Composing workshop: collaboration & improvisation

Create a piece of contemporary acoustic music in a day! If you have good vocal or instrumental skills collaboration & improvisation at grade 3 and have always wanted to have a go at composing – here’s your chance! Learn how to use improvisation to explore instrumentation, structure, texture and rhythm to create new work.

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Key course information

Date
06/11/11

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
1 week

Time
11:00 - 15:00

Fees
Full fee: £35^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
MG845*

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?

Create a piece of contemporary acoustic music in a day! If you have good vocal or instrumental skills and have always wanted to have a go at composing – here’s your chance! Learn how to use improvisation to explore instrumentation, structure, texture and rhythm to create new work in a collaborative environment.

What topics will we cover?

- Improvisation techniques using voices, traditional instruments, percussion and non-traditional instruments
- Analysing and creating texture and timbre and instrumentation.
- The creation of free and structured rhythm, harmony and melody.
- Creating, rehearsing and performing a finished composition
- Sharing ideas and effective collaboration
- Using graphic notation to sketch out concepts, ideas and structures.

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

- Generate your own musical material through improvisation
- Demonstrate an awareness of how to use texture & timbre to create effective instrumentation
- Collaborate with others to generate, structure, and edit musical themes and ideas
- Collaborate with others to rehearse and perform a finished composition in a workshop situation
- Use graphic notation to sketch out concepts, ideas and structures.

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

You will need to have either Grade 3 Music Theory or the City Lit course ‘Sounds and Symbols 3’. It is preferable that you have the equivalent of Grade 3 in an instrument 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.

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

Please bring your instrument and an unusual sound making device with you. Also bring manuscript paper, notebook, pencil, rubber and a recording device if you’d like to record the finished composition.

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

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.

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.

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?

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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