Composition & Songwriting Lessons FAQ

Q: Do I need to play an instrument to learn to write?

A: I highly recommend taking piano lessons first if you don't already play piano or another instrument. It's not impossible to learn writing, but it's much more difficult if you don't have the foundational skills of playing an instrument and understanding music theory.

Q: Do I need to know music theory to compose?

A: If you don't know any music theory but want to take composition lessons, don't worry! Part of your studies in composition include learning and understanding music theory. 

Q: Do I need to have already written something to take composition/songwriting lessons with you?

A: Definitely not-- I am more than happy to be there to help you write your first song! 

Q: How do composition/songwriting lessons work?

A: Students are more than welcome to bring their work in for critique or help, but generally I create prompts for my students that are relative to skill and knowledge. We usually start smaller and work our way up to more complex ideas and bigger compositions. 

Q: Can I learn how to arrange and orchestrate from you, too?

A: Absolutely!! Orchestration and arranging are huge parts of being a composer, and arranging is a great way to study what others have done to make successful compositions. 

Q: What are your qualifications?

A: I earned my Bachelor of Music degree in Commercial/Media Writing from CSU Northridge with summa cum laude honors in 2019, as well as a certification in Film Scoring from West Valley College in 2017. During my college tenure, I interned for a local musical theatre company writing, arranging, and orchestrating songs, and wrote scores for short films and video games. I have been writing my own songs since I was 18, and I've been teaching composition and songwriting since graduating in 2019. 

Q: Do you have age limits on who can take composition/songwriting lessons?

A: Not necessarily! Most very young children are not interested in writing or equipped for it, but there isn't really a lower or upper limit on age. I do recommend young children study the piano first though, as it is the most helpful composing tool there is.