Casino Game Makers Partner with Master of Music Technology Program

Published: May 18, 2017 | Read Time: 2 minutes

The Master of Music Technology (MMMT) at Southern Utah University has partnered with Casino Game Makers (CGM) to provide paid music composition and sound design opportunities for those enrolled in the graduate program. Students work closely with CGM staff to provide the musical soundtrack and effects for gaming devices, which are found at casinos throughout the world. Dr. Steve Meredith, MMMT director, worked closely with Dre Freden, Lead Game Designer for CGM to establish the partnership.

“The MMMT program features a curriculum that is project-based, with the intent that these projects will form the core of a student’s professional portfolio,” said Dr. Meredith. “Opportunities like the CGM partnership not only help to prepare students for the type of work situations that are typical of the current music profession, but they also help musicians expand the way they define themselves professionally. Students who would not primarily identify themselves as composers can be active participants in this type of project and in so doing, expand their skill set and help them identify new potential income streams.”

Dre Freden from CGM sees the partnership as a win-win situation. "It's great to see students in the program be so engaged in each new project, and really dig in to give us exactly what we need. Because CGM places games all over the world, we think that scoring or doing sound design for one of our games is a really nice ‘bullet point’ for a professional resume. And of course, the company benefits because we no longer have to use generic library music, but instead we get customized music that helps our machines stand out in a very competitive environment."

Chance Wilson, a student in the MMMT program, recently provided music for the upcoming

CGM game The Deep. For him, the experience was both professionally and artistically challenging.

“There is a real art and craft to writing music with such specific parameters,” said Wilson. “The experience helps me to develop the discipline required for specific musical applications in film, TV and video games, which is where I want to end up working.”

The Master of Music Technology is a project-based program designed for musicians who wish to use technology to enhance and expand their current skillset as a performer, educator, composer or technician. All students enroll in core courses in music technology, and then choose a study track - - Performance Technology or Studio Technology. The degree consists of 30-credits, all offered online, and includes regular interaction with other students, and instructors who are working music technology professionals.

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