Jazz Composition workshop

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When & Where

1 May 2025 - 3 July 2025 ( 17 hours, 10 weeks )
Evening, Thursday
View course timetable
Online

Quick Facts

Availability Late starts accepted
Tutor Adam Dyer
Course Code W24JPMF01C
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

The jazz composition workshop is aimed at all levels of composers, both relative newcomers and more experienced writers. New and returning students are welcome. During the class we will discuss different writing techniques, approaches to developing material and analyse existing compositions by great jazz writers, such as Wayne Shorter, Thelonious Monk and Maria Schneider. A good working knowledge of jazz harmony and scales is helpful, but not essential, especially if you are willing to do some extra work outside of the classes. There are weekly assignments and potentially a chance to record your compositions with professionals in term 3.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Start, develop and finish a composition so that it can be played by jazz musicians, either from lead sheet or full score
Use rhythm more effectively in your compositions
Understand different approaches to writing melodies to existing harmonies.
Develop a workbook of ideas from which to draw inspiration.

Cost

Full fee

£125

Concession fee

£95

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

This online course will involve listening to and discussion of existing compositions, weekly compositional assignments, feedback from the tutor. In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment.

Entry requirements

Some knowledge of the different types of jazz chords, scales is helpful. Musescore is used for score writing (it is free), but other software is used by some students.

What you need to know before you enrol

This online course will involve listening to and discussion of existing compositions, weekly compositional assignments, feedback from the tutor.

What you need

This is an online course, therefore you will need access to a personal computer/laptop/ipad with working internal microphone and camera, and decent internet wi-fi connection. You will also need to have and basic IT skills, in order to be able to access and use effectively the online material, eg. the online platforms for the live sessions and shared material. Ahead of the first session, you will receive information about the exact format and length of the live part of the course, together with guidance on how to access the relevant platforms. 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.

What you can do next

Any of our Jazz ensemble, Jazz theory and Jazz history classes. Contact the music department to discuss your options.