Lab work and Mastering with Peter Peter Scaturro
July 30 2pm - 4pm Case Study: The Ghost of Tsushima Peter Scaturro
NOON Presentations for Public Showcase DUE

Saturday 11:00 - 12:00 Project 6 - Student Choice Michael Krikorian

July 31 2:00 - 5:00 Lab work with Michael Michael Krikorian
evening/night Free

Sunday 10:00 - 12:00 Lab work with Michael Michael Krikorian

August 1 1:00 - 5:00pm Summer Arts Showcase Summer Arts
Free

Monday 10:00 - 12:00 Project 6 due: Listen and workshop with Michael Michael Krikorian

August 2 1:00 - 2:00 Reflection Michael and Kenneth

5:00 - 7:00PM Social All guests!

* Additional times to meet with Dr. Froelich and Dr. Krikorian will be available each available day on a sign-up or drop-in basis.