Music Composition

Program Overview

Music Composition

Course Overview

This course will show you the secrets of how all your favourite tunes are created so you can apply the techniques to your own tracks. You’ll benefit from studio mentoring sessions and learn from music producers and composers who’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the business such as Steve Winwood, Jamelia, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Dido, Warren G, All Saints and more.

Compositional proficiency is a core skill for contemporary producers and artists, equipping them with the ability to realise their creative ambitions and make more informed production decisions, whilst helping them become professionally competitive. You will explore the core elements of musical composition: rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, and arrangement, and develop compositional techniques through practical application of music theory using music software. This module focuses explicitly on commercial western popular musical styles, genres and their aesthetics. You will have the opportunity to investigate technical and stylistic aspects of these styles and genres, developing their confidence and abilities in composition, and gain experience in composing original musical elements and arranging these elements into a full composition.

Modules

Music Composition

• Music & Time
• Beats & Drum Programming
• Diatonic Harmony
• Melodies & Riffs
• Bass
• Extended Harmony
• Structure & Arrangement
• Hooks
• Writing for Vocals & Finishing a Composition

Expert Lecturers

• Phil Ramocon: Ivor Novello & Grammy-winning musician/songwriter. Legend who's worked with Steve Winwood, Jamelia, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and more. Co-wrote 'Buffalo Stance' with Neneh Cherry.
• Elena Alekseeva: Composer, producer, sound designer and classically trained pianist. She has established herself using knowledge of classical theory and applying it into contemporary musical styles and genres.
• Linton Bennett: Composes/produces for Dido, Warren G, All Saints, Jamelia & Imogen Heap to name a few. He’s been active in the music industry for 3 decades and signed to Motown in the US.

Career Opportunities

• Composer
• Vocalist
• Songwriter
• Vocal Producer
• Lyricist
• Artist/Performer
• Artist Manager
• Musical Director
• Vocal Arranger
• Vocal Coach

FAQs

• I am an International Student. How do I apply?
  • For courses longer than 6 months: you will be required to apply for a Student Visa. pointblank is able to sponsor you on a Student Visa for degree programmes. Please refer to our International Student Guidance section for more information on the application process.
  • For courses of 6 months or less: you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. All courses completed in less than 6 months can be possible without applying for a Student Visa. Please refer to our International Student Guidance section for more information on the application process.
• Do I need to buy software & equipment to take the course?
  • Depending on your programme, certain hardware and software will be essential throughout your studies. To help with your independent learning and assessment work, you will need to have access to this equipment outside of the campus. However, if you are able to attend classes on campus, this equipment will be available to use either in class or by booking practice time. Note that you have access to our facilities 7 days a week during term time for the length of your course (excluding scheduled breaks). Please visit our software and hardware requirements for short courses page which lists the hardware and software you are required to own for each subject. Where you may choose to study online (distance learning), this equipment will be essential to your studies and assignment work. If you wish to buy equipment or software, pointblank students qualify for discounts from Apple Education, Ableton, Native Instruments, Serato, Pioneer DJ and other leading industry partners.
• What is my weekly study schedule?
  • Each module requires your attendance at one class which will be 3 or 4 hours long depending on the module. You will also have two 30-minute tutorials with your lecturer per module per term for additional support. Your timetable will be confirmed a week before the start of each term. In addition to your classes, you are expected to schedule sufficient independent study and practice time each week. The school facilities are open 7 days a week during term time, allowing you to work on assignments and reinforce the knowledge and skills learned throughout the term.