The Japanese video game music canon is vast and full of iconic titles deserving study, from Super Mario to Final Fantasy, to Touhou. In this crash course, we will examine video game music literature via the three available methods of score study: lead sheets/sheet music, MIDI transcriptions, and form charts. We will break down hits of video game music and understand form, harmony, melody, and arrangement, using concepts specific to VGM. Students will practice essential compositional exercises, including analyses, transcription, and modelling. This foundational course provides the toolkit of all the concepts, analytical skills, and compositional practices essential for any composer wishing to pursue game music composition.
Prerequisites: Ability to read lead sheets, basic DAW skills (any DAW; notation software acceptable but a DAW is recommended)