The University of West London (UWL) has awarded film, television, and video game composer Richard Jacques an Honorary Doctor of Music for his efforts to inspire and equip London College of Music (LCM) students with composition workshops and advice on how to forge careers in the industry.

Ivor Novello award-winning, GRAMMY and BAFTA nominated composer Richard trained at London’s Royal Academy of Music. He is best known for his orchestral scores for blockbuster gaming franchises such as ‘Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy,’ ‘James Bond 007: Blood Stone’, ‘Mass Effect’, ‘Overwatch 2’, ‘Starship Troopers’ and ‘Headhunter’.

His orchestral score for Headhunter was the first video game soundtrack to be recorded using A-list musicians at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. His original thematic score and epic intergalactic symphony for ‘Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy,’ also recorded at Abbey Road, won him an Ivor Novello Award for Best Original Video Game Score as well as being nominated for a GRAMMY. It also received top music honours from IGN, Metro, PlayStation, Steam and won the Music of the Year from the Game Audio Network Guild Awards.

Jacques’ music can also be heard in TV and cinema ad campaigns for brands such as Audi, Bacardi, Mercedes-Benz and Stella Artois, and features in programmes on the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. A Fellow of Wells Cathedral School, he is also the recipient of the Game Audio Network Guild’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Music for video games and visual media are now established professional pathways for young composers,” said Director of LCM Professor Nicholas McKay before presenting Richard with his award.

“Richard’s exceptional talent and status as a world-leading games composer will undoubtedly serve as a model and reference point for our students. He has been and will continue to be an invaluable asset to the musical community at UWL, enhancing our reputation and inspiring excellence for years to come.”

“As you, my fellow graduands, embark on the next stages of your lives and careers, I am sure you will discover a wide range of opportunities that present themselves to you,” said Richard.

“Work hard, be proud of what you achieve, treat your colleagues well, grab every opportunity with both hands, never stop learning, and follow your passions. The possibilities are indeed endless, and you have the world at your feet.”