Private Composition Lessons

Do composers teach weekly private lessons just like a pianist would?

I have no desire to major in composition, but I have been more interested in composing for a while now.

I've been studying theory out of a well-known text for years now, but not so good at putting that theory to use and composing. If I were to call up

a university around here and ask the professor or for a grad student for private composition lessons, would

that sound strange?

If they do and anyone here has had private lessons, what would a lesson typically consist of?

Would it just be me bringing in a composition every week and him going over it, giving me tips?

Or would I be assigned specific assignments?

I think the answer would vary depending on the teacher. Several YC members are teaching-capable, so you might want to contact them.

Yes, there are composition teachers like there are piano teachers. I have a private composition teacher and he teaches at a University. My composition teacher started off teaching me harmony and all that. Nowadays I compose and he listens to what I compose and suggests ways to make the piece better. Sometimes when I want to learn certain things I just ask him and he teaches me them. My last lesson was on sonata form analysis I believe. Basically, he teaches me theory, I compose, and he gives me suggestions on how to improve my compositions. I would recommend getting a teacher, I have improved way more with one than without one.

Most (if not all) do have composition lessons much like private piano lessons. Depending on your university will determine if you can and what needs to be done before you can enroll in lessons.

I think the answer would vary depending on the teacher. Several YC members are teaching-capable, so you might want to contact them.

How would that work? Skype?

Do composers teach weekly private lessons just like a pianist would?

Of course. However, unlike instruments which are more objective, especially technically speaking, composing is far more theoretical and subjective, so who your teacher is may matter more than anything.

If I were to call up a university around here and ask the professor or for a grad student for private composition lessons, would

that sound strange?

No not strange. People take lessons outside of university all the time, just pay the guy every week for his services. Sometimes doing it through a university can get you a discounted rate but that varies. If you're not in any school right now and just want lessons the private route may be best.

If they do and anyone here has had private lessons, what would a lesson typically consist of?

Would it just be me bringing in a composition every week and him going over it, giving me tips?

Or would I be assigned specific assignments?

Lessons have three broad areas to teach: application of theory and/or formal structures to new music, technical matters of instruments, playability, and scores, and creative and aesthetics. The first two are the most talked about because they're the most objective and easily discernible in new pieces if the technique or theory application is good or bad. Aesthetics can be more difficult because every teacher will have a different approach to that. Often it is good to have a teacher that doesn't belittle or discourage your own aesthetic view, but will also broaden it allowing you to be a more well-rounded composer.

For a weekly lesson it is usually just working on a piece and applying said areas above to the music; it's a very practical type of teaching, much like teaching technique through a piano sonata. Most of the time this works well. Other times you may need to work on theory alone before using it in something new; it depends on where you stand in development as a composer. Some teachers will assign you things to make you learn according to a curriculum, some will just take what you bring them. Needless to say it is a very individualized teaching job.

@Dominius: With your background in harmonics, counterpoint and form, teaching musical composition would be not so easy. Nevertheless, you have make yourself desirable and competive against the rest of us here to attract students. Sometimes, that is hard part. I have to do this a lot harder, for I have disability that prevents to communcate well. Thus, I try my best to do well every day....ensuring that my students are provided with the correct and accurate infomation. I am inspiring you do great thing through my story, and ignoring what comes your way..

Phill you take my sarcasm and turn into a slam.

@Dominius: With your background in harmonics, counterpoint and form, teaching musical composition would be not so easy. Nevertheless, you have make yourself desirable and competive against the rest of us here to attract students. Sometimes, that is hard part. I have to do this a lot harder, for I have disability that prevents to communcate well. Thus, I try my best to do well every day....ensuring that my students are provided with the correct and accurate infomation. I am inspiring you do great thing through my story, and ignoring what comes your way..

Except his post was deleted. It is pretty hard to make yourself "desirable and competive against the rest" when that is happening.

Now, i am perplexed.

Except his post was deleted. It is pretty hard to make yourself "desirable and competive against the rest" when that is happening.

I wonder if Ian and Dominus are referring to this particular post:

Or, I have room for more students and my prices are a third of what the official teachers on this site ask for.

That post belonged to the following thread: http://www.youngcomp...-do-i-look-for/ , and it hasn't been deleted (or I wouldn't have been able to quote it right here). Since there are two ongoing threads about private lessons (the other being this one), it's very possible that this thread is being mistaken for the other one. It's not wise to judge too quickly or jump to conclusions :thumbsdown: .

I'll confess a mistake on my part.

Pretty sure that's not what is being referred to.