Writing for an Orchestra: Intermediate

Course dates & times

Wednesday evenings on 24 September, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 October 2025
6.30pm–8.30pm, BST (UTC+1)

About the course

This six-week online evening course will provide you with the tools to approach orchestration with confidence, whether you are interested in transforming a piano piece into an orchestral tapestry, or in composing your own symphonic opus.

The course will examine some of the techniques of orchestration that have been employed by history’s great composers through a combination of score study and listening. In tandem with such explorations, you will be guided through a series of short orchestration assignments, providing you with practical experience of how to use these techniques for yourself.

Who is this course for?

• Anyone aged 18 and over with an interest in orchestration or composition and a passion for the orchestra
• Participants who have completed the Writing for an Orchestra: Beginners course, or anyone with some preliminary experience in writing for orchestras (or chamber ensembles)

Participants must be able to:

• read music
• be comfortable with reading in alto and tenor clef
• have an understanding of transposition
• feel familiar with orchestral instruments and their various properties

What can I expect?

The course will be both theoretical and practical with score study, listening, and short, practical exercises. The course also includes a one-to-one session with the course tutor (15 to 30 minutes). Dates and timings of the session will be confirmed during the course.

You will learn a selection of fundamental orchestration techniques, as well as different approaches to orchestrating piano works of contrasting styles, which can be applied to your own music (composition and orchestration).

 “This course exceeded my expectations, our tutor was excellent - engaging, inspiring, encouraged great conversations and I learned so much.”

– Participant on Writing for an Orchestra: Beginners, Spring 2025