The Purcell School is able to offer exceptional opportunities for young composers who will thrive in the stimulating and creative environment of the Composition Department.
First study composers receive up to two hours of individual tuition in composition per week, alongside an agreed programme of instrumental study appropriate to their individual needs. Regular seminars, workshops, group discussions and meetings with young and celebrated composers enable students to learn more about new music, the contemporary scene and how to create opportunities for their work to be heard and appreciated.
Composition students are encouraged to submit their work for consideration in national festivals and competitions, and to participate in a wide range of composers’ projects, concerts and performances in collaboration with professional organisations such as the Saatchi Gallery, UK Beijing Arts Association and the UK’s music conservatoires. Senior students are afforded the opportunity to submit an original composition for performance in the School’s annual symphony orchestra concert.
As a core component of the Academic Music curriculum, students from Years 6 to 10 receive regular class tuition in composition. Composers are taught the technique of developing ideas in a coherent way and are exposed to a variety of methods and styles.
Celebrated alumni of the Composition include Oliver Knussen, Dru Masters, Simon Bainbridge, Jacob Collier, Mica Levi and Alissa Firsova.
