Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

"This book is a must read for newcomers and experienced composers wanting to learn more about the art of video game composition."

--Chuck Doud, Director of Music, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios

All You Need to Know to Create Great Video Game Music

Written by the developer of Berklee School of Music's pioneering game scoring program, this guide covers everything professional composers and music students need to know about composing interactive music for video games, and contains exclusive tools for interactive scoring--tools that were previously available only at Berklee.

Drawing on twenty years of professional experience in the game industry, Michael Sweet helps you master the unique language of music storytelling in games. Next, he walks you through the entire music composition process, from initial conceptualization and creative direction through implementation.

Inside, you'll find dozens of examples that illustrate adaptive compositional techniques, from small downloadable games to multimillion dollar console titles. In addition, this guide covers the business side of video game composition, sharing crucial advice about contracts, pricing, sales, and marketing.

Coverage includes

The companion website contains software tools to help you master interactive music concepts explored in this book, with additional resources and links to learn more about scoring for games. See Appendix A for details.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Introduction
• Part I Scoring for Games
• 1 The Language of Music Storytelling in Games
• 2 Breaking Down Interactive Music
• 3 Spotting the Game
• 4 Working with a Game Development Team
• 5 Historical Perspective of Experimental Music by Non-Digital Composers including Aleatoric, Chance Music, and Indeterminacy
• 6 Overview of Video Game Composition Over the Last 30 Years
• Part II Fundamental Video Game Scoring Techniques
• 7 Composing Music Loops
• 8 Horizontal Re-Sequencing
• 9 Vertical Re-Mixing, Recombination and Phasing
• 10 Writing Transitions and Stingers
• 11 Music as a Sound Design Element
• 12 Music as a Gameplay Element
• Part III Advanced Video Game Scoring Techniques
• 13 Taking Steps Backwards Midi, Virtual Instruments, Synthesis and Memory
• 14 Rhythm vs. Non-Rhythm and Tempo Variation
• 15 Dynamic Re-Harmonization
• 16 Aleatoric Techniques for Video Games
• 17 An Introduction to Algorithmic Composition
• 18 Music and Audio Middleware Solutions
• 19 Creating a Custom Music Solution
• Part IV Bringing Music into the Game
• 20 Composing Music with a DAW
• 21 Notation, Recording and Mixing
• 22 Mixing, Surround, DSP, and Effects
• 23 Collaborative Tools, Implementation Strategies and Technical Considerations
• 24 Bringing it All Together: Large Scale Music Development
• Part V The Business of Scoring Music for Video Games
• 25 The Life of a Composer
• 26 Contracts, Rights and the Concept of Work for Hire
• 27 Creating an Estimate or Bid
• 28 Negotiating Tactics
• 29 Marketing and Sales
• 30 Challenges of Working as a Composer
• Conclusion
• Appendixes
• Glossary
• Recommended Books, Groups, and Websites
• References