WORKSHOP: Sonic Improvibing An improvisational scoring approach for audiovisual media

The sonic identity of a film score is shaped not only by traditionally taught elements such as rhythm, melody, harmony and arrangement, but equally by the unique timbres that define the sound world. To invent a new experimental instrument, sound generating process or -device to come up with distinctive timbres is an amazing method to create innovative, non-generic sound-worlds for audiovisual media.

Exploring these possibilities by transforming emotional attachment to the narration into sound and music in real-time to the playback of visual content with these specifically designed instruments or sound devices can be a very effective means of setting the tone for a scene, a sequence or even a whole movie. It’s all about getting into the vibe by allowing your heart to be part of a playful, joyful, and sometimes challenging, intuitive, improvisational and creative process: Welcome to the world of Sonic Improvibing!

The beauty/pain juxtaposition, this is always what I strive for. -Nathan Larson

In this workshop, taking place at the recording studio o-ton (80 square meters A-room, fully equipped with a stage, Grand Piano, Amps, a Drum set, a PA system and 4k projector), participants will explore the method to work out a live performance of a score for a short film under the guidance of acclaimed independent film composer Nathan Larson (Boys Don't Cry · High Fidelity · Margin Call · The Woodsman).

The resulting performance will then be presented as part of the STC23 program, during the mediamusic Network Reception at o-ton, on Wednesday, 15th of July at 9:30 pm.

Participants will receive a link to a film clip approx. 4 weeks in advance of the workshop. They are requested to work out a unique way of creating sound: One option is to build an instrument or find an alternative way to use existing instruments. This may involve anything from cigar boxes with rubber bands as "poor man's guitars" to bowed pizza trays. Another option is to come up with an electromechanical sound generating process involving a microphone setup, for example the amplified sound of a plucked credit card halfway on a table. 

"We would love it, if your sound ideas were furthermore elegantly contributing to the narration - whether by paraphrasing, contrasting or by adding a meta layer of meaning and interpretation. You might also bring a short motif, that shows the potential of your sonic approach - whether you bring an instrument or bring a sound design idea", Nathan Larson.

The workshop is based on an improvisational group effort, not on single participants scoring preparations. So while it might be nice to have your computer with you, it is not required for the workshop.

Active participants: €95 (Max. 12 participants) - To register, use the code composingworkshop
Observer: €45 (Max. 5 participants) - To register, use the code passiveworkshop

Workshop places are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of the registration fee for each participation category. Please note that SoundTrack_Cologne conference accreditation must be purchased separately.

This masterclass is held in cooperation with Kassel University and will be hosted by composer, sound engineer, and media producer Roman Beilharz.

The Sound Focus at SoundTrack_Cologne 23 From Sensitive Stories to Zombie Horror

The 23rd edition of SoundTrack_Cologne dedicates a full festival day to sound: On Friday, July 17th, high-profile case studies and workshops on sound design and music bring together composers and creative teams behind acclaimed films and TV series.

The programme opens with sound designer and mixing engineer Jenny Winter and director Linda Verweyen, both specialists in socially critical audiovisual projects. Their case study, Sound for Sensitive Stories, presented by BVFT, examines their work on the participatory documentary HALIMA – HOW TO STAY STRONG. Single tickets for the case study Sound for Sensitive Stories are available here.

Next, a case study offers an in-depth look at the collaboration between supervising sound editor and sound designer Billie Mind and film editor Evelyn Rack on SOUND OF FALLING (IN DIE SONNE SCHAUEN), winner of the Jury Prize at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in 2025. Both received the ICS Award for Best Editing, along with nominations for the German Film Award, Mind for Best Sound and Rack for Best Editing. The panel will be hosted by Ulla Kösterke and presented by Filmtonfrauen. Single tickets for the case study SOUND OF FALLING are available here.

In the afternoon, a talk with Grammy Award-winning composer, sound engineer and producer Simon Goff explores how to create your own sound world. His work on films such as WAVES and series such as THE GOLD has earned wide acclaim for its immersive, textural soundscapes and compositional depth. Goff has also collaborated with some of the world's most celebrated contemporary composers and musicians, including Hildur Guðnadóttir on JOKER and CHERNOBYL.

The day closes with Cologne-based composer, sound designer and DJ Robert Feuchtl, a.k.a. Bob Humid, offering an in-depth look at object-based sound design and mixing using the industry-leading DAW SEQUOIA by BORIX FX. Working through the pilot episode of the zombie series BLUTDRUCK, a genre where sound design is particularly demanding, Bob Humid demonstrates object-editing techniques for placing individual sounds into realistic spaces and adding subsonic room tones.

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Sound Design & Music

Friday 17 July 2026 · COMEDIA Theater, Die Eins

10.30 - 11.30
Case Study: Sound for Sensitive Stories
Participatory Documentary HALIMA - HOW TO STAY STRONG
Jenny Winter (sound designer, mixing engineer) & Linda Verweyen (director)
In cooperation with BVFT
Single tickets for this event are available here.

12.00 - 13.00
Case Study: SOUND OF FALLING (IN DIE SONNE SCHAUEN)
Billie Mind (supervising sound editor, sound designer) & Evelyn Rack (film editor). 
Mod. Ulla Kösterke
In cooperation with Filmtonfrauen
Single tickets for this event are available here.

14.30 – 15.30
Panel: Creating Your Own Sound World
Simon Goff (composer, sound engineer, producer)

16.00 - 17.00
Workshop: Object Based Sounddesign and Film-Sound-Stage-Mixing
Using Sequoia for the Underground Zombie-Series BLUTDRUCK
Bob Humid (composer, sound designer, DJ )
In cooperation with BORIS FX

Christopher Young receives the Career Achievement Award at STC23

The Career Achievement Award of SoundTrack_Cologne's 23rd edition goes to composer Christopher Young, one of the most prolific and versatile voices in contemporary film music.

Named the "Greatest Horror Film Composer of All Time" by BBC Music Magazine, Young will attend SoundTrack_Cologne from July 15 to 17, 2026.  On Thursday, July 16, he will engage in an in-depth onstage conversation about his acclaimed career. The following evening, Friday, July 17, the composer will be honoured with the Career Achievement Award during a special ceremony, featuring the Neues Rheinisches Kammerorchester performing a selection of his most iconic film scores.

Originally trained as a jazz drummer, Young discovered the world of orchestral scoring through the work of Bernard Herrmann. After studying at UCLA's Film School under legendary composer David Raksin, his breakthrough came with the orchestral-and-choral score for Hellbound: Hellraiser II, which earned him a Saturn Award and established him as a distinctive voice in film music.

Across more than 160 feature films, Young has demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to work across a wide range of genres, from the visceral horror of Hellraiser and the hit Pet Sematary, to the electro-trance textures of Swordfish, the Celtic intimacy of The Shipping News, and the large-scale action of Spider-Man 3.

He has collaborated with directors including Sam Raimi, Guillermo del Toro, Norman Jewison, Curtis Hanson, Barry Levinson, among many others. Young received a Golden Globe nomination and a Critics' Choice nomination for The Shipping News, two Emmy nominations for his television work, including the fall-of-Saigon drama Last Flight Out and the HBO picture Norma Jean & Marilyn. In 2023, he was named Composer of the Year by the International Film Music Critics Association and he is also the recipient of BMI's Richard Kirk Award for Outstanding Career Achievement.

In recent years, Young has scored the AppleTV+ series Echo 3, returned to the horror genre that made his name with the Blumhouse production Sinister, ranked the scariest film of all time in 2020, and lent his music to the video game Marvel's Deadpool VR for Meta. He also scored André Øvredal's newest film for Paramount Pictures, Passenger, which will have it's theatrical release this summer.

Beyond his work for the screen, Young is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of film composers, teaching at USC for over a decade, serving as a two-term president of the Film Music Society, and as president of the Madrid Film Music Festival.

__________

Thursday 16.07.
COMEDIA Theater · Roter Saal
16:00 - 17:30
Christopher Young · Talk

Friday 17.07.
COMEDIA Theater · Roter Saal
19:00 - 21:00
Award Ceremony · The Neues Rheinisches Kammerorchester will perform film scores by Christopher Young and other renowned film composers

Three Weeks Left — Don't Miss Out! · EUROPEAN TALENT COMPETITION ·

Composers and sound designers — your deadline is approaching! You have three weeks left to submit your entry for the EUROPEAN TALENT COMPETITION. Don't miss your chance to compete for the WDR FILMSCORE AWARD or the EUROPEAN TALENT AWARD IN SOUND DESIGN by scoring or designing the sound for the short film FAKE NEWS (directed by David Seul).

Submission deadline is May 20th, 2026 10:00 am CEST.

Participants are invited to create either an original score or the sound design for the short film "FAKE NEWS" (Director: David Seul), offering their own artistic interpretation of its visuals and narrative.

Submissions may be realised individually or collaboratively. Composers and sound designers are also welcome to form creative teams.

Sound designers in particular are encouraged to submit sound-design-only-focused projects!

The twelve finalists will be presented with their work to the audience and jury during the SoundTrack_Cologne competition screening. The award ceremony will take place during the official gala on Friday, July 17th, 2026.

The winner of the WDR FILMSCORE AWARD will have the opportunity to record an original composition of 7 – 9 minutes length with the WDR Funkhausorchester – for many young composers this could be their first opportunity to record with a major orchestra and to fill out their film-scoring calling card.

The winner for the best SOUND DESIGN will receive a 5.1 cinematic mix down for a short film at the renowned cologne based sound studio toruspost.

The deadline for submitting the application is May 20th, 2026, 10:00AM CET!

The contest is open to all active students in the fields of composing, music, sound design, sound and editing at a European film or music school (without age limit); or any young European creatives up to and including 30 years of age.

> The online registration form and the terms and conditions for your participation can be found by following the link below.

After the online registration you may download the short film and start your project.

Short film "FAKE NEWS" (Germany, 2025, 4:32 min.)

Directed by: David Seul 

Developed within the Master´s Programme „3D Animation for Film & Games“ by Internationale Filmschule Köln (IFS) and Cologne Game Lab.

A plant lives a peaceful life on a balcony above the streets. Until one day, its owner starts following fake news on how to treat plants. Serious mistreatment is forcing the plant to take action: Assuming that a computer is the source of all evil, the plant tries to kill the messenger.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: · EUROPEAN TALENT COMPETITION 2026 · Filmscore and Sound Design

SoundTrack_Cologne 23 (July 14th – 17th, 2026) invites emerging composers and sound designers to apply for the EUROPEAN TALENT COMPETITION in the categories WDR FILMSCORE AWARD and SOUND DESIGN.

Participants are invited to create either an original score or the sound design for the short film "FAKE NEWS" (Director: David Seul), offering their own artistic interpretation of its visuals and narrative.

Submissions may be realised individually or collaboratively. Composers and sound designers are also welcome to form creative teams.

Sound designers in particular are encouraged to submit sound-design-only-focused projects!

The twelve finalists will be presented with their work to the audience and jury during the SoundTrack_Cologne competition screening. The award ceremony will take place during the official gala on Friday, July 17th, 2026.

The winner of the WDR FILMSCORE AWARD will have the opportunity to record an original composition of 7 – 9 minutes length with the WDR Funkhausorchester – for many young composers this could be their first opportunity to record with a major orchestra and to fill out their film-scoring calling card.

The winner for the best SOUND DESIGN will receive a 5.1 cinematic mix down for a short film at the renowned cologne based sound studio toruspost.

The deadline for submitting the application is May 20th, 2026, 10:00AM CET!

The contest is open to all active students in the fields of composing, music, sound design, sound and editing at a European film or music school (without age limit); or any young European creatives up to and including 30 years of age.

> The online registration form and the terms and conditions for your participation can be found by following the link below.

After the online registration you may download the short film and start your project.

Short film "FAKE NEWS" (Germany, 2025, 4:31 min.)

Directed by: David Seul 
Developed within the Master´s Programme „3D Animation for Film & Games“ by Internationale Filmschule Köln (IFS) and Cologne Game Lab.

A plant lives a peaceful life on a balcony above the streets. Until one day, its owner starts following fake news on how to treat plants. Serious mistreatment is forcing the plant to take action: Assuming that a computer is the source of all evil, the plant tries to kill the messenger.

Call for Entries: PEER RABEN MUSIC AWARD 2026 Best Music in a Short Film

We are pleased to announce that submissions are now open for the PEER RABEN MUSIC AWARD, honoring outstanding music in a short film.

SoundTrack_Cologne 23, taking place from July 14th to 17th, 2026, invites film composers and filmmakers to submit their short films with their original compositions for the PEER RABEN MUSIC AWARD.

The award, now in its 18th edition, grants 1,500 euros to outstanding film scores that demonstrate innovation and powerfully support cinematic storytelling through music and sound.

The award, first presented in 2009, commemorates the great German film composer Peer Raben.

Submission criteria:

• Short films with a maximum length of 15 minutes (incl. end credits) in all industry standard formats.
• There are no restrictions regarding country of production, genre, or content.
• Films must have predominantly original music.
• Short films whose production was completed after January 1st, 2025 or that premiered after January 1st, 2025.
• The nominees should be present at the screening of the films and will be presented to the audience and the jury during the competition screening. The award ceremony will take place during the official Gala on Friday, July 17th, 2026.

Submission fees: 
Early Bird: 12 Euros until March 26th, 2026 10:00 am CEST
Late: 17 Euros until April 15th, 2026 10:00 am CEST

Terms, conditions and the application form for the competition can be found here:

Book early and join STC 23 at the best rate! Low prices for a limited time only

Accreditations for SoundTrack_Cologne 23 are now available at reduced rates. Please note that prices will increase significantly as the congress approaches.

Early-Bird tickets are available only until Monday, March 16, 2026, 10:00 am (CET)! 

*As SoundTrack_Cologne takes place during the summer season, we strongly recommend booking your hotel as early as possible.

SEE THE SOUND · Call for entries: Best Music Documentary Award

SEE THE SOUND (July 15–19, 2026), the film festival of SoundTrack_Cologne, invites filmmakers, producers and distributors to submit films with a focus on music and sound.

Dedicated to all forms of motion pictures that visualise music, SEE THE SOUND welcomes a wide range of formats and genres. Eligible submissions include music documentaries, feature films with a musical focus, such as biopics about musicians or bands, concert documentaries, portraits of composers and bands, as well as music videos.

Since its inception, SoundTrack_Cologne has grown into Europe’s leading festival and conference platform for music and sound in film, games, TV and multimedia. With SEE THE SOUND, STC offers a curated stage for outstanding films about music to be experienced on the big screen in Cologne.

In addition, SEE THE SOUND presents the Best Music Documentary Award!

The prize for the Best Music Documentary will be awarded at SEE THE SOUND for the thirteenth time. The winner will receive 2,500 euros.

Submission criteria

• Films and music videos whose production was completed in 2025 or 2026 or premiered after January 1, 2025, are eligible for submission.
• Short films and music videos must last a maximum of 30 minutes. Long films must last more than 60 minutes.
• Screening prints should be in DCP format (preferred), BluRay, DVD, or a high-quality digital file (e.g., ProRes).
• Online screeners as preview copies are preferred. DVD submissions are also accepted.

Submission Deadlines:

Early bird submissions: March 23th, 2026, 10:00 CEST.
Late submissions: April 14th, 2026, 10:00 CEST.

AWARD WINNERS AT SOUNDTRACK_COLOGNE 22

Michael Abels · Career Achievement Award

Lucia Vité · WDR Filmscore Award

Melanie Gäb · European Talent Award Sound Design

Jamie Alpherts & Xiangming Niu · Honorable Mention - European Talent Award

 Clemens Gutjahr · Peer Raben Music Award

Kengo Tokusashi · Honorable Mention - Peer Raben Music Award

We are Fugazi from Washington D.C. · See The Sound Music Documentary Award

Once Upon a Time Michel Legrand · Honorable Mention - See the Sound Music Documentary Award

A festive evening at the WDR Funkhaus in Cologne marked the close of SoundTrack_Cologne’s 22nd edition on Friday, July 11th. The Award Ceremony celebrated the winners of our competitions and honored some of the most inspiring voices in film and media music, wrapping up a gripping week filled with over 70 panels and networking sessions.

With the WDR Funkhausorchester conducted by Enrico Delamboye, accompanied by the voice of soprano soloist Samantha Senn, the ceremony featured live performances of works by this year’s guests of honour: Jongnic Bontemps (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts), Olivier Derivière (South of Midnight), Jack Halama (Rivals), Sofia Degli Alessandri (Cobweb · Red, White & Royal Blue), Christoph Zirngibl (Hero of Centopia), Dominik Giesriegl (Die Schule der Magischen Tiere), Högni Egilsson (Katla), Dascha Dauenhauer (Islands), Anthony D’Amario & Edouard Rigaudière (Of Beast and Men),  as well as the night’s special honoree, Michael Abels (Us · Nope).

Live Music Events at SoundTrack_Cologne 22 · See The Sound 2025

As SoundTrack_Cologne approaches, we’re excited to invite you to three unforgettable live music events celebrating the power of music in film, television, video games, and beyond. Mark your calendars, these are not to be missed!

Admission is free for participants with a SoundTrack_Cologne accreditation (except for day passes and specific ticketed events).

Not attending the congress? You can still enjoy the concerts independently by purchasing a ticket. For more details and tickets, please see the links under each concert.

Full STC22 Programme is Online

The full SoundTrack_Cologne programme is now online! Click below to explore all the talks, workshops, and networking activities we’ve lined up for this year’s edition, and get ready for an exciting, jam-packed week!

Reality Check: Hands-on Know-How for your Success

Breaking into the world of music for film, television, and video games can be tough, there’s a lot to navigate. That’s why SoundTrack_Cologne 22 offers a dedicated programme of hands-on workshops to help you face these challenges head-on.

The topics are as diverse as the job: Working with Agents, How Much Should I Take? Securing Contracts and Setting Fair Rates, PR Workshop: Building Your Brand as a Composer, Hiring and Being Hired: Collaborating with Other Composers, Transferring Music from MIDI to Orchestra, Film Music Sound Design, Productivity Hacks and Workflow Optimisation, Transitioning from College to the Real World, and Production Music.

Reality Check: The Business of Media Music

The Reality Check section is an essential part of SoundTrack_Cologne 22, designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to move your media music career forward.

Public Relations: Join Sarah Roche from the renowned LA-based agency White Bear - eg. responsible for Volker Bertelmann’s successful Oscar campaign - for a two-part hands-on workshop on Wednesday, July 10, and Thursday, July 11, to understand how to built your brand as a composer. With her expertise in PR and composer promotion, Sarah will guide participants through the essentials of personal branding: how to shape your communications, make the most of social media, and use your website to create lasting professional impression.

Working with Agents: Panel discussions with Hamish Duff (First Artist Management), Pierre Cattoni (Troisième Auteur), on working with agents and their role.

After Finishing University: Ana Krstajić who startet out as a mentee for the Alliance of Women Film Composers Mentorship class (Los Angeles) explains what it really takes to transition from studying composition to working in the field.

Collaborating in Teams: Hiring and being hired, with composer Mario Grigorov (Spides), covers structures, conditions and tools for working together with fellow composers.

From MIDI to Orchestra: Conductor Enrico Delamboye of WDR Funkhausorchester who eg. conducted the recordings of dozens of the WDR Filmmusic Award Winners speaks about transferring music from MIDI to orchestra.

Increase Productivity: A workshop on productivity hacks and workflow optimisation with composer Christoph Zirngibl (Where’s Wanda · The Hero of Centopia) and music supervisor Florian Sonnleitner.

How Much Should I Take: Stefan Döring explores with Anna Luca Mohrhenn (composer), Michael Klaukien (composer) how to secure contracts and fair fees. In cooperation with mediamusic.

Film Music Sound Design: Dominik Giesriegl, composer of Schule der magischen Tiere, last years most successfull German film at the box office, and composer Nik Reich (Savage) discuss strategies to make a difference for your score by creating your own unique sounds – and how to get them.

Production Music: Martin Häne, publisher of several music library labels including Nuvotone (distributed by BMG Production Music), will dive into the mechanics and strategies of successful production music.

AI MusicCon at SoundTrack_Cologne 22 Music in the Age of AI · Thursday, July 10, 2025

Artificial Intelligence continues to fundamentally transform how music is created, performed, and experienced. This year, the conversation is being taken to a new level.

On July 10, 2025, SoundTrack_Cologne, in cooperation with the Landesmusikrat NRW, presents AI MusicCon 2025, a full day of keynotes, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and talks dedicated entirely to the intersection of AI and music. The event invites all interested professionals to explore the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for music creators and the wider industry.

Featuring 16 events taking place at the COMEDIA Theater in Cologne, AI MusicCon explores the rapidly evolving intersection of music and artificial intelligence. The programme is designed to break down access barriers, introduce practical AI tools for composers, musicians, sound designers, music schools, and non-professional musicians, clarify legal frameworks, and explore what’s next in AI.

Key topics range from the implementation of EU AI legislation and unresolved copyright issues -addressed in part by North Rhine-Westphalia's legal policy initiative- to the wider European discourse on digital sovereignty and competitiveness in light of the deregulation tendencies under the Trump administration.

In an interview with GEMA CEO Dr. Tobias Holzmüller, the event will shed light on current policy and initiatives at GEMA. It will explore how different German political parties position themselves on AI regulation and reflect on the myths and narratives of this technology, linking them to deeper questions of creativity, cultural and ethical dimensions.

Participation in AI MusicCon is included with your SoundTrack_Cologne accreditation or available separately with a 19,00 EUR ticket.

Download the Programme here