Video Gaming
NAME: Jason Atha
AGE: 21
SCHOOL: The University of Georgia
MAJOR: Music, Certificate in Music Business
CLASS OF: 2009
FAVE GAME: Guitar Hero
What would you like to be doing, career-wise, in 15 years? Include where you would like to be doing this. Part of going to college is deciding what to do with your life. Right now I am exploring several options in the music business field. Given my extensive musical background, and my training with Chris Rickwood (freelance video game composer); I can see myself being a coordinator or supervisor of music with a company that releases products to the public. Examples of these would be a music supervisor with a gaming company, or television/movie company. In terms of where I would like to do this, I would like to live close to a big city, perhaps Chicago or Indianapolis.
Scholarships, honors, and awards I was picked to intern with Chris Rickwood, a video game composer who lives in Atlanta. His credits include Evil Dead, Metroid, various compositions with Cartoon Network and he was on the team of composers hired by Associated Production Music (APM) to rearrange “Heavy Action”, the signature theme of Monday Night Football on ESPN.
Why did you choose Videogaming? I have always liked video games. Unfortunately, with my class schedule playing them becomes a bit of a challenge! There is something about finding a game that allows you to escape the stresses of life and lets you enjoy a few moments of excitement. I think if given the time and compensation, most people would choose to play video games. Video games are able to connect to children better than any teacher (don’t inform your teachers of this!). As far as I see it, video games are here to stay. This makes for a very lucrative career option.
Tell us about the program at UGA? I am a junior this year at UGA and take part in several different programs. The Music Business program led by Bruce Burch and Steve Dancz has helped me feel confident I can enter the music business with great success. I had sessions in the New Media Institute with Dr. Scott Shamp. His cutting edge Second Life class is very intriguing. I am also a student of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music.
If you could design and/or produce a video game, what would it be? A new game that is intrigued me beyond belief is an educational game for children called Groovy. This program allows young children to learn about music and at the same time do something they enjoy, playing video games. If I had to design a game, I would design one that would be so addicting no one would stop playing, but yet educational enough so parents/significant others couldn’t complain. Perhaps a more intense Guitar Hero? Is that even possible?
What are your favorite games?
- Guitar Hero
- Rock Band
- Return to Castle Wolfenstein
- Groovy
- Wii Sports
- Final Fantasy VII
- Red Faction
List your hobbies and interests I enjoy playing club sports such as flag football and golf. People tell me I have a knack for being a handyman, and I do enjoy fixing pretty much everything I can. I am an auto mechanic and I am usually working on my car (many times not by choice). I constantly listen to music of all genres and play several musical instruments including the clarinet, euphonium, and guitar.