On Friday 30th January 2015, the College was privileged to welcome Judith Weir, the Master of the Queen's Music, for its Composition Day. The purpose of the day was to celebrate music composition and provide some guidance and support for AS and A2 students studying Music. The composers Robert Saxton (Professor of Composition from Oxford University), Sebastian Forbes (Professor of Music at Surrey University) and Steve Willey (composition prize winner and former College student) also joined us to work with our students.

In the morning, AS students were given short lectures by the visiting composers on different aspects of the composition process, from planning to writing for different instruments. Judith Weir then gave a short talk about the importance of composition and the many transferrable skills that can be learned from it. She also commented that the most important part of the composition process is to have your music played.

After a short lunchtime concert given by students from the College, the afternoon was given over to the performance of A2 student compositions. More than 20 students had their pieces played by professional players whilst receiving valuable feedback and guidance from one of the four composers.

Describing the department as unique, Judith Weir said, “It was an inspiration and also a pleasure to spend the day in the College’s music department.”

Composer Robert Saxton said, “A vast thank you for a wonderfully fulfilling and inspiring day with your marvellous, invigorating and talented students.”

First year student Catherine Porter said, “Composition Day was an amazing experience. Judith Weir went through my composition with me and gave me advice which has helped me to make a lot of effective improvements. She also taught me about how to write for the harp and I now feel a lot more confident about composing in general.”

Ben Dowsett, Curriculum Manager for Music commented, “It was a privilege to have four such distinguished composers coming to the College and working with students whose talents never cease to amaze me.”