‘So many useful ideas’; ‘what a rewarding morning’; ‘very practical’ – the hall was abuzz with enthusiasm at a recent workshop led by Paul Harris. It began with sessions on practice, sight-reading, scales and aural, and went on to include some simple group improvisations. By the end of the day Paul had managed to demolish the fear that often surrounds composition, and particularly improvisation, and shown teachers how these skills can be gently yet effectively introduced – enhancing the learning process both in the lesson and in a classroom context.

Well-known as teacher, performer, composer, writer, examiner and adjudicator, Paul Harris is no stranger to the classroom himself, having taught composition at many levels – including GCSE and ‘A’ level. He and Robert Tucker (an equally experienced Head of Music, specialising in ICT) have recently pooled their expertise to create an indispensable resource for all teachers of composition, Compose Yourself!

Published in January, Compose Yourself! kicks off a busy year for Paul. He has already been on tour in Australia and New Zealand with workshops and has a trip to Hong Kong with more workshops coming up in March.