Composition Basics: Writing for Amateurs
Call for Composer Course Designer & Teacher
CoMA is looking for a Composer Facilitator to design and deliver a new training course for beginner and early stage composers.
What is it?
CoMA is looking for a composer facilitator to design a new 10-week online course for beginner and early stage composers interested in writing for amateur musicians. This course will cover basic compositional skills and techniques used in contemporary classical music.
Background
“CoMA has had a profound impact on the way I think about music making and composing, and will have a lasting impact on my future practice.” (Connect the Dots composition participant)
Contemporary Music for All (CoMA) is a charity with 33 years’ expertise in bringing music-makers of all backgrounds, ages and abilities together through contemporary classical music. CoMA leads the way in designing and delivering bold participatory new music experiences with, and for, amateur and professional musicians. With creativity and accessibility at the centre of our practice, CoMA delivers music programmes across the country to schools and adult groups, from Totnes to Todmorden.
The lifeblood of CoMA’s work is our 15 local ensembles. These volunteer-led metropolitan and regional bodies of local community musicians offer a year-round platform for amateur musicians to develop their creative skills, push their technical facility, build a daring repertoire and challenge the conventional artistic boundaries of community music-making.
CoMA has commissioned 600+ works, hosted composition courses and created a unique catalogue of 900+ contemporary classical works suitable for amateur musicians. As a catalyst for change, we have embraced a body of repertoire that is flexible in instrumentation and ability. This makes the works appealing to CoMA ensembles, schools and professional ensembles, encouraging them to explore new music and increasing composers’ opportunities to have their works re-performed.
Role Description
CoMA is seeking to appoint an experienced Composer Facilitator to design a new composition course, aimed at beginner and early-stage composers. The selected candidate will be responsible for designing and delivering a 10-week course, teaching basic composition skills and techniques required to develop a successful solo or ensemble piece for amateur instrumentalists and/or vocalists.
The development of this course is in response to skill development requests from our extensive community of emerging composers whom CoMA supports, and is intended to provide them with a structured environment for skill development and a space for peer support. We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about teaching composition, and possesses extensive experience in both music course design and facilitation.
The role is an exciting opportunity to make an impact on the vibrant UK-wide arts community, and to contribute significantly to the new music landscape of the UK. CoMA operates under a collaborative leadership model, encouraging all permanent and freelance employees to suggest ideas and be part of making meaningful sector change.
This is a freelance role. The composer facilitator will receive:
- A flat fee of £1,200 to cover the composition course design time, preparation of course materials and meetings with the CoMA team
- Preparation rate of £40 x 10 online teaching sessions
- Facilitator fee of £150 x 10 online teaching sessions (each 2.5 hours long)
Timeline
Monday 11 May 2026, 11.59pm: Application deadline
Tuesday 26 May 2026: (in person in London or online): Interviews with shortlisted candidates
June – September 2026: Composer leads on design of new course, in consultation with the CoMA team
October – December 2026: Delivery of 10 week course
January 2027: Evaluation meeting with CoMA team to reflect on course design and delivery
Who can apply?
Essential requirements and experience
- At least 6 years’ experience composing at a professional level
- University degree in music (bachelor’s degree at a minimum) or equivalent
- Be UK-based
- Demonstrable experience in course design
- 3+ years’ experience in composition teaching
- Experience supporting students in both individual and group settings
Desirable experiences and attributes
- Experience working in community or educational settings, ideally with amateur musicians
- Extensive experience composing in 5-line notation
- Experience working with standard notation software (Eg. Sibelius, Finale or Dorico)
- Experience creating or teaching with music creation technique alternatives to 5-line notation, such as graphic scores and improvisation
- Passion and commitment for the arts and their transformative impact and interest in opening access to community arts initiatives
- Knowledge and experience of the arts sector and community arts field
- Knowledge of and love for contemporary classical music
We actively encourage applicants from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, including those from the Global Majority, d/Deaf and Disabled people, working-class backgrounds and LGBTQ+ people.
How do I apply?
Please email the following to recruitment@coma.org:
- 2 contrasting compositions, written by the applicant, ideally a score and recording
- Cover letter (maximum 1 page) or video/audio (maximum 3 minutes) explaining your suitability and interest in the role
- CV demonstrating your recent and relevant experience (maximum 2 pages)
- CoMA Equal Opportunities Form
You are welcome to submit your application as a video. Please ensure that all videos submitted do not require a password. If you encounter any difficulties completing your application or would like to apply using a different format, please contact Tamara Kohler (CoMA CEO) at recruitment@coma.org.
Application deadline: Monday 11th May 2026 11.59pm
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in-person (London) or online on Tuesday 26th May 2026.
If you have any questions, please email Tamara Kohler (CoMA CEO) at recruitment@coma.org
We look forward to receiving your application!