COMPOSITION
Prerequisites
Successful completion of Level 1 or equivalent knowledge.
Location
Classes are taught right in our studio. Composition is a crash course in core music composition techniques that will empower you to quickly develop and finish your songs.
Schedule
Composition is one month in duration. It runs twice per year. See the schedule below for class dates and times.
March 2025
3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 & 26
September 2025
3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24 & 29
Composition: Class Days
Monday & Wednesday
Composition: Time Slot
4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
COMPOSITION
COURSE OUTLINE
History of Composition
We begin with a broad survey of major developments in western music history, from ancient Greece to the 20th century.
Rhythm Basics
You will learn about tempo, time signature and musical note values along with accent and syncopation.
Drum Programming
Explore basic drum programming methods for breakbeats, four-to-the-floor beats and fills, along with live drumming concepts such as swing and shuffle.
Melody: Basic Theory
Discover core melody concepts such as key, intervals and chords.
Melody Programming
Learn how chord progressions, harmonies and lead lines are used to build a song.
Bass Lines
You will leave this lesson with a handful of basic approaches to writing bass lines that bridge rhythm and melody.
Arrangement Strategies
Learn to avoid common arrangement pitfalls and to take advantage of popular techniques such as doubling.
Composition Techniques
Develop a toolkit of common compositional methods used every day by successful composers and songwriters.
“Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.”
