Steve Horowitz

Written By Loic Maestracci

Founder, Director, Game Audio Institute

Critically acclaimed as one of the foremost figures in the field, Composer Steven Horowitz is the founder of the Game Audio Institute and teaches music composition at San Francisco State University. Horowitz is also a long standing Audio Director/Composer at Nickelodeon/Paramount games where he has worked on scoring hundreds of beloved video games as well as garnering him Webby, Kid Screen and BDA awards. Steve is well known for his original score to the Academy Award nominated film Super Size Me. His compositions have been heard in television series like I Bet you Will and Casino Cinema for MTV Networks. Horowitz was honored with a GRAMMY award in 1996 for his engineering work on the album True Life Blues, the Songs of Bill Monroe. In addition to his work in dance, film, television, cartoons and video games, He also has a robust catalog of chamber and concert music. Horowitz is also the author of two books, The Essential Guide to Game Audio: The Theory and Practice of Sound for Games on Focal press, and The Theory And Practice Of Music For Games, published January 2024.

Website

Sessions

Schedule Database
Educate Yourself: Game Audio Education Office Hours A Casual Roundtable – Ask Anything!

Speakers: Steve Horowitz, Scott Looney

Everything you wanted to know about game audio education, but were afraid to ask. Whether you're a student, educator, or working professional, this interactive roundtable is your opportunity to ask questions and explore the many pathways into game audio. What are the latest degree and certificate programs? How do you start a game audio curriculum at your school? Is self-directed learning a viable path? What skills are employers actually looking for, and how can educational programs better prepare students for careers in the industry? This discussion will examine current trends in game audio education, emerging technologies, industry partnerships, portfolio development, mentorship, and the growing role of online and hybrid learning.

Bring your questions, experiences, and ideas for this open, informal conversation about the future of game audio education.

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Nov 14
Artificial What? The Real Scoop on AIA Practical Report from the Belly of the Beast

Speakers: Steve Horowitz, Scott Looney

Artificial intelligence is transforming audio, but separating genuine innovation from marketing hype can be a challenge. Presented by members of the Interactive Audio Special Interest Group (IASIG) of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and the MIDI Association, this session offers a practical, experience-based look at how AI is actually being used by today's game audio professionals. Drawing on the work of the IASIG AI Working Group, composed of leading composers, sound designers, audio directors, researchers, and technology companies, we'll share current findings, best practices, and real-world insights into the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Through live demonstrations and case studies, attendees will see and hear some of the latest AI-powered tools for music, sound design, dialogue, and audio production, while gaining a realistic understanding of their strengths, limitations, ethical considerations, and practical applications in game development. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting with these technologies, this session will provide an informed, balanced perspective—focused on what actually works, what doesn't, and where the industry is headed.

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