The National Music in Games Society 2026 Virtual Summit

March 6th-7th, 2026

Join us for a groundbreaking virtual experience that's reshaping the future of music education.

The National Music in Games Society 2026 Virtual Summit isn’t just another conference—it’s a game changing gathering where the worlds of video game music, education, and professional artistry collide! Through this event we aim to foster community engagement, educational innovation, and professional development within the VGM field, and to empower a new generation of musicians, educators, and creators to harness the transformative power of video game music.

Learn more about the participants here!

Concert Photo from National Music in Games Society concert

Program

(All times are Eastern Standard Time)

March 6th

KEYNOTE: 8-BIT MUSIC THEORY | 5:00-6:30pm

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE: Indiana University Music in Games Society | 6:30-7:00pm

March 7th

PANEL 1: VGM in K-12 and Ensemble Spaces | 10:30am-12:00pm

Breaking Down the Classroom Walls

Discover how visionary educators are already using video game music to create immersive learning experiences. Including insights from elementary general music classrooms, middle school string ensembles, youth composition programs, and private studios, this session will offer you practical strategies that work.

Panelists: Becca Michaelson, Chelsea Holmes, Dr. Benjamin Taylor

LUNCH | 12:00-1:00pm

PANEL 2: VGM in the Collegiate Setting | 1:00-2:30pm

Building Communities, Advancing Scholarship

Learn from leading ludomusicologists, music educators, and student organization leaders who are creating vibrant communities around VGM in the collegiate setting. Whether you're interested in starting a video game music ensemble, conducting research in the field, or looking to expand your program's offerings, this session provides the roadmap.

Panelists: Dr. Elizabeth Medina-Gray, Dr. Christopher Cayari, Ava Andrews

PANEL 3: VGM Post-Graduation | 2:30-4:00pm

Continuing Your Professional Journey

The transition from student to professional can feel overwhelming, but the VGM community offers unprecedented opportunities. Connect with industry professionals and scoring faculty, learn about mentorship opportunities, and discover how to build a career that combines your musical skills with your passion for games. From performing in video game orchestras to composing for game developers, your path forward has never been clearer.

Panelists: Thomas Kresge, Eli Bishop, Dr. Roger Neill