Composition Workshop B is a course that will enable students to build pieces of music through a mixture of taught techniques and utilisation of students' own musical ideas. Students will be given frameworks and suggestions in which to write pieces and there will be continuous tutor feedback and class discussion of the works as they build up. Performances of pieces may happen in class, or by Morley groups that students write for. This term there is a special project where students will have the opportunity to write for Morley clarinet teacher Isha Crichlow. There will be a workshop of works in progress and an in-class performance at the end of the term that could be recorded. This is a course for composers and music-makers of all kinds. Most composers in the group use western notation to compose but feel free to join the course if you use text scores, improvisation or computer technologies as part of your practice. You do not have to have done Composition Workshop A to attend this class.
Composition Workshop B
When & Where
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6 January 2025 - 24 March 2025 ( 22 hours, 11 weeks )
- Afternoon, Monday
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View course timetable
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Waterloo Centre
Quick Facts
- Availability Yes
- Tutor Edward Henderson
- Course Code W24CCLI01B
- Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course
What you will learn
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Feel empowered to move your composition practice onto the next level
- Understand the requirements for writing for the woodwind family of instruments
- Analyse existing pieces of contemporary woodwind repetoire
- Understand some of the main considerations in writing for solo clarinet
- Build a piece of solo clarinet music
Cost
Class format and activities
Classes will mix the analysis of existing repertoire with feedback on the development of student pieces in a roughly 30/70 ratio. Students will be guided on the rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, formal, conceptual and contextual aspects of their work in order to produce a piece suitable for consideration by performers. Study pieces for this term will include: Prelude for Clarinet by Penderecki, Quartet for the End of Time by Messiaen, Cerulean by Rebecca Saunders, Time and Motion Study 1 by Brian Ferneyhough.
Entry requirements
A solid theoretical background (ABRSM 6+ or equivalent), fluent reading and writing of standard music notation is ideal but not essential. The ability to perform on an instrument/voice in any idiom is ideal but not essential. The ability to use notation and composition softwares (Sibelius, Logic, Max/MSP, Reaper, Ableton, Audacity) is very positive but not essential.
What you need to know before you enrol
Time will need to be spent out of class in inventing and developing musical idea to make pieces. You will need to complete homework on a weekly basis. Achievement on your course will be measured by whether you meet the following learning outcomes. At the start of the course you will have an opportunity to discuss these with your tutor and set your own personal targets, linked to the learning outcomes and future goals. Excellent attendance and punctuality is required from all students. This course requires study/completion of activities outside of class time.
What you need
Notebook, manuscript paper, data stick. During the first session, you will receive guidance from your tutor about how to access the online course material, such as recordings and sheet music.
