Chris Koelma

Until recently, Chris was the Head of Music at a large International school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He completed his Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching at Avondale College in Australia and a Master of Educational Studies (Creative Arts Specialization) at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He is currently completing his PhD looking at Music Education in International Schools.

Chris composes for orchestra with a specific challenge in mind. He starts by identifying a particular instrument, rhythmic phrase, melodic idea or style that he would like to have his students explore. He also centres in on a tasteful compositional structure quite early in the process. He wants his students to feel excited about playing a piece, without necessarily knowing that it has been specifically designed for an important area of their musical development.

Chris believes that composing for a beginner orchestra is a special process because although a piece may need to be ‘easier’, it is also tightly constrained by the ability level of the individuals in an ensemble. It also needs to have enough challenge for those students who are moving more quickly in their learning journey.

Learn more on Chris’s website