ABOUT
AGMF celebrates the artistry and innovation of video game music through training, education, live performance, and interdisciplinary collaboration among composers, developers, and the next generation of creatives, who learn directly from guest composers and industry professionals.
Organizers
ı Global Arts United (GAU)
ı Density512 (featured chamber orchestra)
Collaborators
ı Austin Community College
Leadership
Director: Diogo Carvalho
Managing Director: Dinah Bianchi
PROGRAM
ı Daily Highlights:
Day 1: Arrival, Welcome Reception
Day 2: Orientation, Orchestra Rehearsals, Meetings
Day 3: Lectures, Orchestra Rehearsals
Day 4: Lectures and Feedback Sessions
Day 5: Lectures and Orchestra Rehearsals
Day 6: Lectures and Feedback Sessions
Day 7: Orchestra Dress Rehearsal and Concert
Day 8: Free Day
Day 9: Orchestra Rehearsals!
Day 10: Closing Concert
Day 11: Departure
ı Special Events:
– Community Night (participant showcases, open to public)
– AGMF Concert (participant compositions)
ı Participants will produce original music for a new/unreleased game (portfolio-ready). Excerpts will be rehearsed and performed by Density512 chamber orchestra
ı AGMF Participation Includes:
– Rehearsals and Concert Performance (recorded) with Density512
– Lectures, Lessons, and Feedback Session with Industry Leaders
– Optional Pairing with Local Game Developers
– Housing
APPLY
ı Application Requirements:
– Complete the application form (link below)
– Submit a portfolio sample (score and/or audio; MIDI submissions are accepted)
ı Fee: TBA, which includes housing, lectures and lessons, facilities, faculty and guest artists, access to all events, and professional ensemble services.
ı Key Dates:
– Application Deadline: TBA
– Acceptance Notifications: TBA
– First Deposit Due: TBA
ı Scholarship Opportunities:
– A limited number of additional scholarships may be available
– Applicants may submit a short optional essay addressing financial need and professional impact
FACULTY & GUESTS
Guest Faculty: Virginia Leo, Jeremy Nathan Tisser, Kimberly Marlis, Thomas Yee, Jacob Schnitzer, Matt Piersall, Evan Harger, Jesse Zuretti, and Sydney Kjerstad Zuretti
Ensemble in Residence: Density512
Guest Developers / Industry Partners: (Game studio collaboration, list TBD)
EVENTS
ı Concert
– March 12: Density512 AGMF Concert (click for the flyer)
ı Public Panels / Roundtables
– “Identity and Representation in Video Game Music” (Thomas Yee)
– “Composing with 8-Bit Chiptune and Dynamic Audio” (Thomas Yee)
– “AGMF Panel” (Career Panel)
ı Composition Game Jam (coached)
– Virginia Leo leads our sessions, open to game developers in the region
SUPPORT
ı Support Opportunities
– AGMF provides a limited number of partial scholarships, through the general support of our donors.
– Applicants must submit short essay on financial need + career impact
ı Scholarship Support
– Donations help fund student participation. Contact us for submitting donations.
ı Friends of GAU
– Friends of Global Arts United (FGAU) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the educational and cultural mission of GAU through scholarships and fundraising. Contributions to Friends of GAU directly help emerging artists participate in programs like the Austin Game Music Festival, providing access to world-class training and international collaboration opportunities.