Online Composition Lessons
General:
The principal objective in private composition lessons is to provide the student with an independent set of ears for evaluating his/her works. Based on listening and analysis of pieces the instructor then might recommend changes to the notes, form, style or instrumentation. It is important to keep in mind that all conversations regarding the student’s music are suggestions and will never attempt to railroad a piece of music. The instructor will also recommend listening and reading to reinforce concepts from the lessons. Subjects might include; 16th century counterpoint, 18th century counterpoint, orchestration, jazz arrangements as well as many other concepts. This is aimed at giving the student a firm textural foundation for his/her writing.
Prerequisites:
While composition lessons are open to all students and lovers of music, there are certain skills that should be possessed prior to enrollment. The student should be capable of notating music as well as have a working knowledge of meter, harmony and key-signatures. Lack of knowledge in these areas will not preclude an individual from being accepted for study, however; the instructor may opt for straight music theory lessons for some time prior to engaging in composition lessons. It is expected that the student has basic abilities in performance on an instrument or voice.
How Lessons Work:
A 30 minute one-on-one lesson will take place every week either in person or via Skype. Occasionally the instructor might opt for a purely textual exchange over e-mail instead of meeting online, this is done on weeks where a student may require more time on a given task. On weeks where student and instructor do not meet the student will be responsible for working on material whereas the instructor will review the student’s work and construct a subject for the next meeting. In the event of a 5-week month, both parties will take off the final week and resume the following month.
The student will e-mail composition assignments to the instructor in the following format(s); PDF, MIDI or Finale files (currently we are not able to support Sibelius formats). While an audio file is not mandatory, it would benefit the instructor in his/her evaluation of the piece(s) being worked on. MIDI files are acceptable but MP3’s would be preferable. Both score and audio should be accompanied by a short written explanation stating basic ideas and goals of the work.
Computer and Text Requirements:
It is imperative that all aspiring composers and musicians become acquainted with music notation software. Michael Wheeler Studios recommends the Finale line of software but any program that allows the students to notate and save as PDF files will work for this study. There are a number of free software programs that allow the user to save in PDF such as PDF995.
Students who would like to focus their attention on generating professional-quality audio tracks using sampling programs such as EastWest or Kontakt software will need much more in the way of computing power. If you do not already have a home studio set-up and would like advice, we would be happy to help you find the kind of system you need.
For meeting on Skype, the student will need a computer with a high-speed internet connection and a webcam. Skype is a free program which is easy to install and easy to use, the student simply adds the instructor’s username to their contact list and the two log on at a previously agreed upon time. Though it is not necessary, it is helpful if the computer is located nearby the student’s instrument of choice.
The text required for study will vary depending on the student’s goals. This will most likely be decided on by instructor and student in the early stages of lessons. Some students might wish to engage in a more traditional rigorous study of counterpoint or orchestration, whereas other students might want a simple critique of current compositions of pieces being worked on.
Tuition:
Tuition is currently $40 (U.S.) a month and can be set as a reoccurring charge on a major credit card. There is no registration fee at this time. Lessons that begin after the first week of any month will be prorated based on starting date. Please see information on payment in the Lesson Fees section of the NAMTA website.
General:
The principal objective in private composition lessons is to provide the student with an independent set of ears for evaluating his/her works. Based on listening and analysis of pieces the instructor then might recommend changes to the notes, form, style or instrumentation. It is important to keep in mind that all conversations regarding the student’s music are suggestions and will never attempt to railroad a piece of music. The instructor will also recommend listening and reading to reinforce concepts from the lessons. Subjects might include; 16th century counterpoint, 18th century counterpoint, orchestration, jazz arrangements as well as many other concepts. This is aimed at giving the student a firm textural foundation for his/her writing.
Prerequisites:
While composition lessons are open to all students and lovers of music, there are certain skills that should be possessed prior to enrollment. The student should be capable of notating music as well as have a working knowledge of meter, harmony and key-signatures. Lack of knowledge in these areas will not preclude an individual from being accepted for study, however; the instructor may opt for straight music theory lessons for some time prior to engaging in composition lessons. It is expected that the student has basic abilities in performance on an instrument or voice.
How Lessons Work:
A 30 minute one-on-one lesson will take place every week either in person or via Skype. Occasionally the instructor might opt for a purely textual exchange over e-mail instead of meeting online, this is done on weeks where a student may require more time on a given task. On weeks where student and instructor do not meet the student will be responsible for working on material whereas the instructor will review the student’s work and construct a subject for the next meeting. In the event of a 5-week month, both parties will take off the final week and resume the following month.
The student will e-mail composition assignments to the instructor in the following format(s); PDF, MIDI or Finale files (currently we are not able to support Sibelius formats). While an audio file is not mandatory, it would benefit the instructor in his/her evaluation of the piece(s) being worked on. MIDI files are acceptable but MP3’s would be preferable. Both score and audio should be accompanied by a short written explanation stating basic ideas and goals of the work.
Computer and Text Requirements:
It is imperative that all aspiring composers and musicians become acquainted with music notation software. Michael Wheeler Studios recommends the Finale line of software but any program that allows the students to notate and save as PDF files will work for this study. There are a number of free software programs that allow the user to save in PDF such as PDF995.
Students who would like to focus their attention on generating professional-quality audio tracks using sampling programs such as EastWest or Kontakt software will need much more in the way of computing power. If you do not already have a home studio set-up and would like advice, we would be happy to help you find the kind of system you need.
For meeting on Skype, the student will need a computer with a high-speed internet connection and a webcam. Skype is a free program which is easy to install and easy to use, the student simply adds the instructor’s username to their contact list and the two log on at a previously agreed upon time. Though it is not necessary, it is helpful if the computer is located nearby the student’s instrument of choice.
The text required for study will vary depending on the student’s goals. This will most likely be decided on by instructor and student in the early stages of lessons. Some students might wish to engage in a more traditional rigorous study of counterpoint or orchestration, whereas other students might want a simple critique of current compositions of pieces being worked on.
Tuition:
Tuition is currently $40 (U.S.) a month and can be set as a reoccurring charge on a major credit card. There is no registration fee at this time. Lessons that begin after the first week of any month will be prorated based on starting date. Please see information on payment in the Lesson Fees section of the NAMTA website.