Pinnacle College launches first-of-its-kind video game degree

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PINNACLE COLLEGE LAUNCHES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND ACCREDITED DEGREE IN VIDEO GAME AUDIO

College Offering Prospective Students Exclusive Tuition Discount for Inaugural Program

ALHAMBRA, CA - September 10, 2009 - Pinnacle College, formerly Sound Master Recording Engineer School, is now offering an accredited Occupational Associate Degree in video game audio, the first-of-its-kind program in the nation. The premier vocational school for audio engineers since 1972, Pinnacle College added the highly anticipated Audio for Games and Interactive Media (GAIM) program to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the estimated $38 billion worldwide video game industry. The college is celebrating the launch of the program by offering the inaugural class a reduction in tuition fees. The program kicks off with an open house on Saturday, September 26 at the greater Los Angeles campus; classes begin on October 12.

"Pinnacle College's recording engineer graduates have gone on to work with the world's hottest musical acts and studios. We applied the same rigor and focus to our new game audio program," said Sal Younis, president, Pinnacle College. "We are committed to offering students the most relevant, engaging, and comprehensive education that will prepare them for successful careers in the high demand, interactive entertainment industry."

The intensive GAIM program offers a robust, hands-on curriculum designed to equip students for success in entry level positions with game companies around the world. Experienced game audio professionals earned an average salary of $78,000 in 2008, according to Game Developer magazine's recent survey.

"Similar to film and television, game audio is a vital aspect of the entertainment experience," said Eitan Teomi, director of the GAIM program, Pinnacle College. "Imaginary, non-linear, and freeing, game audio production is adaptive to the dynamic nature of the game. For the creative gamer, a career in game audio is a playground of possibility."

GAIM Program

The GAIM program is designed for students who are creative, passionate about video games, and possess an interest in game audio production. During the 16-month, comprehensive program, students learn all aspects of creating and managing sound for interactive media, including music composition, sound design, dialog recording, audio asset management, and sound mixing. The school is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer financial aid to those students who qualify. Pinnacle College is located in Alhambra, Calif., just minutes outside of Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world.

"Pinnacle College's game audio program reflects both the demands of the industry and the desires of leading games companies," said veteran video game composer Lennie Moore, who also acts as chairman of the Pinnacle College GAIM Advisory Board and a leading educator in game audio. "We developed an innovative curriculum, employing industry standard software and tools, and use only top-of-the-line equipment to keep pace with an ever-evolving and growing industry."

Pinnacle College has assembled some of the top names in the video game industry to guide the new program. The Advisory Board is comprised of leading game industry professionals, including:

• Alexander Brandon - Audio Director, Heatwave Interactive; Board of Directors, G.A.N.G.

• Ken Felton - Sound Design Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment America

• Paul Lipson - COO, Pyramind; President, G.A.N.G.

• Lennie Moore - Composer; Educator; Advisory Board Chairman

• Victor Rodriguez - Music Director, THQ

• Tommy Tallarico - Video Games Live; Founder, CEO and Chairman, G.A.N.G.

• Don Veca - Senior Audio Director, Electronic Arts

About Pinnacle College

Pinnacle College, formerly Sound Master Recording Engineer School, is a premier vocational school offering accredited certification in Audio Recording and accredited Occupational Associate Degree in Audio for Games and Interactive Media. Established in 1972, Pinnacle College has two California campuses: one in greater Los Angeles offering both programs and one in Sacramento focused on audio recording. Pinnacle College is accredited through Accrediting Council for Continuing Education (ACCET), a nationally recognized accrediting agency. For more information, please visit: www.pinnaclecollege.edu or call 1.877.206.6206.