AMusTCL and LMusTCL Online Lectures Registration
Winter 2025 Music Composition Masterclass
Start your composing journey this winter with a focused four-day masterclass designed for Classical musicians, theory diploma candidates, and beginner composers exploring new writing possibilities.
Register by December 16, 2025, to receive the Zoom links.
About the Masterclass
This Winter 2025 Music Composition Masterclass provides an immersive introduction to 20th-century melodic writing, Classical string quartet writing, and contemporary composer-performer collaboration. Over four days, participants will learn practical techniques, observe demonstration examples, and-if they wish-present their own work for feedback.
The programme includes English, Cantonese, and bilingual sessions to accommodate participants’ needs.
Masterclass Schedule
Day 1 - December 17, 2025
Dialogue in Sound: New Music as Composer-Performer Lab
Speakers:
• Dr. Michael Leung Chi-Hin
• Dr. Philbert Li
English Session:
8:00-9:00 EST (21:00-22:00 HKT)
This session explores the evolving relationship between composition and performance through collaborative experimentation. It examines how contemporary composers and performers co-create musical works that blur traditional boundaries, emphasizing process over product. Drawing on recent composition projects, the presentation highlights how shared authorship and improvisatory dialogue reshape creative practices in new music.
Day 2 - December 18, 2025
20th Century Melodic Writing
Speaker:
Dr. Sheung-Ping Lai
Cantonese Session:
8:00-9:00 EST (21:00-22:00 HKT)
English Session:
9:00-10:00 EST (22:00-23:00 HKT)
The AMusTCL exam includes a “20th-century Melodic Writing Composition” option that many students find challenging. This session introduces practical approaches to 20th-century scale patterns and melodic techniques, guiding participants through the process of writing stylistically appropriate melodies with confidence.
Day 3 - December 19, 2025
Classical String Quartet Writing
Speaker:
Dr. Sheung-Ping Lai
Cantonese Session:
8:00-9:00 EST (21:00-22:00 HKT)
English Session:
9:00-10:00 EST (22:00-23:00 HKT)
The string quartet is a foundational genre in Classical music and a mandatory topic in the LMusTCL exam. This session covers Classical string quartet style and techniques, supported by musical examples from various composers. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to complete a string quartet excerpt effectively.
Day 4 - December 20, 2025
Showcase of Student Compositions
With:
Dr. Sheung-Ping Lai
Cantonese and English:
8:00-9:00 EST (21:00-22:00 HKT)
Participants may present short assignments from Day 2 or an original composition for comments.
Submission details:
• PDF score
• Video/audio recording up to 4 minutes
• Submit with registration
Depending on the number of submissions and time constraints, not all works will be presented during the session. Selected participants will introduce their compositions, which will be played and discussed during the masterclass. Works not presented will receive written comments from Dr. Lai.
Who Should Join?
This masterclass is ideal for:
✓ Classical musicians beginning their composition journey
✓ Students preparing for AMusTCL or LMusTCL theory diploma exams
✓ Composers exploring 20th-century melodic language
✓ Musicians interested in Classical chamber writing
✓ Performers interested in composer-performer co-creation
✓ Anyone seeking structured guidance in melody, form, and musical craft
Instructors
Questions?
Contact me via email at hello@sheungpinglai.com
or DM on Instagram @composersplai
Thank you!
