Programme details

Composition at UCT offers a progressive and in-depth pathway for students aspiring to develop their creative voice in classical composition. These courses emphasise originality, technical development, and stylistic versatility through project-based learning and close mentorship.

The South African College of Music at the University of Cape Town has a long history of association with South African composers and Composition teachers, including two of its earliest directors, William Henry Bell and Eric Chisholm. 

Other composers who have studied and/or taught at the College include Arnold van Wyk, Hubert du Plessis, Stefans Grovè, Blanche Gerstmann, Gideon Fagan, Priaulx Rainier, John Joubert, Thoma Rajna, Malcolm Forsyth, Peter Klatzow, Carl van Wyk, Roelof Temmingh, Hans Roosenschoon, David Kosvenir and Hendrik Hofmeyr. 

The Composition course at College, currently taught by Grant McLachlan and Jeremy Hart, is largely project based. 

During the academic year, students complete compositions for different instrumental and vocal combinations as assigned by the lecturer. Individual students also present one seminar each semester on a topic of their choice. 

Programme highlights

These courses are designed to challenge and inspire students, equipping them with the creative tools and technical skills necessary for a future in composition. Admission is competitive, and successful applicants join a community of dedicated composers committed to artistic innovation and musical excellence.

 

Courses offered

 

  • Degree – 4 years
  • PG diploma – 2 years
  • Honours – 1 year
  • Masters – 2 years
  • PhD – 3 years

 

Course outline

Year 1: Composition I

This foundational course introduces students to the art and craft of composition through hands-on creative projects. Over the academic year, students complete four original compositions for varied instrumental groupings, totalling 12–15 minutes of performance time.

Instruction covers a wide range of core techniques, including:

  • Motivic development and melodic design
  • Harmonic structuring and accompaniment
  • Rhythmic invention and profiles
  • Text setting for voice and chorus
  • Larger formal architecture

All works are to be notated using Sibelius or Finale. 

Students receive individual guidance on their projects by request.

Entry Requirement: Students who wish to qualify for entrance to the second year of this Composition stream must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Music [HB010] General (MUZ33) curriculum and register for Composition IA.

 

Year 2: Composition II

Building on the foundations of Composition I, this course explores a variety of compositional languages and techniques used in modern classical music. Students engage with:

  • Modalism and pandiatonicism
  • Polytonality and polymeter
  • Serial techniques
  • Modular and alternative harmonic structures

Creative assignments span a wide range of genres, including folk song arrangements, art songs, piano character pieces, madrigals, and chamber works.

 

Entry Requirement: Minimum 70% for Composition I

 

Year 3: Composition III

The final undergraduate composition course deepens students’ engagement with advanced compositional methods. Topics include:

  • Instrumental virtuosity and extended techniques
  • Contemporary choral writing
  • Operatic vocality and orchestral textures
  • Reimagining classical forms like the sonata
  • Students produce original works across various formats, such as solo instrument pieces, vocal chamber works, choral settings, and full orchestral compositions.
Entry Requirement: Minimum 65% for Composition II and 65% for Orchestration I

Entrance requirements

Students who wish to qualify for entrance to the second year of this Composition stream must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Music [HB010] General (MUZ33) curriculum and register for Composition IA.

A minimum of 75% for Music Theory and Analysis I (concession applications considered)

Submission of a portfolio of original compositions for review

Limited class size; preference given to students in the Composition stream

Cone of Composition

Jan Royce Prize for Orchestral Composition

The Hendrik Hofmeyr Prize for the Best Performance of South African Music

Closed