Today, Guildhall School of Music & Drama opens applications for its online Young Composers Course. The course, which is part of the Guildhall Young Artists division, begins on Wednesday 20 January 2021. Running for nine weeks, this is a unique opportunity for composers aged 14-18 to receive one-to-one tutoring and hear their own composition performed by staff and students from the School. Participants can access the institution’s world-class teaching from anywhere in the world.
The course, which will take place over Zoom, is designed for students working towards GCSE or A Level Music and/or students hoping to enhance their composition skills outside of an exam environment. It’s also a great opportunity to get an insight into studying composition at Guildhall School.
Participants will work with an experienced composition teacher on a one-to-one basis, in addition to taking part in two group workshops led by esteemed Guildhall School and Junior Guildhall staff. The final workshop will include an opportunity for course tutors to explore and perform student compositions and offer valuable feedback. The course will consist of eight and a half hours of tuition, comprised of six hours of individual tuition, an hour-long opening workshop and a 90-minute closing workshop and informal concert.
Paul Whitmarsh, Young Composers Course leader says: ‘We have run a pilot Young Composers Course during the Autumn Term, and it has been so pleasing to see how well the course transfers from the physical classroom to online. The students exceeded all our expectations with the work that they achieved; it was delightful to see their musical ideas grow during their one-to-one lessons and so exciting to hear their finished pieces played during the online workshop and concert at the end of the course. I am thrilled that we are able to fully launch the Young Composers Course in the New Year.’
Charmaine, participant from Hong Kong, on pilot course says: ‘I really enjoyed my unique experience on the Young Composers Course over Zoom, as I have learnt how to apply my musical knowledge even further. I was originally a blank sheet of paper in composition, as I had never tried it before. However, Mr. Whitmarsh, my teacher, taught me about many new things and composition skills. With his guidance and help, I successfully composed a piece called “Rondeau in E major” using the melody I had first created, with two short verses in a different colour. Now, I have a clear concept of structuring a piece. I had a whale of a time learning how to compose, and I will always treasure this marvellous experience!’
Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 12 January https://bit.ly/YoungComposersCourse
Course Dates:
Opening workshop 20 January 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Closing workshop 24 March 5:30pm – 7pm
Please be aware that the course is not GCSE/A Level exam board specific
Guildhall School of Music & Drama is provided by the City of London Corporation.