Music Theory & Composition Lessons

• To compose successfully, students must understand the principles undergirding musical construction.  These principles are generally called “music theory.”
  
  Lessons in this area will consist of acquiring these principles and understanding their relationship to the historic process of musical creation.  Students will learn the basics of form, harmonic function, melodic construction, instrumental and vocal combinations, text declamation, individual instrumental idiomatic considerations, and many other elements that lead to successful compositions.
  
  The exercises for this studio come from various printed sources, depending on the student’s level of interest and goals.  Students should consult with their instructor and plan to purchase a copy of the appropriate book(s).
   

• Artistic maturation occurs through the process of applying the music theory principles used to create classic compositions that have passed the test of time.  In applying these principles, students will have opportunities to compose in several genres and for many different instrumental and vocal ensemble types.  They will learn to channel their artistic impulses through sound principles that yield compositions of enduring value.
  
  Repertoire choices for this studio come from the standard classical repertory.  If students desire pieces in other styles, they might be included in the study plan based on the instructor’s judgment of their pedagogical worth.
   

• The balance of these two foci can vary from student to student based on

  • length of study,

  • current level of mastery,

  • and individual goals/objectives for playing.
    
    For example:

  • At first, more attention will be given to instruction in basic principles.

  • As students progress, they will begin to create simple compositions.

  • Students will begin to create larger-scale compositions of increasing complexity after mastery of advanced concepts.

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FAQ

1. How Customized are the lessons?
   The instructor will work with you to develop customized objectives and lessons to achieve your individual goals.
    

2. How long does each lesson last?
   Lessons will last for one hour.
    

3. How long is the time frame?
   The time frame can be flexible, depending on what level of mastery the student desires to achieve.  We do recommend a minimum commitment of one year, as very often the principles of music theory and composition can take a long time fully to understand.  Those who wish to become true masters of this art should expect to continue studying for several years.
    

   4.  How much time will I need to commit to lessons?
         Lessons will last one hour weekly.  The amount of time spent outside of the lesson                        practicing and preparing will have a direct effect on the student’s progress.  We                            recommend a minimum of one hour daily practice, six days a week, for maximum effect.            This includes completing exercises of musical principles supplied by the instructor and                attempts at practical application of the principles in the student’s own compositions.
 

   5.  What kind of music will we focus on?
          Depending on the student’s level of experience, goals, and proclivities, the teacher and               student will formulate a customized plan to help achieve those goals.  The music studied             may vary by genre, but it will mostly be based on the classical repertory and will consist               of pedagogically worthy repertoire and exercises designed to build the skills necessary to             produce the desired level of mastery.

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   6.   Price:

          $90/hour-long lesson or $45/half-hour lesson

           (prepaid for one month, due by the first of the month)

           o   Payment methods: Cash, check, and credit cards

                 §  Credit card purchases will incur a processing fee of 2.9%

                 §  Bank Transfer fees will incur a processing fee of $1.00

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    7.   Promotional Pricing:

          American Dream Duet offers promotional pricing discounts for those who wish to pay

          for multiple months in advance.

          o   3 Months (Hour-long): $1,020 (12 lessons at $85/lesson)

          o   6 Months (Hour-long): $1,920 (24 lessons at $80/lesson)

          o   12 Months (Hour-long): $3,600 (48 lessons at $75/lesson)

          o   3 Months (Half-hour): $510 (12 lessons at $42.50/lesson)

          o   6 Months (Half-Hour): $960 (24 lessons at $40/lesson)

          o   12 Months (Half-Hour): $1,800 (48 lessons at $37.50/lesson)

 

    8.  Missed Lessons Policy:

         o   American Dream Duet has made significant weekly time commitments to lessons,                       rehearsals, and full-time teaching. 

         o   When students commit to a weekly time slot, they should keep that slot free of other                 commitments, as they are purchasing our time, and we commit to protect that time.                   from our other commitments.

         o   Therefore,

               missed lessons will still incur the full lesson fee,

               the only exception to this is an emergency,

               and American Dream Duet retains sole discretion for determining emergencies.

               §  (Illness does not constitute an emergency under our discretion.)

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How to start.

Please send an email to americandreamduet@icloud.com or call or text (208) 206-3440.  We look forward to helping you on the journey down your individual musical path!