Composition

Tutor: Adam Swayne

Places remaining

Teaching time: Two one-hour group sessions and five 45 minute one-to-one sessions

Preparation: Students will be given a brief in advance

Performance: Students can expect their composition to be performed/screened during one of the Summer School concerts

Experience: From novice to advanced

This wide-ranging course caters for sixth-form music students, those studying composition at university level and musicians experienced in other musical disciplines, who have begun composing for their own pleasure but had little formal training.

Before the course starts, Adam will provide you with a composition project to prepare, and you should also bring some examples of your existing compositions so that classes can be arranged according to individual needs. Performances of works composed during the week are an important aspect of the course.

Compositions written for singers, pianists or choral ensembles will be welcomed (to be performed by your fellow Summer School participants),and you will need good first drafts ready for trial rehearsals by the Tuesday evening in order for adequate preparation by the Thursday evening concert performance.

Students will write original music for solo piano, voice(s) and piano or for voices alone, and possibly for another instrument depending on what students and staff bring to the Summer School

Students can also choose to compose music for a short film, and, optionally, learn about techniques of film soundtrack editing. (A wide range of royalty-free films are sent to your home address a month in advance of the course). Tuition is provided through two group sessions and five one-to-one sessions, focussing on each student’s musical interests, which may include composing popular, concert or experimental pieces. All pieces, including film music, will be performed, screened and recorded at the end of the week.