This intensive workshop is on writing and arranging for voices with no instrumental accompaniment. Learn techniques for composing your own music, arranging existing tunes, creating vocal and choral textures, and setting English text.
Suitable for students with knowledge of music theory to at least grade/level 6 standard.
Before booking on this course, we'll need you to log in or register with us if you're new. Please then contact us for a chat with our team to check that this course is the right level for you. Why do I need an advice session
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
You will learn about how the singing voice works, and how composers write for voices in a variety of styles and techniques. You will then apply these techniques in exercises, and in your own original compositions and/or arrangements for voices.
The course does NOT cover writing piano accompaniments.
The course runs Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (22, 23, 24 July) and Monday–Tuesday (27–28 July). This is designed to provide time between sessions 3 and 4 to work on individual projects, in order to get the most out of this intensive course.
What will we cover?
Basics of the singing voice and various voice types
Text setting in English and using vocables
Melodic structure and voice leading
Texture and spacing for vocal/choral ensembles
Applying technique learned to your own compositions and/or arrangements
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understanding of the singing voice and various voice types
improve your setting of English text to music, and using vocables
understanding and composition of melody and vocal textures
a completed composition and/or arrangement for voices
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You need solid knowledge of music theory to at least Grade 6 standard, including understanding of metre and rhythm, intervals and conventional music notation, as well as experience on an instrument or voice.
Entrance to this course is via a short test: please email music@citylit.ac.uk if you have further questions or click the ‘start my interview’ button on this page and we’ll contact you.
Please try this chord naming quiz [external website] to get an idea of the entrance level of this course
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Singing of exercises and vocal/choral pieces
Guided analytical listening, score study, discussion and singing of examples
class and individual exercises in writing using the techniques studied
singing through and critiquing student exercises and compositions
There will be exercises in class and homework, on which you will receive tutor feedback
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your own manuscript paper, pencil and eraser. Other musical materials will be supplied by the tutor.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Composition Techniques runs every term, and different topics are studied each term. You may also be interested in Song writing, Music production, Music theory, Music history, or one of City Lit’s many practical instrumental, singing and ensemble courses.
Trish trained as a violinist, singer and historical musicologist, with a specialism in music since 1900. She has worked variously as a university and college lecturer, choral conductor and arranger, and orchestral violinist, and has taught a wide range of subjects including choral singing and conducting, composition techniques, music theory, analysis and musicianship, music history, violin and chamber music. She has published and presented at conferences on French music (especially Ravel), and Australian music and cultural history. At City Lit, Trish currently teaches Orchestra workshop and short music history and theory courses. Her interests in the arts also include contemporary theatre, dance and visual arts.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/composition-techniques-intensive-workshop149408Composition techniques: intensive workshophttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpg159159GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music theory & musicianship/Courses/New courses228513141351135917431228513141351<p>This intensive workshop is on writing and arranging for voices with no instrumental accompaniment. Learn techniques for composing your own music, arranging existing tunes, creating vocal and choral textures, and setting English text. </p><p>Suitable for students with knowledge of music theory to at least grade/level 6 standard.</p> This course focuses on the concept of variations on a fixed form: the ground bass. We will listen to and analyse examples from a variety of musical periods, exploring a range of styles and techniques. You will work short exercises in writing variations over a ground bass, and writing your own ground bass, and aim to develop your own musical ideas into a completed short piece by the end of the week. <br />
<br />
This is a live online course. You will need:<br />
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.<br />
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.<br />
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.<br />
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.003024271Composition techniques: intensive workshop159159https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-07-22T00:00:00+00:00AdvancedJul 2026Performing artsMG854D159159Composition techniques: intensive workshop159111159Trish Shawcomposition-techniques-intensive-workshop/mg854d-2526<p>This intensive workshop is on writing and arranging for voices with no instrumental accompaniment. Learn techniques for composing your own music, arranging existing tunes, creating vocal and choral textures, and setting English text. </p><p>Suitable for students with knowledge of music theory to at least grade/level 6 standard.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-22 00:00:00<p>You will learn about how the singing voice works, and how composers write for voices in a variety of styles and techniques. You will then apply these techniques in exercises, and in your own original compositions and/or arrangements for voices. </p><p>The course does NOT cover writing piano accompaniments. </p><p>The course runs Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (22, 23, 24 July) and Monday–Tuesday (27–28 July). This is designed to provide time between sessions 3 and 4 to work on individual projects, in order to get the most out of this intensive course. </p><p>This intensive workshop is on writing and arranging for voices with no instrumental accompaniment. Learn techniques for composing your own music, arranging existing tunes, creating vocal and choral textures, and setting English text. </p><p>Suitable for students with knowledge of music theory to at least grade/level 6 standard.</p><ul><li>Basics of the singing voice and various voice types </li><li>Text setting in English and using vocables </li><li>Melodic structure and voice leading </li><li>Texture and spacing for vocal/choral ensembles </li><li>Applying technique learned to your own compositions and/or arrangements </li></ul><ul><li>Understanding of the singing voice and various voice types </li><li>improve your setting of English text to music, and using vocables </li><li>understanding and composition of melody and vocal textures </li><li>a completed composition and/or arrangement for voices </li></ul><p>You need solid knowledge of music theory to at least Grade 6 standard, including understanding of metre and rhythm, intervals and conventional music notation, as well as experience on an instrument or voice.</p><ul><li>Entrance to this course is via a short test: please email music@citylit.ac.uk if you have further questions or click the ‘start my interview’ button on this page and we’ll contact you. </li><li>Please try this <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MYcV6uqmygC0ZsWVH6PuQeZ60RN-6QB5/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">chord naming quiz</a> [external website] to get an idea of the entrance level of this course </li></ul><ul><li>Singing of exercises and vocal/choral pieces </li><li>Guided analytical listening, score study, discussion and singing of examples </li><li>class and individual exercises in writing using the techniques studied </li><li>singing through and critiquing student exercises and compositions </li><li>There will be exercises in class and homework, on which you will receive tutor feedback </li></ul><p>Please bring your own manuscript paper, pencil and eraser. Other musical materials will be supplied by the tutor. </p><p>Composition Techniques runs every term, and different topics are studied each term. You may also be interested in Song writing, <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-technology-courses-overview" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music production</a>, <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music theory</a>, <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music history</a>, or one of City Lit’s many practical instrumental, singing and ensemble courses. </p>MusicMusic theory & musicianshipvirtual159159111MG854DINTWed22/07/26 - 28/07/2610:30 - 13:0010:3013:005 sessions55-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetTrish ShawAdvancedAvailable courses2026-07-22T00:00:00+00:00Jul 2026Performing arts159159Composition techniques: intensive workshopcomposition-techniques-intensive-workshop/mg854d-2526<p>This intensive workshop is on writing and arranging for voices with no instrumental accompaniment. Learn techniques for composing your own music, arranging existing tunes, creating vocal and choral textures, and setting English text. </p><p>Suitable for students with knowledge of music theory to at least grade/level 6 standard.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-22 00:00:00<p>You will learn about how the singing voice works, and how composers write for voices in a variety of styles and techniques. You will then apply these techniques in exercises, and in your own original compositions and/or arrangements for voices. </p><p>The course does NOT cover writing piano accompaniments. </p><p>The course runs Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (22, 23, 24 July) and Monday–Tuesday (27–28 July). This is designed to provide time between sessions 3 and 4 to work on individual projects, in order to get the most out of this intensive course. </p><p>This intensive workshop is on writing and arranging for voices with no instrumental accompaniment. Learn techniques for composing your own music, arranging existing tunes, creating vocal and choral textures, and setting English text. </p><p>Suitable for students with knowledge of music theory to at least grade/level 6 standard.</p><ul><li>Basics of the singing voice and various voice types </li><li>Text setting in English and using vocables </li><li>Melodic structure and voice leading </li><li>Texture and spacing for vocal/choral ensembles </li><li>Applying technique learned to your own compositions and/or arrangements </li></ul><ul><li>Understanding of the singing voice and various voice types </li><li>improve your setting of English text to music, and using vocables </li><li>understanding and composition of melody and vocal textures </li><li>a completed composition and/or arrangement for voices </li></ul><p>You need solid knowledge of music theory to at least Grade 6 standard, including understanding of metre and rhythm, intervals and conventional music notation, as well as experience on an instrument or voice.</p><ul><li>Entrance to this course is via a short test: please email music@citylit.ac.uk if you have further questions or click the ‘start my interview’ button on this page and we’ll contact you. </li><li>Please try this <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MYcV6uqmygC0ZsWVH6PuQeZ60RN-6QB5/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">chord naming quiz</a> [external website] to get an idea of the entrance level of this course </li></ul><ul><li>Singing of exercises and vocal/choral pieces </li><li>Guided analytical listening, score study, discussion and singing of examples </li><li>class and individual exercises in writing using the techniques studied </li><li>singing through and critiquing student exercises and compositions </li><li>There will be exercises in class and homework, on which you will receive tutor feedback </li></ul><p>Please bring your own manuscript paper, pencil and eraser. Other musical materials will be supplied by the tutor. </p><p>Composition Techniques runs every term, and different topics are studied each term. You may also be interested in Song writing, <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-technology-courses-overview" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music production</a>, <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music theory</a>, <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music history</a>, or one of City Lit’s many practical instrumental, singing and ensemble courses. </p>MusicMusic theory & musicianshipconfigurable
13591351Music theory & musicianshiphttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-theory-and-musicianship1/2/285/1314/1351/13591/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music theory & musicianship
