Hi, i'd appreciate some help, i really quite like composing. I need to find a suitable course ---- not too long! (i do not want to study a degree). I am learning to play the violin, but enjoy composing as well. i have written a few very short peices for violin. I have nearly written a song for piano, and also trying to write a long peice for orchestra (classical). Does anyone know of a really good book or short course which would be suitable. I have looked through the open university --- but i do not want to do a whole module which incorporates lots of other "stuff" as well. At the moment i just write what i like, i am sure there is a lot more to composing than that. thanks.

thanks for answering, i will continue to look.

Hi, as a composer myself (I've had works performed professionally) I'm a bit puzzled by your post; it's a bit like saying "I want to play the piano, but not a degree, just a short course". Composing is a long, demanding art, like playing an instrument, it's not something you can just learn in a couple of months (unlike what the GSCE syllabus might make one believe). You need to learn harmony, counterpoint, orchestration, contemporary techniques, writing for solo instrument, writing for small ensemble, writing for large forces, writing for alternative forces; all of this will require as much effort as you've put into learning an instrument. I would recommend you get the books by Walter Piston on Harmony, Counterpoint and Orchestration out of your local library to get an idea what you need to do!

sorry for not getting back to you so soon! But yes, you are right, i did mean specifically about composing, thankyou. I do not want a general music course, theory i can do at home with books etc. What i was trying to say, and yes i do agree totally about composing is a demanding "thing", is that i wanted a short course just on composing to help me get started, rather than a degree. Hope that makes sense. Although i have already started composing, without knowing about stuff like counterpoint etc etc. I suppose that sounds strange, but you can actually write music without having done all of that first. I suppose its like saying, you don't have to have trained years to become a chief to be a really good cook. Anyway,---it shouldn't stop you from composing. I have written a few very short pieces for violin, just finished a song on the piano and currently writing a violin concerto. It is an excellent way of finding out about transposing etc etc. Yes, i will certainly try and get hold of a few books! Also, i looked at the OCA site --- and yes it did rather look like a theory course.

Composing is lots of fun!!!

thankyou again

I remember classes on harmony/counterpoint, etc. in my first year at uni, and they were incredibly boring! Two hours on a Wednesday afternoon, during which the class would slowly sink into slumber. But I think it is necessary to understand these elements in order to progress as a composer. There is a huge amount to learn and this is always based on theory. Composition courses at all levels will incorporate this, and of course analysis of the works of other composers to get a greater understanding of musical structure, form and technique (and at MA level it doesn't let up, but only intensifies!). Composition is a huge subject to study and to make the most of it it's a good idea to do so in a structured way and with the help of not only a competent tutor/teacher, but one who you can get on with! Composers never stop learning, from their own experience and from the work of others.

Composition is a lot of fun, but it becomes even more so and more satisfying as you progress. I don't know to what extent you've studied, but it might be worth looking at the GCSE/A level syllabuses if you haven't done so yet.

Lots of luck and continue to enjoy