I can compose

Teaching GCSE Music from September?

Check out our guide to delivering the composition component of the course.
🎵 Practical classroom tips
🎵 Hints for engaging students
🎵 Organisation hacks

Read the full post ⬇️

https://www.icancompose.com/a-guide-to-teaching-gcse-music-composition/

🍷 Have you ever heard wine glasses accompanying a choir?

Well, you can in Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds' atmospheric piece 'Stars' - one of the latest compositions on our free Inspiration page.

What do you think of the choir members performing in semi-darkness with torches switching on and off?

Listen here:
https://www.icancompose.com/inspiration/stars/

What happens when you combine traditional West African instruments & techniques with an American string quartet?

Find out with our latest Inspiration Piece: 'Eh Ya Ye' (Malian Fusion)

It features voice, balafon (wooden xylophone), and bass ngoni (traditional lute) and string quartet.

Get inspired - no log-in required:
https://www.icancompose.com/inspiration/malian-fusion/

We’re thrilled to be partnering with Pianist magazine for the annual composing competition 🎹

Calling all aspiring composers and creative pianists! Now is your chance to showcase your original music and win an incredible prize package.

🏆 The Grand Prize: A stunning Kawai Piano worth over £1,700!
🗓️ Deadline: Entries close Friday, 4th December 2026.

👉 Submit your entry online today! https://pianistpiano.com/Composing2027

Happy International Day Of Friendship! ❤️

Today, we’re sharing the beautiful, barrier-breaking story of two incredible women who changed American music: Florence Price and Margaret Bonds. 🎶

In 1930s Chicago, these two brilliant classical composers formed a bond built on love, resilience, and music. When Florence Price was going through a difficult divorce and facing homelessness, Margaret Bonds and her mother welcomed Florence (and her daughters) into their home, and she was able to focus on her passion: composing.

Their creative sisterhood went on to make history. Florence championed Margaret's immense talent as a pianist, leading to Margaret becoming the first Black woman to perform as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. 🎹

And did you know that in 1932, both composers swept the prestigious Wanamaker Foundation Awards. Price won first prize for her Symphony in E Minor, while Bonds took first place in the song category.

Florence and Margaret proved that when women support women, incredible things happen!

The August issue is out! 🎶

This month, MT takes a look at woodwind teaching and the anticipated changes in the way music is delivered in schools.

The articles cover: embedding simple woodwind instruments into primary teaching, what teachers want from a new national curriculum in England and a delve into music tech (plus much more).

Click the link below to read the editorial.