Course description
Throughout this course in musical composition, challenges to ingenuity and inventiveness will lead to an approach to composition which has breadth. The constant questioning of contrasting means to achieve an end is an important ingredient of compositional skill. Trying a quick passage slowly, a loud passage softly, or changing the instrument playing it all – these aspects of ‘lateral thinking’ are all part of the composer’s skill. Becoming aware of this process and being able to apply it to all creative situations will, it is hoped, be the most lasting outcome. In addition, there is a wealth of practical information and demonstration designed to broaden a composer’s horizons.
The OCA expects students on its Composing Music courses to have a basic grounding in Music Theory. You will also be required to have access to a computer and have a good music software package with which to compose music and listen to the playback.
- Exploring rhythm
- Exploring melody and scale
- Rounds, descants, polyphony
- Exploring counterpoint
- Exploring harmony
Postal Tuition
You are allocated a tutor and receive their details in your course pack. You work from the course materials and send regular assignments to your tutor. These are returned to you with comment and advice. The course fee includes tutor feedback on your set assignments, but you can purchase feedback and comment on additional pieces of work if you wish.
