Composition Lessons
For those seeking to develop the creative side of their nature, it has been proved that writing music has a dramatic effect on a person’s learning experience and development. Learning how to compose can be fun, enjoyable and productive; it develops the creative and logical sides of our minds simultaneously. People who can compose will improve their ability to express themselves freely and can develop their sensitivity and creativity.
Music is a Universal Language. When perfecting our skills in a verbal language, we have to start with the letters of the alphabet, and learn how to put them into words. Then we can work on sentences, paragraphs and finally the construction of a whole essay or story, in which we put the whole of what we have to say into a logical format.
Pieces of music work in the same way. We learn the notes and rhythms, then put those elements together to make musical phrases, then assemble them to make sections or movements; then move to the completion of a musical piece in a proper form. Before we come to the first steps of composition, or if we wish to develop as performers or composers, we have to learn basic music theory, and to understand the elements of the universal language that all musicians use.
After taking the Stage 1 Music Theory, we can progress to Stage 2 Composition/Songwriting, in which we can explore more on our creativity and develop our own unique composition style.
Through music analysis of pieces from different periods of composition (Renaissance to 21st century) utilizing different forces (solo instruments to full orchestra or choir) in a variety of forms and styles, we develop our own unique compositional technique.
The skill of composition is useful not only for developing personal character; it gives us a way to serve the community and even the broader society by composing in different genres of music for different occasions and purposes, large and small.
Composition lessons will be conducted on a one on one basis for older (or especially gifted) children as well as for adults. You can choose to focus specifically on songwriting or composition for various instruments, orchestra or choir, and whether to work in an hour or a 90-minute block, depending on your preference.
Younger students or beginners are advised to start with one on one lessons for an hour. More advanced students, with basic music theory knowledge of Grade 5 standard and onward, would benefit from in-depth 90 minute lessons.
As an award-winning composer and teacher of composition, I can teach at all levels, from those starting out to those undertaking professional work or postgraduate degrees, including assisting students with the preparation of their composition portfolios for admissions for University; as well as preparing composition students for competitions and relevant AMEB, LTCL, ABRSM and HSC examinations.
