Overview
In Music Composition Camp, campers will learn to compose and expand original instrumental music. Counselors will lead the campers through a variety of hands-on activities, presented lessons, and one-on-one mentoring during composition time. Daily show and tell provides a chance for the campers to get feedback from their peers and camp counselors. At the end of the week, each camper will share their work at the composer’s showcase for their family and peers.
What you should know to take this workshop: Basic understanding of treble and bass clef, experience playing an instrument, and a basic understanding of music theory (scales, key signatures, time signatures). Participants are encouraged to bring in pieces they are currently working on, although it is not required.
Space is limited. Early registration is recommended.
Course Objectives
- Growth as composers
- Gain experience with professional music notation software
- Gain knowledge of writing for a variety of instruments
- Broaden musical literacy and vocabulary
- Connect with other young composers
Program Details
Ages: 12–18
Dates:
Session 1: June 23–27, 2025
Session 2: July 14–18, 2025
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuition: $490
Location: George Mason University Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building
Session 1: June 23–27, 2025
Session 2: July 14–18, 2025
Program Faculty
Session 1 Lead Instructor
Todd F. Wilcox
Instructor
Read More
Todd F. Wilcox is a composer, musician, and educator. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Composition at George Mason University. He is a member of the University Chorale (tenor), the Symphonic Band (clarinet), and the New Sound Collective (clarinet, bass guitar, synthesizer). His short chamber works “Week 11” and “Overture to a Failed Attempt” were premiered by the New Sound Collective during the 2022 – 2023 academic year. He was on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters.
He co-wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the ten-minute musicals “One Germany” and “Arson at the B&B” and the one-act musical “Recipe for Marriage”.
Todd’s theatre credits include guitar for Virginia and Washington, DC productions of Cats and Godspell and sound design for Godspell and A Chorus Line. He was in the bands Rogue Saint (guitarist, songwriter) and Love You Mean It (guitarist, singer, songwriter).
He is an experienced audio engineer, including live sound engineering, recording, mixing, mastering, production, and post-production for albums, film, and video games. Todd was the sound engineer for short films “Dead End” and “Scarlett Johnston’s Tales to Amaze and Delight”.
He teaches guitar, bass guitar, piano, music theory, and music production.
Session 2 Lead Instructor
Livingston Rampey
Instructor
Read More
Livingston Rampey is a Composer, Music Producer, and Mixing Engineer based in D.C. He specializes in music for Visual Media, Video Games, Streaming, and Concert settings. Studying both Music Production and Composition under Dr. Robert Gillam, Livingston is graduating in spring 2025 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Technology and a Minor in Audio Production from George Mason University. Besides music production, he has also studied percussion performance under Dr. John Kilkenny. At George Mason University, Livingston has been a part of the Mason Electronic Music Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, and New Sound Collective.
Livingston’s most recent work has been in the Video Game scene, notable titles he has written music for are “Obverse: The Other Side”, “A Journey To Paradise”, “The Magfest 2024 & 2025 Swadges”, “Quartet”, and “Entropy”. He has also scored many collaborations with film composers for Thesis and Short films.
Though Livingston’s recent work has been in Video Game Music, he has made much music in other genres including Contemporary, Classical, EDM, Pop, Orchestral, Alternative, Metal, and Jazz. He is set to release his first professionally produced album in spring 2025. Livingston’s main Digital Audio Workstation is Logic Pro X, but frequent collaboration with other artists has led him to be able to use most industry D.A.W.’s.
Other than being a composer and producer, Livingston is also an avid performer and instrumentalist. Having experience playing a wide variety of instruments such as Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Mandolin, Guitar, Bass, Violin, Viola, Cello, Erhu, Dulcimer, Marimba, Vibraphone, Piano, and Vocals.
Notes
- Please note that group classes are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not reached.
- Be sure to check our policies and procedures regarding registration, withdrawals, refunds, and more for summer group classes.
- All students will receive a Welcome Letter via email at least one week before the class starts with all necessary details.
- Limited scholarship funds are available for families in need of financial assistance. To apply, please visit: https://masonacademy.gmu.edu/about-us/financial-aid/. For families in need of extended payment plan installment options, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
- For additional information, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
- For-credit programs only: A tuition refund minus a $125 cancelation fee will be given provided that notice is received by the Mason Community Arts Academy no later than one week before the program start date. No refunds will be granted after this date.