Connecticut has a long tradition of strong performing ensembles. Bands, orchestras and choruses have been the main focus of public and private music schools. However, this tradition has sometimes led to the neglect of other musical talents. Some students may have greater or equal strengths in composition, which is not a focus of many school music programs. The Young Composers Project aims to help students develop such untapped talents, while stimulating student interest and achievement in music composition and music technology in a diverse educational setting.
The project is under the artistic direction of Ken Steen who is an Associate Professor of Composition and Theory at the Hartt School and an active composer creating music in a variety genres and styles. He has been the recipient of a significant number of grants and commissions and his music has been performed internationally. Classes will be taught by Professor Steen and Jessica Rudman, a local composer currently serving as an adjunct instructor at Central Connecticut State University.
As members of this project, students will work in small groups with one of the faculty composers. Students will learn to use notation or MIDI sequencing and digital audio software to communicate their musical ideas as well as compositional techniques used to create music. Our goal is to provide each student with the skills to develop his/her own voice as a composer, and small class size will allow students to spend a considerable amount of time on individual projects. This year, we will be offering four class levels:
Electronic Music Composition: a class designed to teach students how to compose music using computers. Students who do not read traditional music notation and/or students with a special interest in electronic music may request to be placed into this class. No prior experience is required.
Intro to Music Composition: a beginner level designed to teach students to compose music using standard notation. No prior experience is required, though students must be able to read music.
Intermediate Music Composition: designed to teach both returning students, and new students with some compositional experience, how to improve their compositional technique. For placement in this level, new students should submit the score for a work-in-progress or completed piece with their registration materials.
Advanced Music Composition: intended for new or returning students with broader compositional experience, this class is designed to challenge young composers to create works of greater depth and/or scale. For placement in this level, students should submit the score for a completed piece with their registration materials.
Please Note: the levels of the classes listed above will be based upon student interest. On the registration form, students should check off any times they can attend and the level at which they would prefer to be placed.
This program will consist of 20 classes that will meet over the course of the school year. They will be held at the University of Hartford campus. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Different class levels are offered each year depending on student interest including:
Classes will start on November 17, 2009 and will run through May. In addition to these classes, there will periodically be workshops with special guest artists as well as a special composition festival at the end of the year that will feature student work and celebrate the accomplishments of each student. A calendar of class meetings and special events will be handed out at the beginning of the year.
The project is offered to students enrolled in grades 7 – 12 for $350/year (+ a $25 registration fee). To enroll in the class, please fill out the attached registration materials. New students will need to submit the enclosed form expressing a strong interest in learning how to compose. For new students wishing to be placed in at an intermediate or advanced level, you must also include a completed piece.
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Registration materials must be received by Friday, November 13th. Students will be contacted via email by Monday, Nov. 16th to confirm enrollment and class time. Participants are encouraged to bring the following materials to class: blank manuscript paper, a pencil, a thumb drive or other way to back up files, and any previous compositions. Students who have laptop computers that they would like to use in class are welcome to bring those as well. Registration materials can be mailed to address below. Questions about the class can be forwarded to Ken Steen at steen@hartford.edu.
