composition for media, video and games

Making music is at the very heart of our education program. Whether the students’ major discipline is creating, performing or producing classical music, pop, jazz, making musical instruments, or any combination of these disciplines, technical skills (instrumental technique, soft- and hardware, craftmanship) and creative skills (composition, improvisation, design) are of the utmost importance, supported by solid theoretical foundations (music theory, human and natural sciences). In addition to the skill set, we cultivate the so-called curating mindset: a prosperous artistic practice requires a researching mind, continual critical reflection, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Making music requires playing together, with or in front of an audience. Even when a student is pursuing a solo career, we believe that musical collaboration in various contexts is key. To this end we offer and stimulate various ensemble practices, e.g. (big)band, chamber ensemble, choir, studio recording sessions, orchestra, creative labs and interdisciplinary collectives. Students need to be able to present often and have their work confronted with peers and audiences, from experimental creations in the safe environment of the school’s premises, over musical instrument exhibitions and try-outs, to official concerts in public venues on and off campus.

Making music is a relational practice, where a musician as well as a musical instrument maker connects with a complex and intertwined ecosystem of colleagues, stakeholders, and audiences. Throughout our education program, we underscore and facilitate networking in expanding circles: from self-care and self-reliance, over creating collaborative networks with other artists and cultural organizations, up to a critical and socially engaged attitude to the global world we live in.

You will acquire all the necessary knowledge and skills to work as an artist and professional in the audiovisual sector. We train you to become a critical thinker who develops their own artistic practice and makes valuable contributions to a wide range of audiovisual productions. Our curriculum is designed with the professional field in mind, fostering an entrepreneurial and collaborative mindset.

The main subject Composition for Documentary, Animated Film, and Games focuses on composing for audiovisual creations. In the subject Composition for Theater and Live Context, you will learn to think about and create from the power of music as a mediator in different contexts. The virtual orchestration and electroacoustics course units provide you with the technical knowledge needed to thrive in a constantly and rapidly evolving practice. 

Our collaboration with HOWEST offers the opportunity to become acquainted with the medium of games and develop the necessary technical competencies for this specific field. This will enable you to effectively engage creatively. The collaboration with Film Fest Gent offers you an annual opportunity to participate in a wide range of masterclasses, lectures, and film music concerts.