Composing for instruments

Compose chamber or solo music for acoustic instruments in a variety of classical genres and modern contemporary genres. Learn about specific orchestration techniques for your instrument. Notate your ideas using both traditional and graphic scores.

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
15/01/12 - 12/02/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
5 weeks

Time
10:30 - 12:00

Fees ?
Full fee: £66NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
MG841

Availability
This course has finished

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

This course has finished


Course outline

What is the course about?

Composing chamber or solo music for acoustic instruments in a variety of classical genres and modern classical genres. A course for acoustic instrumentalists with little or no previous composition experience. Learn about specific orchestration techniques for your instrument and how to create & structure your musical material to produce original work.

What topics will we cover?

- Orchestration techniques for strings, woodwind and brass instruments
- Notating musical ideas effectively using traditional notation and graphic scores
- The correct use of clefs, keys, articulation, phrasing
- Listening to and analysing the scores of chamber & solo works by Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th composers
- Creating and playing our original work in class (and at home) using notation and improvisation.

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

- Orchestrate woodwind, string and brass instruments in basic chamber or solo scores
- Interpret, read and play simple chamber and solo instrumental scores
- Generate your own musical material effectively through improvisation in class and at home
- Structure and notate your ideas via traditional or graphic notation.

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

You will need to 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 (other than the piano or voice) and have experience in score and sight reading.
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 show in class.

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

Please bring your instrument with you to each session. Also bring manuscript paper, notebook, pencil, 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 the change of alternative City Lit composing courses.

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.

Browse full range of courses

Click to view Click to close browse courses box

Contact us

Music

Tel: 020 7492 2630

music@citylit.ac.uk

Auditions and Advice Information



To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Featured course

Featured course

Golden age of English song Taught by renowned performer and teacher of the repertoire Sarah Leonard, this course will immerse you in the beauty of English song

More

Music

City Lit's Jazz group

City Lit offers a wide range of  part-time, evening and weekend music courses at many levels to suit your needs and aspirations, with highly sympathetic and motivated teachers

More