Kevin Ure
About
Welcome! My name is Kevin Ure, and I am dedicated to transforming aspiring musicians into skilled composers. Students learn to audiate music, develop their ear, and compose using an intuitive and practical approach.
With over eight years of experience as a university professor, I have taught a wide range of courses, from introductory classes like MUS 101 to advanced doctoral-level subjects, including 20th- and 21st-century techniques, Schenkerian analysis, and counterpoint. This extensive background allows me to offer a comprehensive and practical education in music theory and composition.
My teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on practice to build competence and confidence. I believe that the most successful students benefit from a combination of private lessons and personalized guidance. This approach ensures that each student receives the attention and support they need to thrive.
When you join, you become part of a vibrant community of composers dedicated to making a difference in the world through music. Together, we explore the depths of musical creativity and strive for excellence in every composition.
Teaching Style
I believe that composition is a powerful and enriching field that fosters creativity and musical skills. As an educator, my goal is to create a student-centered learning environment where students can explore composition, music theory, and aural skills in an engaging and meaningful way. I emphasize hands-on practice and encourage students to develop their musicianship through activities like composing their own pieces, analyzing musical examples, and performing music.
My teaching approach is centered on creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where students feel free to make mistakes and learn from them. I tailor my instruction to meet individual needs and provide opportunities for collaboration, critical thinking, and reflection. Through this approach, I hope to inspire a lifelong passion for composition and help students achieve their musical goals.
Curriculum
When it comes to teaching composition and music theory, I believe it’s essential to work with students’ natural abilities and knowledge. In a musical work, students often need guidance on how to develop and refine their ideas to achieve the maximum impact. Many students struggle to move beyond the first eight measures, so it’s crucial to demonstrate how to expand and develop their musical ideas effectively.
To help students overcome this hurdle, I focus on several key strategies:
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Idea Development: I encourage students to take their initial musical ideas and explore various ways to develop them. This can include techniques such as repetition with variation, modulation, and thematic transformation. By showing students how to manipulate their ideas, they can see the potential for growth and expansion in their compositions.
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Structural Awareness: I teach students about different musical forms and structures, such as binary, ternary, and sonata forms. Understanding these frameworks helps students organize their ideas and see how smaller sections can fit into a larger composition. This knowledge provides a roadmap for extending their initial ideas into complete pieces.
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Motivic Development: I emphasize the importance of motivic development, where a small musical motif can be transformed and developed throughout a piece. By demonstrating how composers like Beethoven and Bach used motifs, students can learn to create cohesion and unity in their compositions.
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Aural Skills: Developing strong aural skills is vital for composition. I incorporate ear training exercises that help students recognize and internalize different musical elements. This ability to hear and understand music internally supports their compositional process and helps them make more informed decisions.
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Feedback and Revision: I create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their work and receiving feedback. Through peer reviews and one-on-one sessions, I guide students in refining their compositions. This iterative process of feedback and revision is crucial for developing their skills and confidence.
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Inspiration and Analysis: I expose students to a wide range of musical styles and genres, encouraging them to analyze and draw inspiration from various sources. By studying different composers and their techniques, students can expand their creative toolkit and find new ways to develop their ideas.
By using these strategies, I aim to help students move beyond their initial ideas and create well-developed, impactful compositions. My goal is to inspire them to see the endless possibilities in their musical creations and to equip them with the tools they need to bring their ideas to life.
Credentials & Affiliations
With over eight years of university teaching experience, I have taught a wide range of courses, from introductory music fundamentals to advanced topics like counterpoint, form and analysis, and 20th- and 21st-century techniques. My approach is to tailor instruction to meet individual needs, fostering a supportive atmosphere where students feel free to make mistakes and learn from them. Through collaboration, critical thinking, and reflection, I aim to inspire a lifelong passion for composition and help students achieve their musical goals.
Education and Credentials
MM in Music Composition (2007)
The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; graduated cum laude.
Advisor: Daniel Asia
Composition Instructors: Daniel Asia, Dr. Pamela Decker, Craig Walsh
BM in Music Composition (2003)
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Dean’s list
Advisor: Dr. James Stivers
Composition Instructors: Virko Baley, Don Hannah
University Teaching Experience
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2016-2024) Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory
Taught various undergraduate and graduate music courses, including Music Fundamentals, Basic Musicianship, Musicianship I & II, Composition Workshop, Counterpoint, Form and Analysis, Contemporary Techniques, and Music in Relation to Analysis.
Book Publications
- The Elements of Music Composition: Music Composition Technique Series, Vol. I. 4th ed., Self-published, 2024.
- Music Composition Technique Builder: Music Composition Technique Series, Vol. II. 3rd ed., Self-published, 2021.
- Developed and authored "The Musical Core," an online course for MUS 101 and MUS 102 at UNLV, with textbook, drills, quizzes, and curriculum. The course is designed to support the specific needs of online education.
- Conducted assessments and assigned grades every semester for students enrolled in music theory and ear training courses during music sight-singing juries.
- Assisted in evaluating and administering aural and theory placement exams for incoming undergraduate and graduate students joining the music program.
- Developed the online placement exam for undergraduate and graduate students entering the music program in association with the department coordinator.
List of Musical Works
- Pitch and Heave for Unaccompanied Tuba (2024)
- Scrooge’s Last Dream for Brass Band (2023)
- Nosferatu (2023) In-Progress
- Bloom for Brass Band (2023)
- Fanfare for Uncommon Brass (2023)
- Eternal Autumn for Piano (2021)
- The Fool’s Journey for Wind Symphony (2019)
- Fly Away (2012)
- Autumnal Fanfare (2010)
- 406 (2010)
- Soliloquy (2008)
- 2 Short Pieces for Piano (2003/2007)
- La Llorona for Piano (2001, 2009)
- Chilled for Solo Flute (2007)
- The Fool’s Journey for Orchestra (2007)
- Queen Mab for Violin and Piano (2007)
- The Nine Moods for Wind Ensemble (2007)
- The Trees for Solo Piano (2006)
- String Quartet No. 1: Monsoon (2006)
- Samsara for Orchestra and Trumpet (Commission for Las Vegas Centennial Celebration) (2006)
- Burned for Bassoon and Oboe (2006)
- October for Strings (Commission for Silverado Chamber Ensemble) (2004)
- The Garden Tower for Violin and Piano (2003)
- Pavor Nocturnus for Brass Choir (2002)
- The Beast of Gevaudan (2002)
- A Medieval Fantasy for Tuba Choir (1999)
Recordings (Discography)
- The Beast of Gevaudan. 2003. By UreMusic. CD; MP3.
- Soliloquy. 2009. By UreMusic. CD; MP3.
- Technique Builder Audio: Etudes for Aural Training. 2021. By UreMusic. Vol. I
Performances of Works
- Daniel Sanchez, Pitch and Heave for Unaccompanied by Kevin Ure, Tuba, April 19, 2024, Doc Rando Hall in Las Vegas, NV.
- Las Vegas British Brass Band, Scrooge’s Last Dream by Kevin Ure, December 17, 2023, Clark County Library Theatre, Las Vegas.
- Las Vegas British Brass Band, Scrooge’s Last Dream by Kevin Ure, December 16, 2023, Green Valley Methodist Preschool and Kindergarten
- Las Vegas British Brass Band, Fanfare for Uncommon Brass by Kevin Ure, March 12, 2023, Clark County Library Theatre, Las Vegas.
- Nextet New Music Ensemble, Eternal Autumn for Solo Piano by Kevin Ure, April 28, 2021, Virtual Concert, University of Nevada Las Vegas.
- Las Vegas British Brass Band, Fanfare for Uncommon Brass by Kevin Ure, March 12, 2023, Clark County Library Theatre, Las Vegas.
Music Composition Mentors and Master Classes
- Virko Baley (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
- Don Hannah (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
- Daniel Asia (University of Arizona)
- Dr. Craig Walsh (University of Arizona)
- Dr. Pamela Decker (University of Arizona)
- Curtis-Curtis Smith (Western Michigan University)
- Dr. Richard Adams (Western Michigan University)
- Dr. Paul Chihara (UCLA)
- James Mobberly (Oberlin Conservatory)