Learn to compose music like a pro
Online Music Composition Lessons from a Professional Composer
Are you struggling to develop your musical ideas into full compositions? Do you dream of writing music for the concert hall, film, theatre, or video games, but don’t know where to start? Get expert guidance in music composition lessons online with award-winning Dutch composer Giel Vleggaar.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an advanced musician looking to refine your compositional technique, private composition lessons can help you grow creatively, master the foundations of practical music theory, and write the music you’ve always imagined.
Unleash Your Inner Musical Dreams
Master The Shaping Forces In Music
Learn to confidently use melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and orchestration. Learn a practical and modern approach to music theory, without getting stuck in ancient rules of the past.
Find Your Unique Creative Voice
Break past creative blocks and develop your own musical identity. Development of your own style and musical personality is highly encouraged and supported.
Train Your Inner Ear
Develop strong aural skills to recognize chords, intervals, and rhythms by ear. Ear training fast-tracks your understanding and boosts your confidence as a composer.
Reach Your Personal Musical Goals
From conservatory preparation to film scoring to composing for fun - every lesson is customized to help you reach your individual goals.
Compose Complete Pieces with Confidence
Transform musical sketches into finished works ready for performance or recording, with expert feedback based on real-world experience.
What You Will Learn In Composition Lessons
- Melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic development
- How to expand and develop short musical ideas into bigger structures
- Music sketching techniques to overcome creative blocks
- Classical and contemporary composition methods
- Orchestration and arrangement skills
- Creative approaches to musical form and structure
- Techniques for developing large-scale compositions
- Music history and repertoire knowledge
- Score and parts preparation for musicians and ensembles
Meet your teacher: Giel Vleggaar
Giel Vleggaar (born January 9th, 1974) is an award-winning Dutch composer with over 30 years of experience in the music business. His music blends classical traditions with modern influences from pop, jazz, and other styles. Inspired by Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Prince, his compositions are known for their lyricism, rhythmic vitality, emotional depth, and inventive structures.
Works such as Piano Concerto, Ayre of Solace, and Dead as Disco showcase his ability to create music that is both sophisticated and accessible. His album Giel Vleggaar: Orchestral Works highlights this distinctive fusion, as well as his extensive skills in orchestration. His recent works Sinfonia and Death and Cadences explore hybrid classical-pop forms with acoustic and electronic elements.
As a passionate teacher, Giel brings insight, creativity, and a sense of humor to every lesson—helping students explore, experiment, and use composition as a powerful tool for self-expression.
How online composition lessons work
- Lessons take place over Zoom
- Use your computer, webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection
- Use any DAW (Cubase, Logic, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Studio One) and/or notation software (Dorico, Sibelius, Finale, MuseScore)
- Alternatively, a pencil, manuscript paper, and a musical instrument are enough to get started
- Flexible scheduling across time zones worldwide
Lesson Pricing
- Payment in advance via PayPal or Credit Card
- Prices include tax and payment costs
- First lesson is always free (60 minutes)
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of experience do I need to start composition lessons?
You can start taking lessons from any experience level. Wether you’re just starting out or have some pieces under your belt, we’ll start from your current level and take it from there.
What musical background do I need?
It’s very helpful if you can play an instrument and read basic music notation. We can get you up to speed with music notation, music theory and music reading skills in the lessons. Whether you have a classical background or rather enjoy polyrhythmic trash metal is not important. You can learn to write amazing music in any style.
How long does it take to learn music composition?
Composition is a lifelong journey, but you can start creating meaningful music within weeks. Most students write their first complete piece within 2-3 months of regular lessons. Advanced techniques and personal style development typically take 1-2 years of consistent practice and study.
How do online composition lessons work exactly?
Lessons take place via Zoom video calls. During sessions, we’ll:
- Review your compositions and provide feedback
- Learn new techniques through practical exercises
- Analyze great compositions for inspiration
- Work on music theory concepts
- Develop your personal compositional voice
You’ll receive homework assignments and materials to practice between lessons.
What styles of music can I learn to compose?
We can cover a wide range of styles including:
- Classical and contemporary classical
- Film and video game music
- Jazz and pop influences
- Orchestral and chamber music
- Electronic and hybrid compositions
- Musical theatre and vocal music
- Polyrhythmic trash metal music
The goal is to make you a well-rounded composer who can compose in any style you see fit.
Can you help me prepare for conservatory entrance exams?
Absolutely! Many students take lessons specifically for conservatory preparation. We’ll work on:
- Portfolio development
- Composition technique refinement
- Music theory mastery
- Ear training skills
- Understanding of musical forms and analysis
Do you teach film scoring and media composition?
Yes! We cover film scoring techniques including:
- Scoring to picture
- Leitmotif development
- Orchestration for different ensemble sizes
- Reading the rhythm of a scene
- Broadening your stylistic horizons to prepare for any professional situation
Can I learn to write for specific instruments or ensembles?
Definitely! We can cover orchestration and arrangement for:
- Solo instruments
- Chamber ensembles
- Full orchestra
- Choir and vocal music
- Jazz combos and big bands
- Electronic and hybrid ensembles
How often should I take lessons?
Most students benefit from weekly or bi-weekly online composition lessons. The frequency depends on:
- Your goals and timeline
- Available time to study and to compose
- Current skill level
- Your budget
There is no right or wrong. We’ll discuss options during your free first lesson. You can get more than enough homework after a lesson to keep you busy for weeks to come, if fewer meetings suit you better.
What is your cancellation policy?
We are a 100% flexible with cancellations and rescheduling. If life gets in the way, we’ll find another date to make the lesson happen.
If you need to cancel a paid lesson and can’t reschedule, you’ll get a refund of the lesson fee, with a small charge to cover the payment costs.
What if I'm not satisfied with a lesson?
If you’re not happy with your lesson experience, you will be refunded in full for the lesson in question.
What makes your teaching method unique?
Our approach combines:
- A stimulating approach: You can achieve so much more than you think
- A welcoming atmosphere: Learning goes best when you’re at ease
- Out-of-the-box methods: Contemporary techniques alongside classical foundations
- Creative freedom: Learn to develop your personal voice, not just to copy your heroes
- Real-world experience: Benefit from insights gained from a professional composition career
Do you assign homework between lessons?
Yes, regular practice between lessons is essential for progress. Typical assignments include:
- Composition exercises
- Analysis of masterworks
- Ear training practice
- Short creative projects
- Orchestration excercises
What happens during the first lesson?
Your free first online composition lesson includes:
- Discussion of your musical goals and interests
- Feedback on any of your compositions
- Assessment of your current skills and knowledge
- Introduction to compositional concepts
- A short composition exercise
- Answers to any questions about the lessons
How do I prepare for my first lesson?
To get the most from your first online composition lesson:
- Think about your musical goals and interests
- Prepare any questions about composition or music theory
- Send examples of music you have written or would like to compose
- Ensure your internet connection and audio/video setup work well
- Have a beverage and/or cookies within arm’s reach.
Book A Free First Lesson
What Students Say
“I’ve been taking online lessons in music theory and composition with Giel, and he’s been fantastic. Not only has he introduced me to new music and fresh ideas, but he’s also helped me connect the dots between things I already knew. Concepts that once felt scattered or abstract are now starting to click.
He’s pushed me to write and orchestrate in the styles of Bach, Mozart, and others (not always my favorite, haha!) but it’s really broadened the well I draw from creatively. He even turned my own music back on me (in the best way!) to teach and challenge me.
Giel has a real gift for explaining complex subjects clearly, and he’s been incredibly flexible and supportive with my hectic schedule. I’d highly recommend him to anyone serious about growing as a composer.”
— Justin Dawdy, USA
