Austria’s ‘Music in the Woods’ Program Boosts Media music Talents with Scholarships

the “Music in the Woods” initiative, a collaborative effort by AKM, Jam Music Lab Privat University Vienna, and the Austrian Organizer Association for Aufwirung Kunsten, is set to return in late summer 2025, offering aspiring musicians a unique opportunity to hone their skills in media music. This intensive program provides scholarships and workshops focused on film music, game music, and singer-songwriting, aiming to cultivate the next generation of Austrian musical talent.

A Creative Hub in Lower Austria

From September 17 to 21, 2025, the Stahnenwirtshaus Juster in the Waldviertel region of Lower Austria will transform into a vibrant center for musicians eager to explore and develop their abilities. The five-day program is designed to be an inclusive surroundings for individuals of all ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds who share a passion for songwriting, music production, film scoring, or game audio.

Did You Know? The global music production software market is projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2027, highlighting the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. Allied Market Research

Expert Guidance from Industry Leaders

Participants in “Music in the Woods” will have the chance to learn from a diverse group of accomplished professionals. lecturers include Oliver Schmellenkamp, a producer in film and game music and head of the media music department at Jam Music Lab Private university; Michael Klimas of Sons Mannheim; Yu-Chun Huang, also from Jam Music Lab; and artist and producer Paenda (Gabi Horn). Other instructors include Tina Ruprechter (Mu*Fa,PR Music),Grammy winner georg Luksch,jazz producer Jeff Levenson,Hollywood producer Paul haslinger,film composer Freddie Wiedmann,and singer-songwriter Monika ballwein.

The program will also feature a Q&A session with ABOR and Tynna, who represented Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 and are alumni of “Music in the Woods.”

Scholarship Opportunities for Aspiring Musicians

Thirty full scholarships are available, covering workshop fees, accommodation in a double room, and full catering. A shuttle service from Vienna Westbahnhof will also be provided to ensure convenient transportation to the waldviertel. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers and provide equal access to high-quality music education.

Pro Tip: Networking is key in the music industry. Take advantage of the opportunities to connect with lecturers and fellow participants during the “Music in the Woods” program.

Expanding the Program for 2025

Building on the success of its inaugural year, “Music in the Woods” will be extended by an additional day in 2025.The core concept remains the same: an immersive blend of hands-on workshops, individual project work, and direct interaction with leading figures in the national and international media music scene.

Gernot Graninger, General Director of AKM, emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering young talent: “The AKM actively campaigns for the promotion of young talents and the further development of Austrian music work. Together with our partners, we have therefore launched ‘Music in the Woods’ – a program that enables young musicians to get into a practical introduction to the world of media music. Our goal is to lay the foundation for your artistic and professional future in media music.”

Impact and Success Stories

The effectiveness of “Music in the Woods” is evident in the achievements of its past participants. The vienna duo Abor & Tynna represented Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, while Chovo (Julia Chovookkaran) won the ProtestSongContest 2025. These success stories highlight the program’s ability to nurture and propel emerging talent.

Furthermore, numerous collaborations between participants and instructors demonstrate the strong networking aspect of the event, fostering a supportive and collaborative community.

Marcus Ratka, Rector of Jam Music Lab Private University, underscored the program’s significance for the Austrian music scene: “The great response to the first season and the remarkable success of the participants of ‘Music in the Woods’ have impressively demonstrated how high the creative potential of young music creators in Austria is – and how urgently it is indeed not only to develop spaces for development, but also to offer concrete future perspectives. With the new edition of this remarkable funding initiative, we deepen our reasons, Connecting artistic practice and innovation with professional training in music production. Accompanying and supporting the continuation of this program is a commitment to the artistic future of our country.”

How to Apply

Austrian citizens and residents can apply for the program by sending an email to musicinthewoods@jammusiclab.com by August 25, 2025. Applications should include an artistic curriculum vitae, a motivation letter outlining personal goals for the event, and a project description with relevant materials such as audio, video, or grades.

Previous participants are welcome to apply again. A jury of experts will select the 30 scholarship recipients. Participation covers all program activities, accommodation, and meals. Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements, except for those from Vienna, who can utilize the provided shuttle service.

What kind of media music project would you develop if you were selected for this program?

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