Composition

Many well known composers have studied in the department over the years. York graduates include:

Richard Causton, Vic Hoyland, Gordon McPherson, Anne Boyd, Dominic Muldowney, Phil Grange, Robert Saxton, David Sawyer, Christopher Fox, Alison Bauld, Denis Smalley, Beetuan Koh, Trevor Wishart, Anthony Powers, Jane Gardner, Priti Paintal, Jonty Harrison, Magnus Robb, Richard Tsang, Audrey Mackie, Tom Armstrong, Clive Wilkinson, Martin Wesley Smith, Victor Chang, Rajmil Fischman, Yannis Kyriakides and many others.

This is, in part, because York offers an ideal environment for composers, with a wide range of composition tuition backed up by unrivalled facilities for new music performance. The student run New Music Group provides a regular platform for

high quality performance of student compositions, and other performance opportunities are provided by the Resident Ensemble, University Chamber Orchestra, University Orchestra, University Chamber Choir and other groups. The University's Concert Series programmes a good selection of contemporary music, and the city's annual Late Music Festival brings well known contemporary music groups to York and commissions new pieces for its series.

Staff	Courses Composers seminars

Staff

Nicola LeFanu

David Blake

Roger Marsh

Tony Myatt

Ambrose Field

William Brooks

John Stringer

Thoma Simaku

Emeritus and Honorary Professors

Wilfrid Mellers

John Paynter

David Lumsdaine

Trevor Wishart

Richard Orton (Emeritus Reader)

Visiting Fellows

Julian Arguilles

Odaline de la Martinez

Courses

Composition forms an important part of the teaching programme at York, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. In the undergraduate course two non electronic Composition Projects are offered each year, one for first years only and the other for first and second year students and visiting students. Electronic and computer music projects are offered too (see Electronic Music). In addition students may opt to offer an independent folio of compositions as one unit of the degree. For this students simply select a member of staff to act as supervisor for composition work throughout the year. There are no stylistic constraints, although we encourage an awareness of contemporary musical idioms and expect composers to seek an individual voice. Project teaching usually combines analysis and theoretical study with practical workshops, so that composers can put newly acquired knowledge into immediate practice.

Postgraduate courses in Composition are offered at both MA and MPhil/ DPhil level. See relevant course outlines.

Composers Seminars

These seminars run every Monday evening (4.30 - 6pm). Some are given by visiting speakers and others are given by (usually postgraduate) students. They provide the main forum for group discussion, and often continue in less formal surroundings into the evening.

Seminars for Autumn 2000:

Oct 16:	Welcome and seminar by Stephen Baker (DPhil student) on orchestral piece 'Olympia'.

Oct 23:	Gordon McPherson (RSAMD) discusses his recent work. (New piece in New Music Players concert at York on Oct 18th)

Oct 30:	John Stringer discusses recent work

Nov 6:	William Brooks (Reader) presents his recent work.

Nov 20:	No seminar. Group visit to Huddersfield Festival of Contemporary Music

Nov 27:	Paul Mealor presents recent piece for orchestra.

Dec 4 :	Hilliard Ensemble open rehearsal (including 'Rainy Rain' by Amber Priestley (MPhil student).

Dec 11:	Workshop with member of New Music Players