Composition Summer Program

2025 Composition Summer Program

This program has become one of my students' favorite things every year. They love it because it's a nice break from routine throughout the year and they get to creative music that is truly their own. It is free to students on my roster.

Students will learn:

how to find musical inspiration through storytelling and improvisation.
phrasing and musical form.
what makes a good melody. The reason we need to know scales.
How to add harmony and texture.
the importance of meter, rhythm and articulation to paint a musical picture.
lyric writing (dependent on level)
how to put onto paper what a student is hearing and playing. Students will also learn the basics of notation software.

Benefits of learning how to compose:

Helps students learn repertoire more easily and aids with memorization.
Provides a sense of accomplishment, confidence and an additional outlet for musical creativity.
A greater appreciation of the music they listen to every day.

Students will receive:

A published book containing their composition(s) along with those of their peers.
Written feedback from Diane Beckstead — owner of Musicals for Change. Diane is a professional composer and educator with more than 30 yrs. experience.
The opportunity to enter a variety of state and national composition competitions. (students cover the costs of entry and administrative fees)

When:

Program runs from June to August every summer.
Student must schedule a minimum of six, 45-minute private lessons. See pricing below.

Where:

Lessons are conducted in the student's home.*
Online lessons also available.

*student must live within my travel radius of Chester County, PA. Contact me for details.

Appropriate piano students ages:

7 years to adult

Requirements:

No previous composition experience required.
Student must have a minimum of 3 years piano instruction.
Student must have a piano or keyboard at home.

Students will experience the thrill of seeing their own music published in a book!