Frequently Asked Questions
What Do I Need to Know Before Joining the Academy?
The basic requirement is an ability to read music. As long as you start with Music Composition 101, everything else is explained.
Each course in the Art of Composing Academy has different recommended musical knowledge levels. You are not restricted from any courses, but some will require more knowledge than others.
For Music Composition 101: The Fundamentals – as long as you can read music, you are ready.
Music Composition 201: Sonata Form, is more advanced and you should be able to understand the concepts in 101 first. Check each course page for the recommended knowledge and skill required.
Am I locked into paying for a year, or several months?
No. The subscription is a monthly subscription plan. You are billed as soon as you submit your order, and you can cancel at any time. When you cancel, you won’t be billed the following month, and you actually maintain access through the rest of the current billing period. You also have the option to pay for the entire year, at 40% off the normal price.
How Are the Courses Structured?
The courses are based around learning specific skill sets, and then putting those skills into practice. Each course features multiple modules, focusing on things like melody, harmony, or form. Each module has several lessons. Each lessons breaks down the key skills that you learn.
Every course has a comprehensive workbook that is designed for you to be able to successfully put into practice all the concepts from that course.
On top of this, I have recorded myself completing each of the exercises. This really helps understanding.
Are the Courses Available on iPad, iPhone, Android, or other mobile devices?
Yes. The site is fully mobile compatible. You can watch it and do the exercises anywhere you want, as long as you have an internet connection and a printer to print the exercises, or a notation program. If you have any issues with formatting, you can always email at [email protected].
Can I download and save the videos to my computer?
Unfortunately, for security reasons I do not offer the videos for download and saving to your computer. On top of that, I am constantly adding new videos, and frequently make updates to workbooks, or add additional exercise explanations. The courses are always improving.
Do I have access to the entire course as soon as I join?
Yes. You have access to the entire course from the moment you sign up, nothing is drip fed. However, I don’t recommend rushing through it. The benefit is in practicing the exercises and compositions enough to where you don’t have to think about the theory and can just “let go” while you compose.
None the less, the course is available in it’s entirety and you could watch all 8 hours on the first day if you wanted.
The exception right now, is music composition 201, which is still being completed. That is about a third of the way complete, approximately 3 hours are available, with about 6-8 hours left to complete.
Will I get to talk to you during the course or I will only get the material and trust my self-study skills?
Yes. We have a weekly online meetup, called the Composer Symposium. This is your chance to talk to me, and ask any questions you have. It’s also an opportunity to meet other academy members – like minded composers all wanting to improve.
You can always leave a comment on the lesson pages which I answer, or email a question as well.
Sign Up, Login, and Checkout Issues
If you are having issues with logging into the site, signing up for the free course, or checking out:
- Clear your browsers cache.
- If that doesn’t work, please write down the error message that you receive, and/or take a screenshot, and then send me an email at [email protected]
Start Learning to Compose Today
Melody · Harmony · Form · Voice Leading · Counterpoint
- ✓ Over 40 lessons on the most important skills of composition
- ✓ Weekly “Composer’s Symposium” webinar, to discuss composition with me and other composers
- ✓ No Composition experience required
- ✓ Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, and Android
- ✓ Secure checkout
- ✓ Cancel at any time
I love your introductory course, but I’ve never used a keyboard or written scores before (I’m late beginner/early intermediate in classical guitar). Can you recommend any source for learning basic fingering strategies for chords on the keyboard, and what digital scoring app could you recommend to begin?
I’ve worked with Allysia in the past at https://www.pianotv.net/. Her stuff is good and beginner oriented. I used the Alfred adult beginner piano book as a kid and liked it. For the most part, keep chords simple and comfortable with your hands.
tried to send email via contact form but you have an error saying you need to turn on Kaptch so I cant send email…
loved your free course and want to sign up, wondering if the paid course is laid out more for beginner as some stuff was over my head? lol 🙂
Also can we ask question if stuck and i cant find answer on google ? thx! 🙂
Nicky. The paid course is far more in depth, and you have the ability to ask questions along the way, as well as in the symposiums. As long as you can read music, the material shouldn’t go over your head. Although, you may end up re-watching some videos. I am just installing a new question and answer system, that will hopefully streamline questions on the site, and get other students answering as well.
Hi John,
How do I delete my account?
You can cancel your subscription on your “My Account” page. If you would further like to completely delete your account, I can do that manually.
Hi Jon! I need to know your level or number of H index of this site. I need it for a Work in my University.
I sign up for free courses in your site , but im not starting till i get this Index H from this site ! .
Thanks For your help , i need it before Friday 25 of march of 2016 (Super specific yeah ).
Well im still reading some articles of you , they are very interesting.
Greetings From Argentina!!
Leandro,
I am not really sure what the H-index is?
Watched lesson 101 on utube and used the link to try free lessons and free work sheets. I kept going to artofcomposing site and it said it couldn’t find my email. Couldn’t go any further unless a paid member. VERY FRUSTRATED!!!
Bruce, I apologize for the inconvenience. I switched to a new host for the website two days ago, and the last two days, we’ve been working on some technical issues. In particular, there were issues with login, and account creation. I believe they have been fixed now. You should now be able to go to https://www.artofcomposing.com/courses/free-beginners-composing-course and sign up on that page.
Please let me know if you still run into technical issues, as I am very interested in finding all the bugs and fixing them.
Ever since I decided to learn composition people tell me that I won’t be able to do it because I don`t play the piano. Do I REALLY need to learn how to play the piano in order to be able to complete the course ?
Piano is not required to complete the course. I do recommend to every composer, to learn the basics of piano. You do not have to be a performing concert pianist by any means though. Piano is great for composing, because it allows you to easily test out unique harmonies and voicing quickly. However, you can also do that with notation/composition software.
I started composing long before I knew how to play the piano. I still am not a great pianist, but I can play through things slowly, and if I spend the time, I can get some decent pieces up to speed (eg. Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 1, Mvt. 1).
Hi,
How many courses are available through the 29/month membership fee? What is the lifetime access fee option? How many hours is it expected to take to go through the courses? Lastly, do you give a course completion certificate or program completion certification?
Thanks,
Stacey
As of right now, the Academy only has Music Composition 101, which is approximately 8 hours of lesson videos, as well as several hours of additional of exercise videos. I am very close to releasing the first module of Music Composition 201, which will be at least 2 hours, and more importantly have some very groundbreaking techniques for new and seasoned composers alike.
There is no “certification” in the sense that you get credits for school, but I do have a “certificate”. The courses are more about the knowledge and skills that you acquire. I am not currently affiliated with any specific schools.
I am interested in your composition course.