Writing for an Orchestra: Intermediate

There is very limited availability remaining on the course. Please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place is still available.

• Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 17 January or when the course reaches full capacity

Ages 18+

Course Dates & Times

Wednesday evenings on 22, 29 January, 5, 12, 19, 26 February 2025
6.30pm–8.30pm GMT (UTC +/-0)

The course also includes a one-to-one session with the course tutor (20 minutes). Dates and timings of the session will be confirmed during the course.

About Writing for an Orchestra: Intermediate

This new six-week online evening course will provide you with the tools to approach orchestration with confidence, whether you are interested in transforming a piano piece into an orchestral tapestry, or in composing your own symphonic opus.

The course will examine some of the techniques of orchestration that have been employed by history’s great composers through a combination of score study and listening. In tandem with such explorations, you will be guided through a series of short orchestration assignments, providing you with practical experience of how to use these techniques for yourself.

Who is the course for?

• Anyone aged 18 and over with an interest in orchestration or composition and a passion for the orchestra
• Participants who have completed the Writing for an Orchestra: Beginners course, or anyone with some preliminary experience in writing for orchestras (or chamber ensembles) 
• Participants must be able to: 
  • read music
  • be comfortable with reading in alto and tenor clef
  • have an understanding of transposition
  • feel familiar with orchestral instruments and their various properties
• There is no upper age limit on this course. We encourage and welcome participants from all ages 18 and over.

What can I expect?

The course will be both theoretical and practical with score study, listening, and short, practical exercises. The course also includes a one-to-one session with the course tutor (20 minutes). Dates and timings of the session will be confirmed during the course.

You will learn a selection of fundamental orchestration techniques, as well as different approaches to orchestrating piano works of contrasting styles, which can be applied to your own music (composition and orchestration). 

Do I need anything for the course?

• Manuscript paper
• Access to music notation software (desirable but not essential)

Course Fee

£310

There is very limited availability remaining on the course. Please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place is still available.

• Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 17 January or when the course reaches full capacity

Eligibility

• For everyone aged 18+. There is no upper age limit on this course. We encourage and welcome participants from all ages 18 and over.
• Participants should have knowledge of music notation and should have attained ABRSM Grade 5 Theory (or equivalent).
• Participants must have sufficient English language skills to cope with course demands.

Online Short Courses Requirements

All sessions will take place online using Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to you in advance of the course start date with further instructions.

To participate in online classes you will need the following:

• An email address
• A reliable internet connection
• A laptop/tablet/desktop computer with a microphone and camera (most have these included)
• Speakers/headphones (the speakers in your laptop/tablet/computer should be sufficient)
• A fully updated web browser able to use the most up to date version of Zoom, or a fully updated Zoom client

If you have any questions regarding joining one of our online courses please contact us.

About the Course Tutor

The course is taught by Peter Longworth.

Peter is a composer, teacher, music copyist, conductor and cinephile whose music has been performed internationally. Described by the Glasgow Herald as "dazzlingly atmospheric", his work has been commissioned by ensembles including the London Mozart Players, the Edinburgh Quartet, the Hebrides Ensemble and the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. He has also had compositions workshopped publicly by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

An alumnus of both the London Philharmonic Orchestra's Young Composers' Programme and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's Composers' Hub, Peter is currently reading for a PhD in composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. As a professor on the Electronic Music course at Guildhall School of Music & Drama he teaches modules on Orchestration and Conducting.