Confusion about starting to learn music

[minor snow]

Hi!
I’m currently doing a bachelors in arts in English and Psychology and i have realised i might have an inclination towards learning how to compose music of my own.
I’m a singer, i’ve sung in a choir and in a band. I also play keyboard and have a basic music theory knowledge. I want to know what kind of courses i can do to bridge my knowledge gap from this degree to doing one in music composition (preferably).
A few friends of mine told me to complete 8 grades in trinity or ABRSM and get a diploma for any instrument of choice. Are there any other resources?

[rapid orbit]

I don't think getting a grade 8 will help you with composition

Like sure it's good, but the focus is entierely on performance

[minor snow]

what is an alternative i can go for?

[rapid orbit]

I would suggest just starting to write music

I don't know hwo good you are at playing, but if you know theory and are considering a grade 8 in perfromance, you probably have a reasonable understanding of music

Have you tried composing?

[minor snow]

So far, i’ve transcribed an acapella song by ear, written a few arrangements of songs for my choir. I did start on composing an Original for my band (on musescore- coz we have a violinist and a cellist) however that project was discontinued by my band so I never really got to complete it.
I’m currently working on composing an original song for an upcoming solo singing competition.

[minor snow]

I was told that having a diploma/grade 8 in performance might make me eligible for getting a masters in composition - considering i have no educational qualifications in music.
I’m not sure how accurate this is, but i just want to know any options that i can consider.

[rapid orbit]

So do you want to pivot to doing it academically?

Cause I probably wouldn't do it for a masters if you haven't ever written anything before

[minor snow]

I do, i want to know how i can bridge the gap to do that

[quaint mica]

Hi! I have a degree in Composition. I think unless you have some qualifications in music or a degree in music in any field, I don't recommend taking masters in composition as usually masters in composition expected you know and can write maybe around 30-mins worth of music and probably a research essay analysing every step of the process, which is risky if you are not familar with composing.

From my experience, if you really want to try studying Composition at University, instrumentation/orchestration, and harmony courses are essential. Notation courses are compulsory for us, but I think they are optional.

If you're into more contemporary/pop, knowing how to use DAW and some basic mixing knowledge is a great addition. These might be offered in Uni, but I recommend learning from YouTube.

[minor snow]

Thank you! thats really helpful, i appreciate it. Would it be okay if i dm you personally to ask you a few more things regarding this ?

[quaint mica]

Sure no problem!

[mellow vault]

I'd actually argue that getting to Grade 8 piano would help immensely with composition for the sheer amount of sheet music you will need to read and understand in order to get to that level. And grade 8 piano sheets can be mind-boggling even for experienced players. You will train your hands to the level that you can produced phrases nearly absent-mindedly and knowledge of technique will help you build more complex sequences that are actually playable.

You will also just get to know the piano so well as an instrument you'll be intimately aware of what you can do it with sonically.

Like i can sit down and compose a full piece for solo piano in a fraction of the time it takes me for anything else, because I have all these different chord patterns and grooves ingrained into muscle meory from playing so much

however, the approach to take is to just start writing music NOW and do everything you can to grow your knowledge and skill level