From Music in the Woods to London: JAM Artists Explore the International Media Music Industry

What begins as a creative challenge can open doors far beyond the classroom. Following their success in the Sounds of Red Bull Challenge 2025, a group of JAM artists travelled to London for an intensive journey into the worlds of film scoring, media music, music production and the international creative industries.

The trip offered the participants the opportunity to experience places where music for film, television and major international productions is created every day — and, above all, to meet the people behind it.

Inside BAFTA with Ros Gilman

One of the highlights was a visit to BAFTA – the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Composer and BAFTA Connect member Ros Gilman welcomed the group, shared insights into his professional experience and answered questions about working in the international film and media industry.

The visit provided a rare opportunity to look behind the scenes of one of the most important institutions in British film and television and to discuss the realities of building a career as a composer today.

Visiting Walter Mair’s Studio

The journey continued with a visit to the studio of award-winning composer Walter Mair. Known for his work across film, television and video games, Mair gave the young artists a first-hand impression of the working environment of an internationally active screen composer.

The visit offered insights into the creative and technical processes behind professional media music production — from composing and sound design to collaboration with directors, producers and international production teams.

From Angel Studios to AIR Studios

London’s recording culture was another major focus of the trip.

At Angel Studios, the participants experienced a recording space where contemporary music production meets the history of the building itself. The former chapel, with its original organ still visible, offered a particularly atmospheric setting and a striking example of how historic spaces can become part of modern recording culture.

The group also visited AIR Studios, founded by legendary producer Sir George Martin and internationally renowned for orchestral recording, film scores and large-scale studio productions. Walking through these spaces gave the participants a tangible sense of the scale, precision and teamwork behind professional recording sessions.

And, of course, there was also time to experience London itself — including a ride on the London Underground between studio visits, meetings and conversations.

Connecting Education with the Professional World

For JAM MUSIC LAB Private University, experiences like these are an essential part of contemporary music education. Students and emerging artists benefit not only from developing their artistic and technical skills, but also from understanding how the international music and media industries actually work.

The London journey connected education with professional practice: through direct conversations, studio visits, networking and encounters with composers and creative professionals working at the highest international level.

The trip was made possible with the valuable support of AKM. Special thanks also go to JAM rector Marcus Ratka and the JAM team — Oliver Schmellenkamp, Michael Klimas and Jeff Levenson — for supporting and accompanying the project.

The Journey Continues: Music in the Woods 2026

The Sounds of Red Bull Challenge has been an integral part of Music in the Woods since 2025, creating a direct connection between artistic development and the global media industry.

With Music in the Woods 2026, the next generation of young musicians, composers, songwriters and producers will once again have the opportunity to work with leading professionals, develop new projects and build connections that can extend far beyond the programme itself.

Applications for Music in the Woods 2026 are open. Apply here

From the woods to the international music industry — sometimes the next step begins with one composition, one collaboration and one opportunity.