We like cookies!

By selecting ‘I like cookies too’, you are allowing Point Blank Music School to use cookies. We use cookies to collect your device and browser information to tailor our marketing activities for your benefit and to help with the functionality of our website. Please visit our privacy policy (see cookies policy) for more information and to understand how we use your data for required purposes.

I like cookies too!

Manage my preferences

Music Composition

Learn the art of composition

Book Now

Next Open Day 23rd March 2024 - Book Your Place Now!

Meet our expert staff and find out more about our courses, industry connections, and state-of-the-art studios!

overview

This course will show you the secrets of how all your favourite tunes are created so you can apply the techniques to your own tracks. You’ll benefit from studio mentoring sessions and learn from music producers and composers who’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the business such as Steve Winwood, Jamelia, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Dido, Warren G, All Saints and more. Read on to learn more about our Music Composition course!


Compositional proficiency is a core skill for contemporary producers and artists, equipping them with the ability to realise their creative ambitions and make more informed production decisions, whilst helping them become professionally competitive. You will explore the core elements of musical composition: rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, and arrangement, and develop compositional techniques through practical application of music theory using music software.  This module focuses explicitly on commercial western popular musical styles, genres and their aesthetics. You will have the opportunity to investigate technical and stylistic aspects of these styles and genres, developing their confidence and abilities in composition, and gain experience in composing original musical elements and arranging these elements into a full composition.

Point Blank classes are small to ensure you receive ample 1-2-1 time with your lecturers. Our studios are located in Shoreditch—a global hub of London music venues, bars, and networking opportunities.

Key Info

Duration 3 Months
Available start dates 2024 2025
  • 8 April (Limited availability)
  • 8 July (Limited availability)
  • 30 September (Limited availability)
  • 13 January (Limited availability)
  • 14 April (Limited availability)
Weekly timetable 1 class per week. Please check the FAQs below for more details.
Have questions? Check the FAQ's for quick answers.

The legendary Pete Tong learns Native Instruments' Maschine at Point Blank

Track breakdown of 'Feel the Love' with Rudimental

Watch trance legend Ferry Corsten's Masterclass at Point Blank London

Come and visit one of our open days in Shoreditch!

Content

Expert Lecturers

Ski Oakenfull Music Composition

Played keys for K-Creative, Galliano, Raw Stylus. Remixer/producer/writer for Incognito, Joey Negro, Valerie Etienne, Two Banks Of Four, The Bays. Albums on Sony, BBE & Primaudial Records.

Linton Bennett Music Composition

Linton aka Stepz composes/produces for Dido, Warren G, All Saints, Jamelia & Imogen Heap to name a few. He’s been active in the music industry for 3 decades and signed to Motown in the US.

Kevin Kerrigan Music Composition

Branded an 'alchemist' by Brian Eno, Kevin has worked with Bjork, Gwen Stefani, Eurythmics, Kylie & Sting among others and composes for movies/TV for Paramount, BBC, Warner Bros, Sony & Universal.

Phil Ramocon Singing/Composition

Ivor Novello & Grammy-winning musician/songwriter. Legend who's worked with Steve Winwood, Jamelia, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and more. Co-wrote 'Buffalo Stance' with Neneh Cherry.

Daniel Sonabend Music Composition

With a career spanning many different media formats, Daniel's music can be heard in his work for clients such as BBC, ITV, Jason Bruges Studio and Warner Music Group.

Robin Schlochtermeier Music Composition

Robin is a composer for film and TV, having worked for clients such as Channel 4, National Geographic & Panasonic. He won the award for Best Music at the British Independent Film Festival for his original score of the film 'Retreat'.

Career Opportunities

  • Music Producer
  • Recording Engineer
  • Mix Engineer
  • Sound Designer
  • Sound Editor
  • Music Arranger
  • Film/TV Music Composer
  • Remixer
  • Artist/Performer
  • Singer/Songwriter
  • Studio Manager
  • A&R/Label Manager

My instructor is a legend! Not only did he go out of his way for me, but he taught me some valuable lessons along the way. Makes me look forward to what's coming next! I'm already getting messages from other musicians wanting to collaborate and some from people wanting me to get on board with their community. Perhaps I'm stubborn but, I think I'll wait to see whats round the corner first. Loved it! - Matthew, Music Production student

Global Alumni

Madam X

DJ, label head, club impresario. Mixing grime, techno, bass, garage, Madam X is adept at playing huge crowds or 100-cap basements. Hosts shows on Radio 1, Rinse & NTS. She is multi-faceted and unique.

Pete Tong

Godfather of Dance Music and long-time friend of Point Blank Pete Tong, founder of BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix and worldwide DJ superstar, learned Native Instruments Maschine with the team here in London.

Goldie

We taught Goldie something he didn't know already - Ableton Live! The legend drops in from time to time & recently invited PB students to a VIP drum recording session at Assault & Battery studios.

Claude VonStroke

Dirtybird boss Claude says: "I took a class with Point Blank in Ableton Live. It was awesome learning bass production!" The bass don was recently voted the No.1 DJ in USA! Watch him review PB above.

Aluna Francis

Aluna Francis is half of AlunaGeorge. She studied production at PB before taking off to chart success with 'You Know You Like It' & No.1 hit 'White Noise' with Disclosure. Check out her awesome video.

Leona Lewis

Everyone knows Leona from X Factor. Before she won it, Leona wowed her fellow students on our Singing Course. "Her talent was obvious" said her instructor, "and her success thoroughly deserved."

Patrick Topping

'The World's Biggest Tech House Producer!' Secured three Beatport #1s: ‘Get Beasty’, ‘Forget’ & ‘Voicemail’. Also owns two DJ Awards & DJ Mag’s ‘Best Tune’. Championed by Pete Tong & Annie Mac.

Arjun

With 1,500,000 Facebook followers, Sri-Lankan born Arjun is a South Asian pop superstar. His single ‘I’ll Be Waiting” charted at #1 on iTunes India and spent 30 weeks on the BBC Asian Download Chart.

Spoony

Spoony is a legend in UK dance music having brought garage to the masses in 2000 as part of the Dreem Team. He's since gone on to become a staple on Five Live but proved he's always learning by enrolling at PB!

FEES

Fees (UK) Saving over monthly instalments
£1,995 payment in full £95
£50 reg fee + balance of £1,945 £95
£50 reg fee + £680 per month
See details during the enrolment process for more information on fees and international student pricing.

Pay in full upon enrolment and save up to 20% over paying in instalments. See the enrolment process for more details.

Discounts

Point Blank students enjoy a range of exclusive discounts including but not limited to:

  • 50% off NI Komplete, Ableton Live Suite & Roland Cloud
  • 30% off NI Kontrol & Maschine
  • 25% off Adam Audio & Focusrite

FAQS

Do I need to buy software & equipment to take the course?

Depending on your programme, certain pieces of hardware and software will be essential throughout your studies at Point Blank. To help with your independent learning and assessment work, you will need to have access to this equipment outside of the campus. However, if you are able to attend classes on-campus, this equipment will be available to use either in-class or by booking practice time. Note that you have access to our facilities 7 days a week during term time for the length of your course (excluding scheduled breaks). Please visit this page which lists the hardware and software you are required to own for programmes taught by Point Blank. Where you may choose to study online (distance learning), this equipment will be essential to your studies and assignment work. If for any reason you cannot afford to purchase an essential item, you may be eligible for financial support via the hardship fund. More information about this can be found here. If you wish to buy equipment or software for your home studio, remember that Point Blank students qualify for discounts from Apple Education, Ableton, Native Instruments, Pioneer DJ and other leading industry partners.

What is my timetable?

Each module requires your attendance at one daytime class which will be 3 or 4 hours long depending on the module. Your timetable will be confirmed a week before the start of each term. If you have specific timetable requests, please contact us before booking and we will do our best to arrange your classes at times that suit you. In addition to classes, students are expected to schedule sufficient practice time each week. The studio facilities are open to you 7 days a week gaining you valuable studio time and reinforcing the skills learned in class. Students can also book regular 1-2-1 sessions with our lecturers outside of class time.

BOOK NOW!

Contact us

Global Alumni

Madam X

DJ, label head, club impresario. Mixing grime, techno, bass, garage, Madam X is adept at playing huge crowds or 100-cap basements. Hosts shows on Radio 1, Rinse & NTS. She is multi-faceted and unique.

Pete Tong

Godfather of Dance Music and long-time friend of Point Blank Pete Tong, founder of BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix and worldwide DJ superstar, learned Native Instruments Maschine with the team here in London.

Goldie

We taught Goldie something he didn't know already - Ableton Live! The legend drops in from time to time & recently invited PB students to a VIP drum recording session at Assault & Battery studios.

Claude VonStroke

Dirtybird boss Claude says: "I took a class with Point Blank in Ableton Live. It was awesome learning bass production!" The bass don was recently voted the No.1 DJ in USA! Watch him review PB above.

Aluna Francis

Aluna Francis is half of AlunaGeorge. She studied production at PB before taking off to chart success with 'You Know You Like It' & No.1 hit 'White Noise' with Disclosure. Check out her awesome video.

Leona Lewis

Everyone knows Leona from X Factor. Before she won it, Leona wowed her fellow students on our Singing Course. "Her talent was obvious" said her instructor, "and her success thoroughly deserved."

Patrick Topping

'The World's Biggest Tech House Producer!' Secured three Beatport #1s: ‘Get Beasty’, ‘Forget’ & ‘Voicemail’. Also owns two DJ Awards & DJ Mag’s ‘Best Tune’. Championed by Pete Tong & Annie Mac.

Arjun

With 1,500,000 Facebook followers, Sri-Lankan born Arjun is a South Asian pop superstar. His single ‘I’ll Be Waiting” charted at #1 on iTunes India and spent 30 weeks on the BBC Asian Download Chart.

Spoony

Spoony is a legend in UK dance music having brought garage to the masses in 2000 as part of the Dreem Team. He's since gone on to become a staple on Five Live but proved he's always learning by enrolling at PB!

BOOK NOW!