Writing for an Orchestra: Beginners

Course dates & times

Tuesday evenings on 23, 30 September, 7, 14, 21, 28 October 2025
7pm–9pm 

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, the one-to-one session will take place online.

About the course

This six-week evening course will introduce you to the fundamentals of orchestration and the pivotal role it can play in the communication of musical ideas. You will learn how to write idiomatically for the instruments of the orchestra, as well as how to balance and blend them with one another.

The topics and techniques discussed during the course will be illustrated with excerpts from the orchestral repertoire, demonstrating some of the ways in which the orchestra can be used to create atmosphere, drama, and emotion.

Who is the course for?

• Aspiring composers and musicians with a passion for orchestra
• Participants who would consider themselves to be beginner level composers
• Minimum level of ABRSM Grade 5 Theory (or equivalent)
• A basic understanding of music notation is required, but participants need not have had any prior experience in writing for orchestra.

What can I expect?

• An in-depth look at the orchestra, illustrated with examples from the orchestral repertoire
• An introduction to the fundamental techniques of orchestration, drawing upon examples from a wide range of orchestral pieces
• Examination of some of the different approaches that composers have taken to orchestral writing, and the role that orchestration can play in enhancing the impact of a work/s
• Orchestration assignments that encourage you to carefully consider the capabilities of the instruments that you are writing for, whilst also thinking about the combinations of musical colours most suited to bringing notes to life
• A one-to-one session with the course tutor (approx. 15 minutes) outside of the course times (more information will be sent during the course)
• You will be encouraged to complete (optional) short, weekly assignments in response to the subjects covered during the sessions.

“The course tutor's enthusiasm and encouragement created an excellent atmosphere where I was not afraid to participate.” 

– Participant on Writing for an Orchestra: Beginners, Autumn 2024