Learn the art of composing with the BBC

Knowing where to start when it comes to becoming a world-renowned composer can be difficult, with concerns about how to start playing or writing down ideas can act as a barrier to many young people.
But the BBC is offering 12 to 18-year olds the perfect starting point, with a series of Composer Labs being run across the UK to get your creative juices flowing. The one-day events are taking place in conjunction with the BBC Proms Inspire Young Composers’ Competition.
Designed specifically for keen composers, the courses will introduce new skills as well as helping to develop existing ones.
Composer Labs are free and offer the chance to take advice from professional musicians, leading composers and the BBC Proms team in a day of music making, learning and discovery.
“You’re invited to bring your instrument, your latest idea, a rhythm, a melody, a finished work or just a friend. Try things out and test out the experts,” a message on the BBC website says.
The next workshops take place on April 10th and 11th in Manchester and Birmingham respectively.
Indeed, these two workshops are running alongside the BBC Proms Inspire Young Composers’ Competition which gives young composers aged 12 to 18 a chance to get their music heard by a wide and diverse audience.
It also gives budding composers the opportunity to have their music performed by professional musicians, heard at the BBC Proms and broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
According to the BBC: “[The judging panel] are looking for music that is original, unique and inspiring. It can be completely innovative or can use the music and ideas of the past to inspire new and exciting pieces of music.”
The winner will also be given the chance to participate in a professional recording session and be commissioned to write a new work for a high profile event.