FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC COMPOSITION

The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra is pleased to offer an educational program concentrating on music composition. Instructed by Algernon Robinson, the Fundamentals of Music Composition class is for high school students interested in writing music for solo or small ensemble instrumentation via music notation software and/or digital audio workstation.

In this music composition course, participants will gain an understanding of music fundamentals while developing their own musical language. The exploration of major and minor keys, along with tools for understanding scales and chords, will enable them to incorporate these elements into their compositions. Participants should be able to read music and have a basic understanding of how to notate musical ideas.

Information:

  • Who: For high school students. Space is limited to five (5) students.

  • What: Class will cover melody synthesis, form, rhythm notation, and basic harmony. All musical styles/influences welcome.

  • Where: Wilmington Symphony Orchestra Office (5032 Randall Parkway, Wilmington, NC 28403)

  • When: Mondays and Thursdays starting July 14, 2025

  • Time: 6:00-7:00 PM

  • Tuition: $225 per student for 8 sessions

    Deadline to Register: July 7, 2025

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Algernon Robinson (b. 1997) has been recognized by CVNC as “a sophisticated composer with a fine ear,” praising his work as “a delightful exploration of various tone colors” with “sweeping gestures”.

A native of Wilmington, Robinson began his composition studies under the mentorship of Lowell Liebermann at Mannes College of Music. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, studying with Lawrence Dillon, and later completed a Master’s degree in composition at the University of Michigan, where he worked with Evan Chambers and Roshanne Etezady.

Robinson has collaborated with a wide range of ensembles, including the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, Tallis Chamber Orchestra, University Philharmonia Orchestra at U of M, and the Lauren Blair Smith Dance Company. His works have been performed in venues throughout North Carolina and Michigan, as well as New York, Chicago, London, and Singapore.

The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra has commissioned Robinson to write a new work for the orchestra’s Opening Night concert of the 2025-2026 Season, to be premiered on September 20, 2025. Learn more about the concert here.