AboutDr Colin Expertise I can answer questions from students of "classical" composing, arranging, notation problems and music theory, writing for instruments and voice and writing music for education. I can answer questions about orchestration but I do not cover questions about pop or rock music, pop song writing or electronic music.
I taught for many years in UK up to "A" level theory and composition. I have spent many years in music education, initially (like everyone else) as a teacher. Then I moved on to advisory work (teaching teachers!) and also lectured, giving many workshops for teachers in developing music education skills and techniques. For a time I worked as a teacher-lecturer at London University's Institute of Education and eventually worked full-time as a Music Education Adviser to schools in part of London, offering advice on music education and curriculum development.
Experience I started composing music at the age 14 (it was mostly rubbish, since you asked) and now have a large number of compositions to credit as well as many publications, especially for instrumental music and choral music. I have also written several acclaimed works for large orchestra and choir. My work has been published particularly in the UK (under different names)(notably by Boosey & Hawkes, Novello, and Schott) but also in the USA and the Netherlands.
My music for elementary players (several publications) has been performed and broadcast worldwide. I am now retired from my previous job as Music Education Adviser. These days I spend most of my time composing and arranging. I am currently working on instrumental arrangements of world national anthems for my National Anthems website and also completing a suite of very easy piano solos and duets for elementary players. For many years I have used the music program "Finale" for all my music writing activities.
Organizations International Society for Music Education;
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Publications "The Times" Educational Supplement; "Hi-Fi News and Record Review". For several years, I used to write for many of the state music education periodicals in the US and I also wrote several influential articles on instrumental music teaching for "Music Teacher" magazine in the UK. (UK).
Question Hi, I am an eighth grade middle school student. I have been composing for about a year and a half. I was just wondering if there are any local young composer competitions for my age group. I live in New Jersey. I guess I would appreciate it if you could look up some competitions, because I couldn't find any. Any orchestra sponsored, or some in New York or surrounding states would be fine. I want to become a famous or sort-of famous conductor, so any advice on doing that? Thanks.
Answer Hi Lara,
First let me apologise for not getting back to you sooner. No excuses! I'm interested to hear about your composing activities. I have to say that I am not aware of composing competitions specifically for your age - they tend to be for "students under 21" or that kind of thing. Many competitions are often to anyone, so you might be up against professionals. Composing competitions would certainly be anounced on the Internet.
I just tried putting "composing competitions" into Google and got several pages of results. Try the same thing!
I know that many orchestras organise composing competitions (again, see Google) but they are naturally for orchestral scores and they would be looking for a very high standard of work. Many US orchestras sponsor competitions. If you have been composing for only a year and a half I would guess that you need more experience of writing orchestral music, but of course, I haven't seen your work.
As to conducting, it is a very competitive profession and only a few people actually make a living out of it. The first thing would be to decide what kind of music you want to conduct and study some orchestral scores to learn more about orchestration. You might find that you can get a little conducting experience at your school or other school where there are musical ensembles.
If so, start with something simple, a small group for example. Of course, you'd need to see the music in advance so that you can prepare yourself. See if you can get a video or books about conducting to get some insight about the whole science and art of conducting.
Anyway, I hope this gives you a start to finding out more for yourself. Good luck!
