FSAE has welcomed veteran game composer Jack Wall as 2024-25 course leader for its intensive module in Scoring for Video Games, a key component of its MFA degree program in Music for Motion Pictures & Contemporary Media.
Jack’s history in game music dates to 2001, with Myst III, but his name has become synonymous with Treyarch’s Call Of Duty franchise, and specifically the Black Ops series, for which he has composed music from 2012 to 2024’s Black Ops 6.
He is also co-founder of the Game Audio Network Guild and, with Tommy Tallarico, the Video Games Live concert series. Beyond his ample credits in the game music world, however, Jack also brings FSAE students his experience as a recording engineer, arranger and producer for iconic 80s and 90s artists like Patti Smith, John Cale and David Byrne. “As with many of the professionals we bring into the masters program,” says dean Andy Hill, “he speaks from a deep well of experience. In other words, he knows his stuff.” We are very grateful to Mikolai Stroinski, who has ably led the game scoring module for the past three years, for recommending him. Jack will be joined for selected lessons by his wife, lyricist, and partner-in-crime, Cindy Shapiro.
Guest lecturers for the 2024-25 edition of the Game Scoring module will include Triple-A game composer Austin Wintory (Journey, Abzu) and Russell Brower (World of Warcraft).
What our students had to say about the experience:
What a pleasure and an honour to study with such an experienced and successful composer. I knew Jack was a great composer, but I was pleased to discover that he is also a very good teacher, with a genuine desire to give and to share his knowledge. In just three weeks, he introduced us to some of the most famous composers and music directors in the video game industry. It was also very impressive to sit next to him and see him in action in the studio during the recording session. But most of all, I will remember the advice and feedback I received from him.
— Arthur Chanson, France
I really learned a great deal from the video game scoring module. Especially the classes where Jack deconstructed his Call of Duty scores. He showed us the rough cinematic video he received with the temp music, then showed us his own scoring approach. The in-game scoring techniques, especially, answered many questions I had prior to this module.
— Acheron Chen, Taiwan
Working with Jack Wall was a dream come true as a composer with their sights on the games industry. Jack offered direct insight into the current standards and demands of the game industry by sharing his work and inviting us into conversation with others in the industry. The video game module with Jack went above and beyond my expectations and I walked away with tools and knowledge that will be invaluable across my career.
Jack Wall is an incredibly open and persevering teacher and an even kinder and cooler person to have the opportunity to learn from. It was an absolute honor getting to learn from him and you could always tell that his heart and effort were always aimed at making sure we as students were getting the best help and experience possible.
On a personal ending note, as someone with almost exclusively video game music knowledge and interest, getting to learn from Jack was incredible. I was going into this module hoping to gain insight into the current standard for the video game industry and gain applicable skills, and Jack delivered above and beyond my expectations. He gave me such valuable feedback and confidence in my skillset and work. I don’t think I could have asked for anything more and I’m so honored to have had such a rare opportunity to learn from a legend like Jack.
— Malia Morhman, USA
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