The first Absolute Classics’ Games Music Composition Project produced a live performance of the young people’s final compositions in March 2017.  The students each created a piece that matched a specific scene of  a video game called Echoes. They used Sibelius composition software to produce performance scores and parts, and a midi file of their pieces which was then used to create their game audio tracks.

The students engaged very well with this project and undertook a considerable amount of work on their compositions in their own time between sessions. The compositions demonstrate their varied interests and approaches to instrumentation, and included a range of instruments for the final performance such as flute, oboe, piano, acoustic guitar, timpani, violin, cello, glockenspiel and vibraphone. These young composers produced excellent work that demonstrates a mature understanding of compositional theory and techniques, and at the same time they created a sophisticated atmosphere for the final performance, which was charged with emotional empathy for their audience. All of the students’ feedback confirmed how important this project was to them and the positive lasting impact:

“I would recommend the experience. It was great, as it gave us all the opportunity to work in a group with everyone else, sharing ideas and helping each other.”

“It was enjoyable as it was a very innovative way of learning.”

“It gave us the opportunity to experience new ways of composing in a way that related to the real world.”

 “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for us and I hope that the opportunity can be given to other students in the future.”