Choral Masterclass with VOCES8

25 FREE Video Tutorials for Composers

Written and directed by John Frederick Hudson, the VOCES8 Foundation and arts organisation JAM (John Armitage Memorial Trust) collaborated on a dynamic education project helping composers to write for choirs. VOCES8, a Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble is proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. JAM (John Armitage Memorial Trust) has been enabling composers in the UK for over 20 years, having a long history of both commission and performing new music. The combination of these two organisations created a free resource that is available to all, worldwide.

“It is so important to give composers opportunities to work with musicians at the highest level; JAM does this.” Paul Mealor, International Composer

HELPING COMPOSERS TO WRITE CHORAL MUSIC

These 25 inspirational, short videos are a resource to help composers gain confidence in writing choral music. Each video focuses on a different aspect of choral writing, including problematic examples demonstrated by VOCES8 and practical solutions. The premise of this approach was to stress the importance of hearing the different sounds of the choir when trying different compositional techniques. Though not all ideas presented in these videos are new, the way they are presented is groundbreaking. A textbook can adequately discuss range and choral spacing, but falls short when trying to spark the imagination of a composer and opening a new world of possibilities.

This substantial project is part of a larger Masterclass Series presented by JAM which nurtures composers by creating this resource, to opening a Call for Sketches, selecting composers to have their pieces workshopped with VOCES8 and a resulting commission awarded to one composer. This summer, JAM is offering four composers a residential course in the JAM on the Marsh festival in Kent. This course will be lead by the Sacconi Quartet, international composer Paul Mealor and John Frederick Hudson. Please visit jamconcert.org for more details.

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