&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Graham Coatman<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; composer &amp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; musical Director<br />
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Picturewith a composition student
Research & Teaching


Graham is engaged in a variety of practice-based research projects. Most recently, he has been engaged in a programme of research at Huddersfield University into the use of medieval sources in contemporary music. 

His paper on Judith Weir's use of Perotin's organum quadruplum in her Millennium commission All the Ends of the World, given at the inaugural Middle Ages in the Modern World conference at St Andrew's University in June 2013, has led to a commissioned chapter in the forthcoming book, sponsored by the British Academy. For the Britten centenary year, in September 2013, Graham led a study day Benjamin Britten: Music & Faith at the Mirfield Centre, and at other centres subsequently. In July 2105 he gave a special invitation guest lecture at International Medieval Congress, Leeds, 
Contemporary Composers and the Renewal of Medieval Practice: Medieval Models in the Works of Judith Weir.

Until recently Graham has been a Senior Lecturer at Leeds College of Music, specialising in Performance Studies and Composition, as well as directing the Chamber Choir, Aural Choirs, and as module co-ordinator for Aural Skills & Opera Studies.

In 2010 he founded, and is Director of, HISS (Historically Informed Summer School) which runs an annual international residential course exploring the connections between early music and traditional (folk) music. Graham teaches piano & accompaniment & continuo, composition and music direction privately. 

“Graham Coatman is an extremely experienced and inspiring lecturer. Through my years at Leeds College of Music he encouraged me in all aspects of my performance and gave me many opportunities, which I doubt I would have had without his help. A truly energetic tutor with so much to give to eager students of music.” – Lucy Morton (student Leeds College of Music & Birmingham Conservatoire)

"Thank you so much for having me in your session on Friday – I learnt a lot! So many aspects were excellent – your rapport with the students, your knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject, the multi-platform way you provided input and supported with quality resources, very strong planning and structure, linked to differentiated objectives and good use of technology. Thanks again – you inspired me!" - Anita Collins, (Advanced Practitioner, Leeds City College)

__ Appointments & Engagements:

2010-present: HISS (Historically Informed Summer School), York St John University – Course Director: exploration of commonality between early music, folk & traditional music and contemporary practice

2005-present: Leeds College of Music - Senior Lecturer (specialising in Performance Studies & Composition)

School of Music, Leeds University – Director, Leeds Guild of Singers; continuo, Leeds Baroque; partner in LUCEAT (Leeds University Choral Enterprise and Attainment Network)

2005-8: Hull University/Hull College - National Project Manager, Creative Partners for Progression (CP4P) – HEFCE funded action research project into Creativity in Learning across 8 regions from Plymouth & Southampton to Teesside & Cumbria, culminating in national conference at The Sage, Gateshead.

Other prior appointments:

Altenburge Musiktage - summer schools in music-theatre, opera, improvisation (supported by British Council)

Bradford University – Fellow in Music; research appointment, effectively composer & animateur in residence, extended from 2 to 5 years in recognition of expanded programme and raised profile; established Tasmin Little Music Centre

North Warwickshire College – Lecturer in Music, with responsibility for choirs, orchestras, ensembles, piano tuition

Bretton Hall College - Yorkshire Arts Fellowship in Composition; collaboration residency working with music, dance and drama departments

 Arts Educational School (London) – Head Pianist & Musical Director (dance, drama, musical theatre)


Academic Qualifications

PhD (Huddersfield University) – Medievalism in Twentieth Century Music

AMusM (Nottingham University) – Composition

PG Diploma in Advanced Composition (Guildhall School of Music & Drama)

BA (Hons) in Music (Bristol University)









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  • News & Events
  • Biography
  • Gallery
  • Composer
  • Musical Director
  • Accompanist/Continuo
  • Research/Teaching
  • Education/Community
  • Choral resources
  • Contact
  • Links
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