Composition Cohort: A Place to Put Principles Into Practice
6 Weeks. 6 Lessons. Specific Assignments. A Place to Practice Them.
If you're here, you joined the waitlist for the Composition Cohort. If you choose to take the next step, here's what you can expect:
- Weekly live lessons via Zoom - Saturdays at 11:00 AM EST/5:00 PM UTC
- Our first live lesson for this cohort will be Saturday, April 5th.
- Live Q&A after each teaching session.
- Weekly assignments. I've been carefully crafting these exercises to be clear and specific so you don't have so many choices it's too overwhelming.
- Weekly listening assignments of actual music that supports/reinforces the principles I teach each week.
- A private community forum to ask me any questions throughout the week, share your assignments (MIDI file, Score, mp3 are all fine), and connect with other members for accountability.
- All live sessions will be uploaded to the community so you can access them at any point afterwards, even after the cohort has ended.
In these sessions, I will teach one foundational composition principle, show you examples of how it's used, and give you an assignment so you can practice it throughout the week. These will build on one another each week.
*You don't need anything other than a webcam and microphone if you'd like to ask questions during the sessions.
**Because this has a set start and end date, I'll be able to devote my attention to it. I'll be active in the community to answer questions and offer as much feedback as possible.
Prerequisites for Joining the Cohort
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Basic Music Literacy - You don’t need advanced theory knowledge, but familiarity with fundamental concepts like intervals (half/whole steps, major/minor thirds) and chord names/qualities (C minor, A Major) will be helpful.
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Music Notation/MIDI - Basic ability to read music is helpful, though not required. MIDI demonstrations and examples will be provided. This isn't "gatekeeping," but to ensure that we can all communicate using the same basic terminology.
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Interest in My Teaching Approach - This course focuses on the principles I use in my own music. If you don’t resonate with my teaching style on YouTube, my newsletters, or my courses, this cohort probably won't be a great fit.
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This is Not a Theory Course - This is a focused 6-week program on how to approach writing music. You'll learn the most impactful principles I use in my work, and how to apply them in your own.
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Commitment & Effort - To get the most out of this experience, be prepared to complete assignments and ask questions if you have them. No one will judge you. We're all here for the same reason. The exercises are structured intentionally to build upon one another in a way that will become more and more clear as we progress through the cohort.
Syllabus:
Here's a quick overview of what we'll cover throughout the cohort. There will be exercises and assignments to support each lesson.
Week 1: Linear Writing and an Introduction to Chromaticism
Week 2: Melodic Shaping and Structure
Week 3: Harmonization and Reharmonization
Week 4: Chord Progressions and Nonfunctional Harmony
Week 5: Thematic "Mining" and Development
Week 6: Form and Arrangement
These tickets are first come/first serve to those on the waitlist once enrollment begins. There are only 40 spots available this time around so I can give everyone personalized attention.
If you miss out, you'll remain on the waitlist for next time a run a cohort (likely this fall).
My one-on-one coaching packages start at $3,000. I only take on a handful.
This is by far the most affordable way to get direct access to my 20+ years of experience combining traditional composition principles with contemporary techniques.
I hope these cohorts and will provide more of you more opportunities to work with me.
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"From my first time working with Nathan, the rapport was instant. I really appreciate how genuine he is, and how completely honest his opinions are when it comes to working on music. We've collaborated on several projects, and he does not stop until the job is done. I've learned a great deal working with him, and would recommend him to anyone."
- BP Moore, recording artist/composer
"When I finished my vocal Album, and needed a producer and second set of ears I could trust, my first thought was Nathan, because of his immense experience in both classical and ambient directions.
Nathan brought a deeper sound quality, more emphasis and light or darkness to the character of the music that was already there. He gave it a new dimension and made the pieces have a third dimension; he enabled each piece to achieve its best quality."
- Maire Awadis, pianist, recording artist, composer
