The Industry in 2026
What is the current landscape of being a composer and songwriter for visual media in 2026?
The Industry in 2026 takes an honest look at what it’s actually like to work as a composer or songwriter for visual media right now. As the industry continues to shift, this panel explores how people are building careers in music for film, TV, games, and new media today. Featuring the SCL, CDC, and AWFC presidents, the panelists will share their insights on where opportunities are showing up, what skills matter most in 2026, and how composers are adapting their creative and professional lives to a landscape that keeps moving.
Ashley Irwin
President, The SCL
Allyson Newman
Composer, Co-President of AWFC (Alliance of Women Film Composers)
Gayle Levant
President, American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers
Ronit Kirchman
Composer, Co-President of AWFC (Alliance of Women Film Composers)
Sandro Morales-Santoro
Composer, Co-president of CDC (Composers Diversity Collective)
Catherine Joy
Composer, Founder of Joy Music House