Summer 2021 Composition & Technology with Peter and Graham
This June, Austin’s own internationally-acclaimed composers Peter Stopschinski and Graham Reynolds will guide students through the techniques of being a composer in the 21st-Century. Students will meet twice a week to create original works using contemporary music technology (DAW), learning the theory behind the compositional process and developing an understanding of what it takes to turn an idea into a completed work of art. The class has technological elements as well as traditional music theory elements, and will run at the pace of each individual student. Two class options are available; students just starting out to advanced students are all encouraged to enroll. Jump-start the summer on a creative note!
Students will…
- gain access to TWO experienced composers who will be there to answer questions inside and outside of class
- receive 8 hours of group class instruction
- meet other musicians who have a passion for composing from around the country
- have a creative outlet to learn new skills and create something that hasn’t been done before
- achieve a better understanding of music on the highest level
- continue developing the areas of the brain related to language and reasoning
- keep the brain engaged by forcing it to think mathematically when composing melodies and rhythms
Classes Offered
Option 1: Composition & Technology 101
- This class is open to middle/high school students that are new or fairly new to composing and DAW technology.
- No experience required! Be prepared to do some setup on your end to get your composition technology up and running. Free software (see below) is available so any additional expenses are 100% optional.
- Meets Monday & Wednesday via Zoom from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM (Central).
- Class dates: June 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
- Tuition: $200
- Registration deadline: Tuesday, June 1
Option 2: Advanced Composition & Technology
- This class is open to serious middle/high school students that have experience with composing and DAW technology.
- Think about what you want from this class, as the instructors can adapt to student interests and needs. Make the music you want to make!
- Meets Monday & Wednesday via Zoom from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM (Central).
- Class dates: June 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
- Tuition: $200
- Registration deadline: Tuesday, June 1
If you’re not sure which class to sign up for, want to request need based scholarship assistance, or have questions please contact Jeni Gossard at jeni@austinchambermusic.org BEFORE registering!
Space is limited for each class. No refunds will be offered after registration is completed.
How classes will work each week
- One class will focus on topics uniquely tailored to the students enrolled in the class. Students will be encouraged to help customize topics based on interest and exploration of concepts new to them.
- The other class will focus on listening to each other’s compositions along with giving feedback, having group discussions, and talking next steps for each student’s composition and/or vision in progress.
Students are expected to attend all sessions to get the most out of the experience!
Class Requirements
Abide by all virtual rules and expectations, listed HERE.
Make/reserve time to work on your compositions outside of classes.
Have access to a reliable computer, laptop or iPad, with access to a reliable internet connection. Make sure device used is charged BEFORE class begins.
Download free or purchased music DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software for creating and recording music. Some free and cheap options:
- Bandlab (easy learning curve) — accessible on Chromebook
- Reaper (robust but harder learning curve)
- Garageband (easy learning curve)
- Audacity (robust but harder learning curve)
- Other options (higher priced): ProTools, Logic, Cubase, Albeton Live