One to one · Online or in person
Composition lessons
Learn to write your own music, from a first idea to a finished score, with feedback you can use. Beginners welcome, all ages.
Who it is for
Beginners
Never written a note? We start with an idea and a simple melody, and build up from there.
Students
GCSE, A Level and portfolio coursework, with feedback against the mark scheme.
Adults and players
Write for your own instrument, choir or band, or finally finish that piece you started.
What we do
- Shape ideas into melodies, harmony and structure.
- Learn to notate, so you can share a score and have it played.
- Write for real instruments, and for your own ensemble.
- Get written feedback on drafts between lessons.
- Finish: a polished piece you are proud of.
Prices
Lessons
Pay as you go or in advance- 1 hour lesson£40
- 45 minutes£30
- 6 lessons, paid up front Save 5%£240£228
First Composition
Goal: finish a short piece- 4 one-hour lessons
- Feedback on drafts between lessons
- Complete notated score
- Total£240
Finish a Piece
Goal: a polished, performance-ready score- 6 one-hour lessons
- Feedback, engraving advice and proofing
- Polished final score
- Total£360
Lessons are one to one. Online or in person: home visits within an hour's drive are possible, with travel charged at £25 an hour, so online is usually the simplest choice. Class lessons may follow in future.
More composition packages
Composition Kickstart
£180 · three one-hour sessions to get started with feedback.
Portfolio Sprint
£360 · six sessions to build a coursework or application portfolio.
Score Review
£100 · a detailed read-through of your finished score.
How it works
- Get in touchTell me what you would like to write and your experience so far.
- First lessonWe set a goal and a plan.
- Write and shareLessons, with feedback between lessons.
- FinishA completed score, ready to perform or submit.
Other people looked at
Portfolio Sprint
Six sessions to build a portfolio.
See moreGCSE & A Level composition
Coursework and exam skills.
See moreOrchestration & arranging
Write or arrange for your ensemble.
See moreQuestions
Do I need to read music?
Not to begin. We can start by ear and learn to notate as we go.
Do I need special software?
No. A free notation program is helpful and I will show you how to set it up. You can also write by hand.
Are these group classes?
For now, lessons are one to one. Class lessons may follow in future.
Can this count towards my Duke of Edinburgh's Award?
Yes. Composing is a good Skills activity. See the DofE Skills page.
Start writing
Book a first lesson and bring your first idea, however rough.