The Brief

A very important aspect of being a professional composer is the ability to follow a brief, whether this be an actual set of instructions from a film director or publisher or a less formal brief that is dictated by the market, in which case the composer analyses and fits in with current trends. In some cases it is hoped that they may actually predict new trends and innovate new concepts.

On this course the student formulates their own brief. The submission should be 500-1000 words and should include musical or graphical illustrations where necessary. As the ability to understand, interpret and stick closely to a brief is such an important skill for a professional composer, a large percentage of the mark is awarded for this. In individual tutorials the role of the tutor is often to act as a "client", in addition to helping the student with compositional techniques.