In 2024, I founded Dr Olyver's Composition Studio, a venture born out of my lifelong passion for music composition and teaching. After many years of dedication to both my craft and students, I am thrilled to embark on this journey, offering a unique approach to music composition education that I believe is missing in many educational settings today. Allow me to share the story behind the studio, my vision, and what you can expect from this new chapter in my career.
My Journey So Far
My musical journey began as a violist, a path that shaped much of who I am as a musician and educator. I spent my early teenage years at the Royal Academy of Music's Junior Department and performing in the viola section of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. The powerful and inspiring music I was exposed to during these formative years ignited a spark in me to explore composition more deeply. It was in the National Youth Orchestra that I first felt the pull towards composing—an urge to try and create the kind of music that moved me so profoundly as a member of the orchestra.
Following this passion, I pursued a Master’s degree in Composition at the Royal Academy of Music, where I achieved the highest grade and a special award for an outstanding composition portfolio. My academic journey culminated in a PhD in Music Composition from the same institution alongside a PGCertLTHE in teaching composition at university level and an LRAM specialising in teaching composition and music theory. These years were transformative, not only because of the knowledge I gained but also because of the opportunities I had to hear my compositions performed by some of the finest musicians in the world. From the London Mozart Players to the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra, and from soloists like Timothy Ridout and Sarah Gait to ensembles such as CHROMA and the Berkeley Ensemble, the thrill of hearing my music brought to life by such talent was unparalleled.
However, it wasn’t just live performances that captivated me. I also fell in love with the power of digital technology—specifically, the ability to realise my compositions with stunning realism using Virtual Studio Technology (VST). This became an essential tool in my creative arsenal, particularly in a world where budget cuts and limited access to live orchestras have made it increasingly difficult for many composers to hear their work performed live on a regular basis.
I am currently immersed in an exciting new project—my first orchestral/electronic album, which I will be releasing on all major streaming platforms. This project is the culmination of years of experimentation and exploration in both the orchestral and electronic music worlds, blending the grandeur and emotional depth of contemporary-classical orchestration with the cutting-edge sounds and textures of modern electronic music.
A Passion for Teaching
My passion for teaching post PhD was kindled during my time as Head of Music at Stoke College in Suffolk. While I enjoyed all aspects of the role, it was teaching composition that truly excited me. I developed a distinctive approach to teaching composition that I found was lacking in many educational settings—a method that combines intensive tailor-made technical supervision with highly realistic digital realisations of student compositions. This approach not only hones a student's technical skills but also provides them with a professional-quality production of their composition, offering a valuable learning tool and a tangible asset to enhance their career and portfolio.
Teaching composition, for me, is not just about imparting knowledge or meeting the requirements of an exam board; it’s about guiding students through the creative process, helping them to find their voice, and ensuring that their music can be heard and appreciated in the most realistic form possible. This is especially crucial in today’s climate, where live orchestras are increasingly out of reach for many composers.
The Vision
The philosophy of Dr Olyver's Composition Studio is built on two pillars:
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Extensive Personalised Guidance and Supervision: Every student receives tailored instruction through 1-1 online lessons that focus on their unique strengths and areas for growth. I believe that composition cannot be taught through a one-size-fits-all pre-recorded video course style approach. Each composer has a unique voice, and it is my job to help them refine and express that voice in the most authentic way possible.
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Realistic Digital Realisation Using VST: One of the most exciting aspects of my teaching is the emphasis on digital realisation. Students in my courses will not only learn the intricacies of composition but also how to use the best technology available to create ultra-realistic demos of their work. This is more than just a learning tool; it is a way to empower amateur composers and students to present their compositions professionally, whether they are aiming for academic pursuits, professional opportunities, or personal satisfaction.
A New Chapter in Norway
As I write this, I have recently moved to the beautiful country of Norway with my wife, and we are eagerly awaiting the birth of our first child in the coming weeks. This is an exciting time in my life, both personally and professionally. The tranquility and inspiration I find in Norway have already begun to influence my work, and I am looking forward to sharing this new chapter with my students.
Dr Olyver's Composition Studio is not just a business; it is the culmination of my life's work, my passions, and my desire to contribute something meaningful to the world of music education. Whether you are an aspiring composer, a seasoned musician looking to refine your skills, or simply someone who loves music, I invite you to join me on this journey.
Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to the music we will create together.
Dr. Matthew Olyver