This marks the second year we are supporting Sound and Music’s In the Making, the UK’s only year-long development programme for composers aged 14–18. The course combines a summer residential with year-round mentoring, workshops, and career guidance, helping young musicians grow both creatively and professionally. We caught up with our very own Lillie Harris, Dorico Technical Writer, composer, and copyist, who attended the programme’s predecessor nearly 15 years ago and reflects on her musical journey while sharing advice for today’s aspiring composers.
AN: You recently visited the In the Making residential — what was it like returning after all these years?
LH: In August, I had the pleasure of visiting the In the Making residential course in Huddersfield with my Dorico colleague, Daniel Spreadbury. Coming back fifteen years later to its new home, and seeing the astonishing facilities available to participants, was truly inspiring. The Sound and Music team have clearly taken years of experience and invested it back into future composers. The support, encouragement, planning, and course structure—all of it—is fantastic.
Lillie Harris and Daniel Spreadbury visiting the In the Making residential in Huddersfield
AN: Looking back, what was it like attending In the Making as a teenager, and what did you take away from the experience?
LH: I found out about the course just in time for its second year. My mother—frustrated by my insistence on pursuing music over a “more sensible” career like law—told me that if I was serious, I should find a summer course. Arriving in Watford, I didn’t know anyone. But within hours, I felt among friends and kindred spirits. Ideas bounced around tables at mealtimes; professional musicians demonstrated instruments and played music we’d never heard. Then came the terror of sitting down at a computer to start writing, unsure where to begin. But of course, I ended up writing something—that’s what the course was for! And there was gentle, sensitive support: a mentor checking in, offering guidance without being intrusive, reminding us that we were doing fine.
AN: When working with young composers, what strengths or skills do you notice they already have, even if they might not realize it?
LH: I try to hold up a friendly mirror, helping them see the skills they already have, such as:
- Arranging music for different instruments
- Knowledge of standard instrument ranges and techniques
- Creativity
- Communication (both verbal and written)
- Self-motivation when working independently
- Networking (making friends along the way)
- Reading and writing music notation, and often, familiarity with notation software
Many of these are “soft skills” or transferable skills. They often go unacknowledged, but they are hugely valuable.
Lillie Harris and Daniel Spreadbury during the In the Making residential course in Huddersfield.
AN: Can you walk us through the key moments that shaped your journey from discovering your love of composition to working professionally in music and technology?
LH:
- Realising in my mid-teens that I loved writing music, especially film music.
- Attending the Sound and Music Summer School and feeling so at home with “my people” that I was motivated to pursue composition.
- Getting into the Royal College of Music (just barely—I was on their reserve list initially).
- Emailing a film composer I admired and getting a response.
- Attending a recording session at Abbey Road Studios and offering to help, like taping scores.
- Following up with thank-you emails, leading to repeat opportunities.
- Later, seeing that Steinberg were hiring a Technical Writer for the Dorico manual—and despite never having used Dorico, I applied and got the job!
AN: What key advice did you hope young composers would take away?
LH:
- Recognize the valuable skills you already have.
- There are many roles in music that need those skills.
- Be curious: if you’re interested in something, email someone—most people are happy to help.
- Want to do engraving for a publisher? Contact the publisher and show them what you can do.
- Unsure? Ask for help! Most people are generous and willing to guide you.
Thanks to Sound and Music, In the Making continues to inspire the next generation of composers. Dorico is proud to support this journey — if you’re a young composer, or a teacher with aspiring students, you can find out more and apply for the 2026 programme here — applications are open now!