Composition
An international profile
The composition and performance of new music plays a vital role in the Music Department, with students working in a wide range of genres and styles. The Department's staff composers have substantial national and international profiles, and past students have been successful in securing commissions and research scholarships, as well as being published by publishers such as UMP.
A creative environment
Whether you are interested in studying composition within your first degree or taking it further through postgraduate study, Canterbury Christ Church offers an exciting environment for composers and songwriters. There are many opportunities for public performance of your music, with premieres of student work a regular feature of our concert calendar. Canterbury's Sounds New festival provides an excellent opportunity for the performance of new music by professional ensembles and workshops led by our own instrumental or vocal tutors. Composers and songwriters interested in working in commercial styles such as pop, rock and jazz fusion have many opportunities to have their music played and recorded at regular songwriter's nights at the Broadstairs Campus, with their music released on the Department's record label, C3U Records.
The music department is an academic supporter of BASCA - The British Academy of Songwriters, Authors and Composers.
Expert tuition
You will be taught composition by a team of expert tutors with a national and international reputation. All are professional composers with a strong track record of commissioned work including full-scale operas, orchestral music, chamber music, music for film and television, pop, rock and jazz. Tutors will support and enable you to develop your own personal style and distinctive compositional 'voice'.