The course is open to both starting and advanced composers, being either classical or popular minded. You must be
familiar with notating music, though.
While you're staying, you will be writing a short piece of appr. two minutes for string quartet. Or you've already written
a part of it at home. The music you want to write is of your own preference. Perhaps you want to write your 'masterpiece'
in a (modern) classical style. Or you like a popular idiom more, a tango or flimish music.


The last day of the course will be like a masterclass. The semi
professional string quartet, Le Quatuor de Mirmande, will go through all the
participants' works for the first time.
In the evening this quartet will present all the works in a festive and pleasant
ambiance. As a possibility, a recording can be be made dor a CD. This is all
going to take place in the court-yard. see picture.

During the course there will be one-hour lessons on a daily base. (While there,
we'll see whether there is any interest in group teaching for one or two times).
During these lessons the following subjects will be discussed:


melody – rhythm – harmony – dynamics – tone colour/ instrumentation.
form – structure– timing - expression
making drafts and the technique of ensemble writing.

When you're not having any lessons you'll be at work on your own, of course. During the evenings you are free but
there will be opportunities for musical discussion. And we also might go to a concert. If there is enough zest, your host
can organise a wine tasting evening.

During this week you will be offered the possibility to write your music into the computer by using the professional
FINALE software. I will support you, if needed. But then again, you may want to use pencil and paper only.
For those who wish to work while hearing actual sound, there will be a(n) (electric) piano. But the computer also can
make your score sound quite reasonably.

The number of participants is to a maximum of 7.
In case the participants come from different countries, the language will be mainly English.

Finally I do hope that after this week you return home, very much inspired.