composition, arranging,
songwriting & production

As an experienced composition teacher, I enjoy helping people find the discipline and freedom necessary for their creativity to flow. Initially, I prefer to teach genuine practical musical fluency and literacy based on my simple, practical model of how music works tonally and rhythmically. This establishes a solid foundation of improvisation and notation skill that allows students to explore using the language of music confidently in the telling of authentic “stories”.

Conventional approaches to composition teaching tend to be based either on learning dense theory or a rather abstract, experimental approach that can leave many people in the dark. By learning my simple model of practical fluent musicianship first, students develop a clear understanding of tonal and rhythmic vocabulary and structure. This means that they communicate their own unique musical messages clearly, in any style of music that they choose to explore as a composer.

Viewing composition in this way, more as a practical skill based on active, fluent musicianship, rather than as an academic area of study is a crucial first step in unlocking creativity. We develop a powerful practical understanding of rhythm and structure first, then using the piano keyboard, we discover how tonal shapes are built on rhythmic structure to create vivid storytelling. The piano keyboard is the ideal tool for composing, arranging and producing music, especially with a computer.

Whilst the foundation discipline of being able to handle rhythm, tonality and musical structure is initially the top priority, various other aspects of composition will be covered to whatever level of depth is required:

• Timbre, texture and instrumentation
• Notation – engraving scores, parts, lead sheets for pop songs etc.
• Compositional techniques – thematic transformation, symphonic development, variation etc.
• Study of different styles of music and understanding the techniques involved
• Word setting and melody-writing
• Music technology and production – sequencing, synthesis, sampling, recording etc.
• Synchronising music and film/dramatic subtext

I use Dorico and the very useful free software MuseScore for notation and Cubase and Reaper for production, together with a whole host of other music software. Once musical fluency is established, I help students navigate today’s very complex world of music technology and composition and help them demystify the whole process in order to feel confident and secure in their own musical choices. Whatever path students wish to follow – complex production, classical symphonic writing, solo instrumentals, experimental electronica or just putting down simple pop songs as vocal melodies with chords – I can guide to develop their skills and unlock their creativity.