Learn about the principles of musical composition through analysis and creative writing. We will analyze simple compositions, write melodies and their accompaniment using harmony or counterpoint, and create short pieces for solo instrumental or small ensemble performance. You will learn about the basic elements of composition and musical structures and forms (phrase, period, binary, ABA), with guided listening and discussion of examples. You will be assigned composition exercises, describe and discuss you work in class, and produce a final composition project that is two to four minutes long.
Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students)
Instruments: Any (none used in class)
Styles of music studied: Various
Prerequisites: No previous composition experience is necessary. Previous enrollment in Music Theory I and II is recommended but not required. Participants should have some training in an instrument or voice.
Class size: Because of the participatory nature of the class, the size is limited to six students.
Locations, Days and Times:
Richmond District Branch, Mondays, 7:30-9:00pm (Fall Quarter only)
Instructor: Davide Verotta
Instructor’s website
Tuition: $469 Fall (14 weeks)
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Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
Learn about the principles of musical composition through analysis and creative writing. In this group class, we will analyze relatively complex musical compositions; write melody, accompaniment, and motive variations; and create longer musical pieces for solo instrumental, vocal or small ensemble performance. We will learn about advanced elements of composition, including vocal writing, musical forms (e.g. pop songs, Sonata form, structured open forms, and Ostinato-Variations such as Chaccone, Passacaglia, and 12-bar blues), with guided listening and discussion of examples. You will be assigned composition exercises, describe and discuss your work with the class, and work on a final composition project.
Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students)
Instruments: Any (none used in class)
Styles of music studied: Various
Prerequisites: Composition Workshop I or consent of the instructor. Previous enrollment in Music Theory I and II is recommended but not required. Participants should have some training in an instrument or voice.
Class size: Because of the participatory nature of the class, the size is limited to six students.
Locations, Days and Times:
Richmond District Branch, Mondays, 7:30-9:00pm (Winter Quarter only)
Instructor: Davide Verotta
Instructor’s website
Tuition: $402 Winter (12 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
This class is not meeting Spring Quarter.
For enrollment, call Richmond District Branch registrar at (415) 221-4515.
Learn how to capture and develop your musical ideas in a supportive environment. This hands-on class explores general composition methods through weekly short exercises that encourage larger compositions to be developed if desired. In each class we discuss specific techniques and review student work. Ideally, students will be able to record and/or notate their assignments prior to each class meeting. Live performances are also acceptable.
Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students)
Prerequisites: Students should have a working knowledge of music notation, but notated assignments and compositions are not required. Similarly, no specific level of music theory knowledge is required and students will be encouraged to compose at whatever level they feel comfortable. Students are welcome to communicate with Jono prior to enrolling.
Class size: Because of the participatory nature of the class, class size is limited to six (6) students.
Locations, Days and Times:
Mission District Branch, Thursdays, 6:15-7:05 pm
Instructor: Jono Kornfeld
Tuition: Summer Quarter (8 weeks) $268
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
Share your original songs and get feedback from experienced songwriter and educator, Larry Dunn. This class will also cover songwriting techniques, including lyric development, song structure, and harmonic structure. Learn the tricks of the trade from Dunn, a published songwriter who has recorded on Warner Brothers and Rounder Records, and has released six independent CDs. Bring your original work and your instruments to class.
Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students)
Instructor: Larry Dunn
Location: Mission District Branch, Day and Time TBA
Tuition: $532 Fall (14 weeks), $456 Winter (12 weeks), $380 Spring (10 weeks), $304 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
Register Now!
