You must take a minimum of three options from the following list:
Practical Composition Projects
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This course provides a grounding in fundamental contemporary compositional techniques and practical workshops with professional musicians leading to a portfolio of two works totalling 8 minutes in duration.
Media and Commercial Composition
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This course aims to develop skills in media and film composition leading towards a portfolio of work totalling 8 minutes in duration.
Composing for Ensemble
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This course continues to develop areas explored in Practical Composition Projects leading towards a single composition for large ensemble totalling 8 minutes in duration. This composition will be recorded in a professional workshop.
Fusion, Electronics and Sonic Art
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This course aims to develop skills in experimental studio composition leading towards a portfolio of work totalling 8 minutes in duration.
You may also take up to one option from the list below, or an option from another department as appropriate. This list is subject to change each academic year.
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Historical Musicology
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Techniques in Theory and Analysis
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Techniques of Performance Studies
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Short Recital
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Music since 1900: Theory and Repertoire
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Techniques of Ethnomusicology
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Documenting Performance
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Topics in Multimedia and Film Music
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Issues in Popular Music (India)
A composers’ seminar series underpins all of the composition courses at Royal Holloway and is open to all students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. Recent speakers include:
Julian Anderson, Philip Cashian, Tansy Davies, Elaine Gould, Gill Graham, Rolf Hind, David Horne, Rob Keeley, Melinda Maxwell, Claudia Molitor, Howard Skempton, Errollyn Wallen, Judith Weir, Mark Anthony Turnage and Michael Zev Gordon.
Composers at Royal Holloway have their music played and recorded regularly by resident and visiting professional musicians, the Royal Holloway Sinfonietta and, of course, by fellow students. Our award-winning New Music Ensemble-in-Residence CHROMA| provides unrivalled workshop and performance opportunities.
Alumni
Many Royal Holloway graduates are now making careers as professional composers including Tansy Davies, Richard Baker, KT Tunstall, Joby Talbot, Michael Zev Gordon, Deirdre Gribbin, Jonathan Cole and Paul Newland.