From concert halls to consoles, SFCM brought its symphonic power to the Game Developers Conference (GDC) once again. 

For the 2025 Main Stage event on March 19, an orchestra composed almost completely of SFCM students performed a medley of notable game scores throughout history, with a spotlight on games released last year. Organizers billed the event at the Moscone Center in San Francisco as an hour of unforgettable music and a celebration of the craft and creativity that make games a powerful artistic medium.  

Austin Wintory on the GDC Main Stage leading the orchestra.

“When we played, everyone went crazy!” violin student Diego De La Cruz Iwadare (‘25) said. “Playing at GDC made me remember how good video game music is and how impactful it is to the gaming community.” Orchestral music is often used in creative ways in video games to shape emotion, build tension, and advance narrative just as it does in film. Composers use the orchestra to build immersive soundscapes that respond in real time to a player's choices.

The Game Developers Conference brought nearly 30,000 attendees to San Francisco for a week of all things gaming. Under the baton of Austin Wintory, the concert was the centerpiece of the GDC through the Conservatory's Hire SFCM initiative and Professional Development and Engagement Center (PDEC). Students performed a similar concert last year, also on the main stage. 

Diego De La Cruz Iwadare (‘25) (center).

"These types of performances offer real-world experience for our students," said PDEC Director Kristen Klehr. “These jobs give our students a competitive advantage in the music industry  even before they graduate.”

Unique performance opportunities like this are common for Hire SFCM. In the past students have performed alongside Kronos Quartet, Chris Potter at SFJAZZ, and even at a pro-wrestling event. In 2023, the program paid out more than $100,000 to SFCM students.. 

Students perform in front of a packed audience of hundreds at GDC.

In addition to the main stage, SFCM played a part of the Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G.) Awards at GDC. Technology and Applied Composition (TAC) faculty Daria Novoliantceva performed an original “Music of the Year Medley” of video game music with a live band for the awards show. TAC student Britney Do helped with orchestration. The performance featured fellow faculty, alumni, and students, including, Cullen Luper, Jess Konye, Clark Evans, Miles Turk, and Alan Jones. 

“I had the joy of arranging six iconic pieces into one cohesive medley and rehearsing with our amazing student performers,” Novoliantceva said. Calling it a rewarding experience, she continued, “The rehearsal process turned into a true creative collaboration—students contributed ideas that elevated the arrangement even further. I also had the pleasure of joining them on stage for the performance. It was a powerful reminder of the talent, passion, and magic that thrives in our community when we come together to celebrate game music.”

TAC Executive Director Steven Horowitz was also on hand for GDC. Horowitz led a roundtable discussion on Developing Deeper Player Engagement and Emotional Connection Through Sound and Design Roundtable. Leaders in the industry discussed ways to collaborate on shared visions across music, gameplay and sound design. Horowitz also moderated the Interactive Audio Special Interest Groups (IASIG) 31st annual Town Hall.  

Students perform in front of an audience of hundreds.

“GDC was phenomenal this year,” Horowitz said, “From the opening ceremony to the G.A.N.G Awards, SFCM TAC students were well represented and did such high-level work. One of the highlights for me was when our students presented their amazing composition, sound design and implementation work in a creative partnership with the game design students from Mills College at Northeastern University . The two games they showed off on the expo floor, Galactic University and Mo, were super-fun and well-received.”

Technology and Applied Composition Executive Director Steven Horowitz.

“GDC is the place where developers from all over the world come together to advance the state of the art. TAC students are right there in the mix, getting a chance to develop their networks and careers before they graduate,” Horowitz added. 

In addition to his time at SFCM, Horowitz is also the co-author of The Theory And Practice Of Music For Games, published January 2024,  and nominated for Best Game Audio Article or Publication at the G.A.N.G awards. 

Learn more about studying Technology and Applied Composition at SFCM.