Mason Burckhard
Sound and Music for Video and Games
Cognitive Science graduate and multimedia specialist with a focus on the impact of audio-visual stimuli on human perception. Proven experience in live and digital audio workflows, and proficient in industry-standard tool suites in both sound and video editing and multi-platform integration.
Objective:
I am looking for a full-time position or freelance work curating auditory experiences that have an emotional impact and bring stories to life in memorable ways.
Ableton Live • FL Studio • After Effects • Premier Pro • RX 11 • FMOD • Reaper
Following My Passions
Creating, mixing, and mastering sound.
I am a recent graduate from UC Davis with a degree in Cognitive Science, and a lifelong passion for music and sound. Over the past decade, I have immersed myself in the world of audio, utilizing various DAWs and honing my skills in sound design and music production. I’ve worked on numerous personal and school projects, where I’ve composed, produced, mixed, and mastered tracks that explore diverse genres and styles. Having experience in both game and video post-production, I’m ready to elevate my creative pursuits and take my skills to the next level.
I have the necessary equipment to work fully remote, and I can be as autonomous as needed for projects.
Sound Specializations
Mixing & Mastering
Experienced in mixing and mastering both music and sound for personal and team projects
Editing & Postproduction
Experience editing sound both in video games and in more long-form media such as short films
Design & Composition
Extensive experience creating and honing expressive sounds for both musical and multi-media applications
Recording & Live Music
Experience in managing live sound, like PA systems and live music amplification/ recording
Recent Projects
Music & Sound Design for indie Game
Spleaf
Developed in 48 hours for UC Davis Fall Game Jam 2023.
My first ever game jam project, Spleaf is a chess-like experience that takes place on a field of leaves. Players must outsmart their opponents by dropping the leaves out from under them. I was tasked with creating a “cerebral” score, to serve as a backdrop for players’ big-brained moves, while keeping it chill enough to be repeatedly listenable. I tried to give the tune a “windy” vibe to conjure images of a nice fall day and contribute to the chill atmosphere of the game.
Music & Sound Design for indie Game
E. Coli Escape
Developed in 48 hours for GDAC Fall Game Jam 2024
E. Coli Escape is a 2D platformer where the player assumes control of an E. Coli bacterium and must make their way from the stomach, through the heart, and to the brain. It’s designed to be challenging yet rewarding. For this game I was asked to create “intense” songs, that have the essence of different parts of the body to tie into the themes of the levels. For example, In Palpitation Panic, I incorporated the beating heart of the level’s boss.
Sound Redesign
How to Train Your Dragon 2
I spent some time experimenting with linear sound design, focusing on honing each sound and practicing a wider range of techniques. This approach requires a different skill set, particularly when it comes to mixing and spatial placement of sounds. I genuinely enjoyed this project and plan to undertake more in the future to further develop my skills.
