Composing for beginners: singers

Compose choral, chamber or solo vocal music in classical and contemporary classical genres. Learn about specific composing techniques for singers and vocalists. Ideal for singers with little or no previous composition experience.

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Key course information

Dates
22/04/12 - 20/05/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
5 weeks

Time
11:00 - 12:30

Fees
Full fee: £66^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
MG843

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
music@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2630

Course outline

What is the course about?

Compose choral, chamber or solo vocal music in a variety of classical genres and modern classical genres. This course is ideal for you if you have little or no previous composition experience. Learn about specific composing techniques for singers and vocalists and how to create & structure your musical material to produce original work.

What topics will we cover?

- Vocal ranges - bass, bariton, tenor, counter tenor, alto, mezzo soprano and soprano
- The correct use of clefs, keys, articulation and phrasing for particular vocal ranges
- Composing for a capella small choirs or voice groups
- Composing for solo voices with basic piano accompaniment
- Notating musical ideas effectively using traditional notation and graphic scores
- Listening to and analysing the scores of choral, chamber and solo vocal music by baroque, classical, romantic and 20th composers
- Improving, creating and singing our original work in class (and at home) using traditional and graphic notation.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Compose simple chamber, choral or solo vocal music
- Notate and structure your ideas via traditional or graphic notation
- Interpret, read and sing simple chamber, choral and solo vocal scores
- Generate your own musical material effectively through improvisation in class and at home.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You should have either Grade 3 music theory or have completed the City Lit course ‘Musicianship: sounds and symbols 3’ and have preferably attended ‘Composing for beginners’. You will need the equivalent of Grade 3 in an instrument or voice and have experience in choral or vocal singing. You should be able to read a vocal score and sight read.
You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in class discussions and take notes in English and staff notation.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The emphasis is on practical work in class. You will be asked to complete weekly homework to discuss/show in class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring Manuscript paper, notebook, pencil and rubber.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. There will be continuous assessment of written and practical homework.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

At the end of the course you can explore other composing courses at City Lit.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2630

music@citylit.ac.uk

Auditions and Advice Information

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Music

Tel: 020 7492 2630

music@citylit.ac.uk

Auditions and Advice Information

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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