Screen Music Program Unveils ‘Summer School’ of Sound Bridging the Gap between Composers and Gaming
The Screen Music Program continues to carve out space for composers who want their work heard in film, television, and video games. What began as a compact online residency has grown into a dual-track experience that now includes an in-person summer residency in Italy and a focused winter edition in Los Angeles, giving participants direct access to professional recording and industry mentorship.
Participants still present original scores for professional recording, attend lectures and masterclasses, and receive individual feedback. The program keeps its emphasis on practical craft while expanding the settings where that craft is tested and refined.
Program Evolution and In-Person Residencies
The summer residency now runs August 4–14, 2026, in the Belluno area of northern Italy. Earlier in-person editions took place in Pavia in 2024 and 2025, marking a deliberate move from the fully remote model to a location-based experience. The 2026 residency also highlights a new collaboration with Spitfire Audio, pairing participants with contemporary scoring tools and techniques used across current game and film projects.
The low-residency structure still suits self-directed composers, yet the Italian setting adds time for in-person collaboration, ensemble rehearsals, and informal exchanges that only happen when participants share the same room. The shift reflects how the program has responded to demand for direct contact between emerging composers and working professionals.
Winter Edition: Composer's Assistant Training
A new three-day Los Angeles edition runs January 7–9, 2026, and focuses on the assistant role that many composers occupy early in their careers. Limited to seventy participants on a first-come, first-served basis, the winter program carries a registration deadline of January 5, 2026. Sessions cover workflow, cue delivery, and the day-to-day realities of supporting lead composers on active projects.
By offering a compact, city-based option, the program creates an additional entry point for composers who cannot commit to a longer summer residency yet want targeted training and Los Angeles networking. The winter edition sits alongside the established summer track rather than replacing it.
Industry Partnerships and Resources
Spitfire Audio’s involvement supplies participants with sample libraries and technical guidance that align with current studio practice. The mdi ensemble remains the primary recording group, continuing its concert series and preparing for 2026–2027 projects that include new commissions and expanded recording sessions. These partnerships give composers access to both the tools and the players required to move from sketch to finished recording.
Faculty continuity adds another layer of stability. Core instructors Alison Plante, Clint Bajakian, Paolo Tortiglione, Diego Ricchiuti, and program director Paolo Fosso appear across recent editions, joined by returning guests Norihiko Hibino and Inon Zur. Their combined credits span long-running game franchises and concert-hall commissions, providing a broad reference for students at different career stages.
Recent Alumni Outcomes and Community Growth
Alumni from the 2024 and 2025 editions continue to cite the value of live recording sessions and direct feedback from working composers. The in-person format has strengthened peer connections that extend beyond the residency weeks, with participants exchanging referrals and co-commission opportunities months later. The program’s global reach remains intact; recent cohorts include composers from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Application materials stay straightforward. Candidates submit a resume and audio samples representing their current style. For the summer 2026 residency the deadline is May 30, with notification on May 31 and payment due June 30. The winter edition follows its own compressed timeline. Tuition and exact session schedules appear on the official site, and questions go directly to program director Paolo Fosso.
The Screen Music Program keeps its original mission—helping composers develop a professional portfolio while connecting them to working ensembles and established mentors—while adjusting format and location to meet changing industry expectations. Whether participants choose the Italian residency or the Los Angeles winter session, the core offer remains consistent: structured feedback, professional recording, and a network that continues after the final masterclass ends.
https://screenmusicprogram.com
https://screenmusicprogram.com/apply
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