Marking its return as a live event, the East Ayrshire Festival The Cumnock Tryst will include the launch of a new book on creative composition by the festival’s founder, Sir James MacMillan and co-author Jennifer Martin on 1 October.
Published by Trinity College London (TCL) Press, Creative Composition in the Classroom is designed to aid aspiring composers and compositional and instrumental teachers through the wealth of experience the two composer authors have acquired through their lives. Rather than being a dry, academic work, the book aims to inspire the imagination, instil confidence and encourage critical thinking through a range of activities, hints, techniques and suggestions.
Trinity College London has been a sponsor of the Cumnock Tryst education outreach programme for the last three years, working with MacMillan, Martin and other musicians and composers in local disadvantaged schools across Ayrshire.
The programme has done much to encourage creativity in music among young students who might otherwise never have had such an experience. And the best of those involved have been invited to join professional musicians in performance at the festival.
The return of the live festival this October will continue the emphasis on young talent and the local community according to Sir James MacMillan’s vision. In addition to an impressive line-up of musical star performances and concerts, there will be workshops and other events. As with many such events post-pandemic, much of the festival will also be streamed, including the book launch, which includes a discussion between the authors and Stuart Pearch, Director, UK and Ireland Markets at Trinity College London and Gillian Moore, the Director of Music and Performing Art for the Southbank Centre.
Sir James MacMillan said, ‘Jennifer Martin, Chief Executive of The Cumnock Tryst, and I are very excited to launch our brand new book, Creative Composition in the Classroom, which aims to inspire future generations of both composers, and those teaching composition. This is a real labour of love for both of us and we can’t wait to share our tips and advice with those already within the world of composition and the teaching of it to students, and those just beginning on their composition journey.’
Stuart Pearce, Director, UK & Ireland Markets at Trinity College London, said, ‘It gives both TCL Press and me great pleasure to see this book published. We are very proud of our partnership with the Cumnock Tryst and its education outreach programme and this is another important step on the journey of supporting aspiring composers and young learners in their journey. Sir James and Jennifer have given this work much thought and dedication and we believe it will make an important contribution to nurturing creative talent across the world of music.’
