Composition and Music Language

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Composition & Music Language

Work with our experienced tutors in creating a portfolio of work across a range of genres and for a variety of instruments, with performance and workshop opportunities being made available.

We recommend composition students have a second study, ideally piano, but this is not compulsory.

At CAT we have a broad philosophical approach to musical education. Rather than focusing on one methodology to the exclusion of others, we embrace a wide range of approaches and pedagogies in order to provide the best possible learning environment for each student. Our aims at CAT are to develop musical knowledge and skills and support instrumental and vocal studies in an enjoyable and exciting musical environment. We intend to provide education and qualifications which broaden musical horizons and enhance future study and career opportunities. Students are encouraged to view music in its historical, social and cultural perspectives and to explore the widest possible range of musical styles, including jazz, rock, pop, folk and non-western music.

CAT musicianship sessions are designed to support the development of each individual student, whatever their experiences and interest. Those who do not already hold ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory are given teaching and support in order to do so; however this is underpinned by the development of a firm foundation in aural perception and musical awareness.

Students who hold Grade 5 ABRSM Music Theory and have reached a good level of aural ability will undertake a programme of further musical study that includes a Carousel session and an Option session. These will develop knowledge and skills which will:

support instrumental and vocal studies
supplement GCSE and A-level studies
form the foundation of further ABRSM studies
provide an introduction to future musical opportunities

All students will be given a small amount of homework from each class which is expected to be completed by the following week. This is mainly to help them review and revise their classroom learning, and they are therefore welcome to complete this work during their day at CAT, and they may wish to collaborate with their classmates to consolidate their understanding.

Aural training includes practice needed for aural tests taken as part of ABRSM Practical examinations. Assistance is also provided in the paperwork and aural training required as part of any performance diploma.

Key Information

Study Leader: Alix Shepherd BMus (Hons)

Paul Armstrong

Maria Athanasiou BMus (Hons), Ma, Ph.D.

Nick Butters BA (Hons)

Edd Campbell-Rowntree BMus, MSt

Kate Halsall DipRCM, ARCM

Dr Christopher Randall BMus, MMus, Ph.D.

Sarah Robinson BMus LRSM

‘I was so impressed by the musicianship of the students and how they embraced the creative challenges of the workshop so positively and imaginatively. Not many students would be up for blending Ravel and Prokofiev. But they were, and it sounded great!’

Jonathan James, Music Educator and Conductor

Information for Students

Timetables, auditions, and other useful information for current and prospective CAT students to help make the most of your learning experience.

More info

Meet the team

Study Leader: Alix Shepherd

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Alix trained as a classical pianist from an early age, moving on to study in popular and contemporary styles, receiving an honours degree in Jazz, Popular and Commercial Music. He has extensive experience in writing and releasing original music, as well as performing at events and festivals across the country and internationally, across a wide variety of genres. He also works as a tutor on the Further Education programme in Popular Music and HND in Popular Music run at The Glasshouse, as well as at Gateshead College on their Foundation Degree programme, specialising in instrumental/ensemble tuition and jazz improvisation.

Paul Armstrong (Music Language)
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Paul trained firstly as a classical pianist, then went on to study music at Newcastle Polytechnic where he began working in all aspects of community music. At the same time he began his performing career broadening his musical skills across many different musical genres including Latin, popular and jazz. He spent over twenty years as a full time professional musician in both the jazz and popular music world as a bass/double bass player. Paul has played numerous jazz festivals around Europe and worked for BBC, ITV and Channel 4. He worked as a lecturer as part of the BMus team at The Glasshouse for many years, specialising in teaching harmony, aural skills, composition and ensemble studies. He has also been part of the team at the Centre for Advanced Training for several years now, teaching classical and jazz theory, bass guitar and composition.

Emily Murray
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Emily has had a varied career as a pianist, trumpeter and violinist as an army musician in the Band of the Welsh Guards and as an accompanist and teacher in London. Having returned to the North East, Emily is now Assistant Director of Music at Durham School and regularly performs as a chamber musician, accompanist and solo recitalist.

Nick Butters
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Nick studied music at Newcastle University before embarking on a busy career encompassing chamber music, recitals, jazz, blues and musical theatre, where he worked for a number of years as a musical director. In addition to his teaching and accompanying at the Centre for Advanced Training, he is a visiting piano teacher at The Kings School, Tynemouth. He is also a regular accompanist for ABRSM grade and diploma exams around the region.

Dr Christopher Randall
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Christopher Randall received BMus from the University of Southern California, an MMus from the University of Oregon and a PhD in music composition from the University of Newcastle. He has worked as a performer in a wide range of genres, including speed metal, Latin-jazz, North Indian classical voice, and Western European orchestral and choral traditions. As a composer he has had the privilege to collaborate with a number of internationally renowned performers and ensembles, including the California E.A.R. Unit, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Hindustani vocalist Vijay Rajput, the Talujon percussion quartet, and the Pacific Rim Gamelan.

Sarah Robinson
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Sarah studied music at Manchester University before moving to London. After teaching piano and flute for some years she went to Hungary for two years to study music teaching at the Zoltán Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music. At the Institute she completed the Advanced Level in musicianship studies, including ear training and theory, as well as studying piano pedagogy, lieder accompaniment and vocal conducting. On her return to the North East in 2007, Sarah gained an LRSM diploma in piano performance. Sarah currently works as an accompanist, freelance teacher of piano, teaches independent group musicianship classes locally, and is Assistant Director of Antiphon Chamber Choir.