“Music in The Woods” 2025 – Austria’s Innovative Talent Incubator for Media Music
The support initiative by AKM, JAM MUSIC LAB Private University Vienna, and the Austrian Association of Event Organizers for up-and-coming artists in film music, game music, and singer-songwriter genres enters its second round.
After a successful debut in 2024, “Music in The Woods” returns in late summer 2025 — expanded, extended, and with even greater creative impact. From September 17 to 21, 2025, the stage inn Bühnenwirtshaus Juster in Lower Austria’s Waldviertel will once again become the creative hub for ambitious musicians working in media music.
A Place for Connection, Inspiration, and Professional Growth
This five-day intensive program is designed for both emerging and experienced music creators who are passionate about songwriting, music production, film scoring, or game audio — regardless of age, education, or professional background. Whether students, professionals, or passionate newcomers, “Music in The Woods” offers a low-threshold yet high-quality learning environment.
30 Full Scholarships Support Young Talent
Again this year, 30 full scholarships will be awarded. These cover the full workshop fees, accommodation in a double room, and full board. Additionally, a shuttle service from Vienna’s Westbahnhof will be organized to ensure a comfortable journey into the creative heart of the Waldviertel.
The format will not only continue in 2025 but will be extended by an additional day. The proven concept remains intact — an intensive mix of hands-on workshops, individual project work, and personal exchange with renowned national and international media music experts.
How to Apply
Applications are open to all Austrian citizens and residents of Austria.
Deadline: August 25, 2025
Send your application via email to: musicinthewoods@jammusiclab.com
Required documents:
- Artistic CV
- Letter of motivation (including personal goals for the event)
- Project description with relevant materials (audio, video, scores, etc.)
Previous participants are welcome to apply again.
The 30 scholarship recipients will be selected by a professional jury. Participation includes all program components, accommodation, and meals — only travel must be organized independently (except for those coming from Vienna, for whom the shuttle service is available).
Top-Level Lecturers – Learn from the best
- Oliver Schmellenkamp (Producer in film and game music, Head of Media Music department at JAM MUSIC LAB Private University)
- Michael Klimas (Söhne Mannheims, Producer, Lecturer at JAM MUSIC LAB Private University)
- Yu-Chun Huang (Lecturer at JAM MUSIC LAB Private University, Media Music Department)
- PAENDA aka Gabi Horn (Producer, Artist)
- Tina Ruprechter (MuFa*, Music PR)
- Georg Luksch (Grammy Winner, Lecturer at JAM MUSIC LAB Private University)
- Jeff Levenson (Grammy-recognized Producer, Manager, Educator, and Journalist in jazz and pop)
- Paul Haslinger (Hollywood Producer)
- Freddie Wiedmann (Film Composer)
- Monika Ballwein (Singer, Songwriter)
- A Q&A with Abor and Tynna (Germany’s Eurovision Song Contest participants 2025, Music in The Woods alumni)
Sustainable Impact: From Gutenbrunn to International Stages
“AKM is committed to supporting young talent and the development of Austrian music creation. Together with our partners, we launched ‘Music in The Woods’ — a program that offers young music creators a practical entry point into the world of media music. Our goal is to lay the foundation for their artistic and professional future in this field — a goal we already successfully achieved in our inaugural year 2024,” says AKM CEO Gernot Graninger.
The quality and relevance of the format are impressively demonstrated by the success of former participants. The Vienna duo Abor & Tynna, alumni of Music in The Woods, represented Germany in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. CHOVO (Julia Chovookkaran), also a graduate of the previous year, won the 2025 Protestsongcontest.
Numerous collaborations between participants and lecturers further underline the long-term networking value of the event.
JAM MUSIC LAB Private University Rector Marcus Ratka highlights the importance of Music in The Woods for Austria’s music landscape:
“The great response to the first edition and the remarkable achievements of its participants clearly demonstrated the immense creative potential of young Austrian music creators — and the urgent need to offer them not only spaces to thrive but also concrete perspectives for their future. With the continuation of this extraordinary support initiative, we deepen our commitment to connecting artistic practice and innovation with professional training in music production. ‘Music in The Woods’ is more than just a workshop format: it is a place of exchange, artistic exploration, and networking under the guidance of internationally recognized professionals in songwriting, film and game music, and production. As a university, we see it as our responsibility to open up such spaces and provide long-term support for emerging talents. Continuing this program is a commitment to the artistic future of our country.”
Header (c) Seva Mazurika
