This is the first of a two-seminar sequence that provides analytical and practical approaches to composition for the string quartet. Over the course of two semesters students write a progressive series of studies starting with a solo, followed by a duo, trio and finally a full quartet. Professional musicians workshop these pieces in class, culminating in a concert by a guest quartet in residence. Interwoven with these workshops students analyze and discuss contemporary quartet repertoire from the past 50 years.