Composing for opera reaches far beyond music composition and when it's done well it is part of an expansive and complex matrix of disciplines, practices, and approaches. In this class we will consider dramaturgy, structure, multimedia collaborative process, composing for voice (from bel canto to neutral conversation), consider dramatic practices, opera specific methodologies and theatre practice. Whatever your style the principles, analysis, advice and guidance I can offer will take your opera to the next level. As the artistic director of Waste Paper Opera, I have composed, collaboratively written, and co-directed 8 large scale operas, worked on projects for film, art installation, and even performed in a swimming pool. I have experience as a director, having trained with the late Sir Graham Vick at Birmingham Opera Company and National Opera Studio. I've performed across Europe and the USA as a singer, clown, actor, and musician, most notably with Brookly-based performance group Object Collection.