Alum

Gina Zdanowicz

Position
Associate Professor
Affiliated Departments

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Gina Zdanowicz is composer and sound designer in the world of video games, film, television, audio dramas, and interactive experiences. Her passion is storytelling through a mix of engaging sonic elements and innovative technology.

Career Highlights
  • Founder of Serial Lab Sound
  • Coauthor of The Game Audio Strategy Guide: A Practical Course
  • Speaking engagements include Game Developers Conference, GameSoundCon, Pax Dev West, and AES, and at universities including New York University
  • Game audio and interactive work includes Just Cause 3, Bioshock 2, Paladins, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, and Runewards, among many others
  • Course author and developer in the study of interactive audio
Awards
  • 2020 Audio Verse Awards nomination for environment sound design in a new production
  • 2019 Daytime Emmy nomination for sound design and music for Nick Jr. Block Party: Quest for the Golden Cube (Outstanding Short Format Children's Program)
  • 2018 Promax BDA North America Silver awards nominee for music and sound for Nick Jr. Block Party: Quest for the Golden Cube
  • 2014 Daytime Emmy nomination for sound design and music for Outstanding Promotional Announcement for Nick's 2013 Halloween campaign
Education
  • School Name
    Berklee College ofMusic
    Degree
    Bachelor of Music (B.M.)
    Field of Study
    Music Production
    Date Degree Received
In Their Own Words

"Game audio is not separate from game development. It is a specialization, just as game audio is not separate from academia. I expose my students to the papers and books exploring Ludomusicology, the scholarly analysis of music in the context of video games. This writing has done a great service to the field of game audio by reinforcing its validity as an academic topic, paving the way for more research and analysis. I hope to see industry practices become more accessible to academic programs and, conversely, to make academia more present within industry practice. This cross-pollination can only lead to a deeper understanding of game audio practices, which will lead to more pedagogy-focused game audio programs. In turn, the presence of more game audio programs will yield a highly competent and technical field of game audio professionals."

"As my career in the game audio industry has evolved, I have discovered a deep passion for mentoring, connecting with, and growing the skills of the new generation of composers and sound designers. I foster a collaborative, positive, and open approach to sharing my knowledge and experiences so students can develop the skills needed to set them apart as they enter the industry. I hope to remain a visible and inspiring presence in the industry, notably for underrepresented individuals wanting to choose game audio as a career path."