Composition techniques
Time: 10:30 - 12:30
Location: Keeley Street
*. break week: 29th October 2024.
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This course has now started
- Course Code: MG854A
- Dates: 17/09/24 - 26/11/24
- Time: 10:30 - 12:30
- Taught: Tue, Daytime
- Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Edward Henderson
Course Code: MG854A
Please choose another course date
Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
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.
What is the course about?
This course is based on the analysis of composition techniques from a variety of styles and genres of music. You will then learn to use these techniques through exercises, and apply them in your own original composition. This term focusses on principles of good melodic writing.
What will we cover?
Principles of good melody writing:
• pitch set (key, mode), contour (shape and direction), range
• harmonic implications
• rhythmic structure
• motivic and phrase structure
• principles of effective good counterpoint between melodies.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Analyse the construction of melodies in a variety of styles
Understand what gives a melody good shape and direction
Understand how melodies work together to create counterpoint
Write effective short melodies and contrapuntal textures in a variety of styles
Compose your own original melodies.
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.
Do try this composition workshop 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?
• Guided analytical listening, score study, discussion and playing/singing of examples
• class and individual exercises in writing using the techniques studied
• playing / singing of exercises
• playing through and critiquing student exercises and compositions
There will be exercises in class and regular 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. You may need to bring your instrument to class to play the exercises and compositions.
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.
Edward Henderson is a composer and performer from South London. He studied at Cambridge and Trinity Laban, where he won the Director's Prize for Composition. He co-directs composers’ collective Bastard Assignments, which presents shows in London and across Europe. His theatre pieces "Manspangled" and "Hum" have been performed at Second Movement's Rough for Opera night and the Tête à Tête opera festival, and his piano piece "Milk 2" has been performed in Europe and in Sydney. His "Tape Piece" opened the 2015 London Contemporary Music Festival, and his performance piece "Totally" featured at the 2016 Internationale Ferienkurse für Neue Musik in Darmstadt. Edward teaches at City Lit, Morley College and Trinity Laban, and runs inclusive community choirs for Certitude.
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.
