From February 12-16, aspiring composers and video game enthusiasts gathered for a unique opportunity to learn about scoring for video games from the legendary Clint Bajakian. Over the course of these hands-on workshops, Bajakian shared his wealth of knowledge, covering everything from creative scoring techniques to adaptive music design and project workflow.
Bajakian’s career in game audio spans over three decades, and he is celebrated for his contributions to the field. Winner of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Game Audio Network Guild, Bajakian has worked with industry giants like Sony PlayStation, LucasArts Entertainment, and Bay Area Sound, creating soundtracks for some of gaming’s most iconic titles. Throughout the week, he drew on this extensive experience, guiding participants through the nuances of scoring for interactive media.
Workshop Highlights
Each workshop offered a unique glimpse into Bajakian’s creative process. Active participants received feedback on their compositions, while passive attendees observed the scoring techniques in real time, gaining valuable insight from one of the industry’s best.
- Creative Scoring Techniques: Bajakian demonstrated how to craft immersive, memorable music that enhances gameplay, sharing techniques he developed over his career.
- Adaptive Music Design: Attendees learned how to create music that adapts seamlessly to gameplay, a vital skill for elevating the player’s experience.
- Project Workflow: Bajakian discussed the production side of game audio, offering practical tips on project management and effective collaboration within the industry.
The workshops were not only a learning experience but also an inspiring journey through the evolution of game music. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how video game scoring works and valuable insights from one of the field’s true pioneers.
More about Clint Bajakian
Clint Bajakian’s journey in music began early in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, where he took his first musical steps at age eight. His talent and passion blossomed during his middle school years, performing in marching bands and playing in a variety of rock bands from 1977 to 1984. Bajakian’s formal music education began at the New England Conservatory, where he earned double Bachelor’s degrees in Classical Guitar Performance and Music Theory. He went on to complete a Master of Music in Composition from the University of Michigan.
In 1991, Bajakian joined LucasArts, recruited by longtime friend and fellow musician Michael Land. At LucasArts, he quickly established himself as a standout composer, collaborating with Land and Peter McConnell to create soundtracks for iconic games. Bajakian’s Ennio Morricone-inspired score for the 1997 western shooter Outlaws earned him significant acclaim, including a Special Achievement award from Computer Gaming Magazine.
After leaving LucasArts in 2000, he launched his own sound production company, which eventually became Bay Area Sound. During this period, Bajakian broadened his creative horizons by collaborating with other game publishers and composing for film projects like The Upgrade. In 2004, he joined Sony Computer Entertainment as Senior Music Manager, where he led the music production team and contributed to original scores until 2013. Following his time at Sony, Bajakian became VP of Development and Composer at Pyramind Studios, where he worked on major projects, including World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor for Blizzard Entertainment.
A trailblazer in his field, Bajakian was the co-founder and first Vice President of the Game Audio Network Guild and is a member of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences. His remarkable contributions to the field of video game music have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Game Audio Network Guild in 2013 and the Outstanding Alumni Award from the New England Conservatory in 2012.
Bajakian’s legacy in game music continues to inspire, as he remains an influential figure in the industry, guiding and mentoring the next generation of composers and sound designers.