This is a practical course for those interested in composing music of any genre and will concentrate upon the skills common to all composition, focussing this term on melody construction, basic harmony and rhythm.
The Elements of Musical Composition
This is an In-person course which requires your attendance to the weekly meetings which take place in Oxford.
Overview
Programme details
Course starts: 3rd Oct 2024
Week 1: Scales and modes.
Week 2: Introduction to melody writing I.
Week 3: Introduction to melody writing II.
Week 4: Introduction to melody writing III.
Week 5: Introduction to harmony.
Week 6: Introduction to rhythm I.
Week 7: Introduction to rhythm II.
Week 8: Simple counterpoint I.
Week 9: Simple counterpoint II.
Week 10: Recording of student compositions.
Recommended reading
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Continuing Education Library for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are welcome to use the Library for reference. More information can be found on the Library website.
There is a Guide for Weekly Class students which will give you further information.
Certification
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add your badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course Fee | £285.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Tutor
Dr Peter Copley
Tutor
Peter Copley D.Phil, MA, B.mus is a composer, cellist and pianist. He is a visiting lecturer at OUDCE, the University of Sussex and for the Open University, where he has been a Research Associate for the music faculty.
Course aims
To encourage musical composition and, in particular, to remove students' inhibitions about the creative process by laying emphasis upon the craft and techniques of composition.
Course Objectives:
- To introduce students to the basic materials of musical composition.
- To give students various means of recording their musical ideas.
- To encourage students to think about the structure of their compositions.
Teaching methods
The topics for each week are not exhaustive. Students will also have the opportunity to have their compositions played (where possible) and discussed even if not related to the main topic of the week. Each topic will incorporate student exercises, musical examples, both live and recorded and class discussions.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will be expected to:
- record a musical idea in some form of notation, either conventional or unconventional;
- suggest new musical ideas that can be developed from the original one;
- arrange a group of related musical ideas into a coherent larger structure;
- know, or know where to find out, the ranges and practical limitations of instruments and voices.
Application
Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form (Word) or enrolment form (Pdf).
Level and demands
Basic music literacy is essential for full participation. Access to a music writing software program is recommended but not essential.