About

Compose Yourself! is an annual online composition festival open to all young pianists resident in the UK. We aim to offer young pianists the opportunity to develop their musicianship, creativity and self-expression through composition.

There are two main categories: competitive and non-competitive, with classes for different age groups in the competitive category.  Each entrant will receive an encouraging comment sheet from one of our expert adjudicators, a certificate and a piece of music from a leading educational composer. The event celebrates every entrants' achievement by sharing their compositions via a showcase playlist. You can enjoy the 2021 winners compositions here. 

Compose Yourself! was founded by Alison Mathews and Lindsey Berwin, both of whom are established composers and highly experienced teachers. We are grateful for the support of Trinity College London, Faber Music, Presto Music and our partnership with publisher Editions Musica Ferrum in running the event. 

"My students have been asking me already when the next Compose Yourself deadline is - they cannot wait to develop their own works with my support, work towards a video performance, and then wait in suspense for their certificates and reward pieces!"
Gwen Harborne, Musicality Instrumental Lessons, Buckshaw Village, Lancashire​

​"I love the motivation and encouragement this festival provides for my students to improvise and compose!"
​Becs Leighton Music

composeyourself@virginmedia.com