Teenagers have an opportunity this summer to learn and express themselves through creative songwriting and music composing workshops at Mason. Choose from Music Composition, Acoustic Songwriting and Hip Hop Songwriting – create your own original music!
- Introduction to Music Composition, July 11-15 (half day, 1PM-4PM)
– For beginner teens(some basic musical and instrument knowledge is expected) - Songwriting: Acoustic, July 18-22 (half day, 9AM-12Noon)
– For beginner to intermediate teens - Songwriting: Hip Hop, July 18-22 (half day, 1PM-4PM)
– For beginner to intermediate teens - Music Composition Explorations, July 25-29 (full day, 9AM-4PM)
– For intermediate to advanced teens
“Composition techniques are not learned from a textbook,” explains internationally-recognized and award-winning composer (and Mason School of Music professor) Mark Camphouse, instructor for the Music Composition Explorations Workshop. “We learn these skills through the hands-on compositional process.”
Students interested in creating traditional instrumental music and orchestral pieces, and/or the compositional aspect of film-scoring, will be immersed in the creative process through the two Music Composition workshops. The Introduction course, taught by Mason Doctoral student Andrew Cote, is designed for new young composers who are ready to learn the basic skills necessary to begin successfully writing their own musical pieces. The Explorations course is intended for more experienced composition students to hone their skills and to delve further into music history and theory.
Young songwriters will find their voice at the Songwriting Workshops. Whether you are a complete beginner, or you already have a few original songs under your belt, you will benefit from these courses. Students will enjoy working on their own songs and collaborating with others, in a casual, judgement-free environment. Family and friends will be treated to a coffeehouse-style student performance at the end of the week.
Get to know the instructors better! Mark Camphouse (Music Composition Explorations Workshop) is a Professor at Mason’s School of Music and a well-published composer. Andrew Cote (Intro to Music Composition Workshop and Hip Hop Songwriting Workshop) is a versatile composer/ musician who is earning his Doctorate in Musical Arts degree from Mason. David Chavez (Acoustic Songwriting Workshop) is an active artist who has taught at both George Mason University and Shenandoah University.