Since its formation in 1999 the children's composition class in Winsen has become a permanent institution. Astrid Schmeling and Matthias Kaul teach children and juveniles from 7 to 19 years of age in 6-months-lectures. L'ART POUR L'ART responded to invitations to give comparable lectures at the EXPO 2000 and the Schreyahner Herbst.
The musicians understand these composition classes for children and juveniles as a process
to enable their pupils to articulate through music what surrounds and moves them.
The research of the subject results in the decision for the instrumentation and form. There is
no right or wrong - whatever clarifies the intention is right;whatever prevents it is wrong.
Almost incidentally the pupils learn about their instruments: their variety of sound, their
technical possibilities and limitations. As a consequence, they are able to achieve a
consciousness for the architecture and energy of music.
The children do not only invent music, they also learn - based on phenomenalistic views -
to find their own solutions and work on that basis.
The fact that this experience works is of great importance, for their entire life and future
professions as well.