Music for New Media

Videogames, Web sites, and other new media are creating more opportunities for contemporary music writers than have ever existed before.

In this book, you will learn to write effectively for these new forms, mastering the devices, sounds, and techniques for supporting stories and responding to user actions. It details the technical and dramatic requirements necessary for each type of new media. In engaging language, illustrated by countless real-world examples and practical workshops, writers at all levels will find ways to create music for new markets, and find new opportunities for creative expression.

Guided hands-on projects will help you create music in all these forms. A CD of examples and practice files illustrate all concepts and lets you practice the techniques.

Learn to:

• Identify new media work opportunities for creating music

• Develop musical identities, create loops and sequences, and learn other practices that are common to all new media

• Score videogames, developing music for different characters, addressing the standard types of scenes and cues, and the formats required by game publishers

• Develop music for Web sites, including HTML and Flash code

• Add music to presentations that support the presenter's message

• Use sound technologies within mobile devices to create distinctive ringtones and other sounds

• Create demos and portfolios for getting clients

Paul Hoffert has created music for hundreds of projects in many forms of media, and a pioneer of creating and understanding interactive content. He is Chair of the Guild of Canadian Film Composers, a faculty fellow at Harvard University, and a Fine Arts Professor at York University.

"With new, interactive media being introduced to the world faster than ever before, composers often find themselves facing a learn-as-you-go mindset. Paul Hoffert has written a wonderfully informative guidebook to help composers navigate their way through the interactive media waters with newfound confidence and creativity. Neophyte and experienced composers alike will benefit from this inspiring treatise. Kudos to Paul!"

—Alf Clausen, Composer, The Simpsons

"This book takes a topic very large in scope and complexity and distills it into an easy read, perfect for either individual or classroom study. It is a major leap beyond anything else out there, yet still very accessible and thoughtfully laid out. As a teacher and curriculum consultant in modern arranging using music technology, I recommend this as the best book available on these topics."

—Gordon Durity, Senior Audio Director, Electronic Arts

"Amazing! This insightful book is perfect for beginners or pros interested in new media music."

—David Logan, Game Composer (Asteroids, Pac-Man World 2)

"Hoffert's book provides great insight into how songwriter/composers can thrive in the new videogame and interactive media industries."

—Stan Meissner, President of the Songwriters Association of Canada

"Digital media are creating the best opportunities for musicians' creative expression and monetary compensation. Paul Hoffert explains in plain language how composers can participate in this new world."

—Walter F. McDonough, General Counsel, Future of Music Coalition and Sound Exchange Board Member