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Level Up Your Game

With Private Lessons

Composing is a skill just like any other and can benefit from a bit of guidance. Working with an experienced teacher can help accelerate your learning curve so you can begin writing the type of music you want to, much sooner.

 

Each lesson is tailored specifically to your needs and goals. After every lesson, you will receive  a lesson plan with: 

1. Detailed notes on everything we covered. 

2. A video recording of the lesson

3. Recommended homework assignments and exercises to  immediately apply what you've learned. 

To Apply: 

- Fill out the application form below. 

- Email tabletopcomposer@gmail.com with any additional questions you have. 

Sheet Music

Common Topics

Harmony

How do I write an effective chord progression? How do I harmonize a melody? How do I keep my chords from getting boring?

Melody & Form

How do I come up with a good motif? How can I turn it into a full melody? How do I turn a simple idea into a full piece? What about counter melodies? 

Orchestration

How do I arrange my ideas for orchestra? What layers do I use? What instruments would work? How do I make it sound the way I want it to? 

Film Scoring

How do I write a character theme? How do I portray emotions with my music? How do I tell a story with the themes that I write? 

Free Resources

I've uploaded 200+ videos on my YouTube Channel Tabletop Composer. You can find playlists on chord progressions, melody writing, orchestration, film scoring, and more!

Harmony for Composers (Part 9): Part Writing!
24:31

Harmony for Composers (Part 9): Part Writing!

In this video, we'll be learning how to level up our typical approach to voice leading to create more interesting and nuanced voices in our harmony. 🎬 Harmony for Composers: Functional Harmony and Voice Leading | https://youtu.be/OWo-9tCZj04 🔗 list of links and titles to all other videos in the relevant series. 1. Functional Harmony and Voice Leading | https://youtu.be/OWo-9tCZj04 2. 7th Chords | https://youtu.be/DGcL9_tIjbk 3. Chord Extensions (9ths, 11ths, and 13ths) | https://youtu.be/DWX-FjpCgbA 4. Borrowed Chords and Modes | https://youtu.be/UiqIDkvndKg 5. Hybrid Chords | https://youtu.be/UwVeSGoiC6M 6. Tertiary Harmony | https://youtu.be/QJyt_QAZ7WE 7. Set Theory (Horror Film Harmony) | https://youtu.be/yj4xIUvYHVs 8. Writing Interesting Basslines | https://youtu.be/HJoS27NLv8o ________________________________________ 🏆 You can support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25190944&fan_landing=true ☕ Or you can also show support by buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ttcomposer 🎬 My book on film scoring: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎁 Purchase the Slides/Scripts from my Videos: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎹 For information on private lessons: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-online 🎵 My favorite online classes: https://www.masterthescore.com/?affcode=827102_putv_w4l 📱 Website: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopcomposer 👓 Blog: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/blog ___________________ Some links may be affiliate links which I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Harmony for Composers (Part 3): Going beyond the Triad
17:39

Harmony for Composers (Part 3): Going beyond the Triad

This video covers chord extensions (9ths, 11ths, and 13ths). We discuss what they are and how to use them! In the end, we look at how they impact our approach to Functional harmony and Voice Leading *MISTAKE IN VIDEO! at 05:48 a chart appears that shares the different HANs and Tensions available to the diatonic chords of a major scale. There are two mistakes in this chart and the corrections are below: 1. The iii chord has Tension 11, and HANs for 9 and 13 (same for the v chord in minor scale) 2. the vii dim chord has tension 11 and b13, but HANs for 9. (same for the ii dim chord in minor scale) 🎬 Harmony for Composers: Functional Harmony and Voice Leading | https://youtu.be/OWo-9tCZj04 🔗 list of links and titles to all other videos in the relevant series. 1. Functional Harmony and Voice Leading | https://youtu.be/OWo-9tCZj04 2. 7th Chords | https://youtu.be/DGcL9_tIjbk ________________________________________ 🏆 You can support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25190944&fan_landing=true ☕ Or you can also show support by buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ttcomposer 🎬 My book on film scoring: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎁 Purchase the Slides/Scripts from my Videos: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎹 For information on private lessons: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-online 🎵 My favorite online classes: https://www.masterthescore.com/?affcode=827102_putv_w4l 📱 Website: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopcomposer 👓 Blog: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/blog ___________________ Some links may be affiliate links which I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Harmony for Composers (Part 8): Basslines and Chord Inversions
20:33

Harmony for Composers (Part 8): Basslines and Chord Inversions

In this video, we tackle a strategy for writing more interesting basslines, as well as the purpose behind chord inversions in harmony! 🎬 Harmony for Composers: Functional Harmony and Voice Leading | https://youtu.be/OWo-9tCZj04 🔗 list of links and titles to all other videos in the relevant series. 1. Functional Harmony and Voice Leading | https://youtu.be/OWo-9tCZj04 2. 7th Chords | https://youtu.be/DGcL9_tIjbk 3. Chord Extensions (9ths, 11ths, and 13ths) | https://youtu.be/DWX-FjpCgbA 4. Borrowed Chords and Modes | https://youtu.be/UiqIDkvndKg 5. Hybrid Chords | https://youtu.be/UwVeSGoiC6M 6. Tertiary Harmony | https://youtu.be/QJyt_QAZ7WE 7. Set Theory (Horror Film Harmony) | https://youtu.be/yj4xIUvYHVs ________________________________________ 🏆 You can support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25190944&fan_landing=true ☕ Or you can also show support by buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ttcomposer 🎬 My book on film scoring: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎁 Purchase the Slides/Scripts from my Videos: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎹 For information on private lessons: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-online 🎵 My favorite online classes: https://www.masterthescore.com/?affcode=827102_putv_w4l 📱 Website: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopcomposer 👓 Blog: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/blog ___________________ Some links may be affiliate links which I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Harmony for Composers: Functional Harmony and Voice Leading
16:04

Harmony for Composers: Functional Harmony and Voice Leading

🎵 Unlock the Secrets of the Major Scale and Functional Harmony for Composers! 🎵 In this video, we dive into the fundamentals of the major scale and functional harmony, where you'll learn how to find diatonic triads and how to use them to create effective chord progressions. Whether you're just starting out or brushing up on the basics, understanding the major scale and the role of functional harmony is essential for writing music that resonates. ⏯️ Watch the entire playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDezhk4lPPNlnZYAFr9hThavHDx43Sp4e __________ By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to: 1. Find Diatonic Chords: Identify the triads built on each scale degree of the major scale. 2. Understand Functional Harmony: Discover how chords function in a progression and how to use them to build strong harmonic movement. 3. Master Basic Voice Leading: Learn how to smoothly connect chords while avoiding common errors. __________ This is the first part of my "Harmony for Composers" series, where we start with the building blocks of music and gradually move into more advanced techniques like seventh chords, modal harmony, and chromatic mediants. Whether you’re composing for orchestra, film, or songwriting, this series will help you elevate your harmonic language. __________ 🎶 Support My Work & Explore More: 🎶 🎹 For information on private lessons: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-online 🎧 Check Out MUSIO | https://musio.com/affiliates/?via=stephen65 🎟 Coupon Code: CPDAEVZVMP 👍 Help me upgrade my Gear!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ttcomposer 🏆 You can support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25190944&fan_landing=true 🥂 You can send me tip on Paypal | paypal.me/tabletopcomposer 🎬 My book on film scoring: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎁 Purchase the Slides/Scripts from my Videos: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 📱 Website: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopcomposer 👓 Blog: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/blog 🎧 Discord: https://discord.gg/eQHjTFAFSV __________ 👋 Don't forget to subscribe! Stay up to date with more music theory and composition tips. 🔔 Hit the notification bell so you don't miss out on future lessons! 💬 Got questions? Drop a comment below, and I’ll be happy to answer! Hashtags: #MusicTheory #HarmonyForComposers #DiatonicChords #FunctionalHarmony #VoiceLeading #FilmComposition
Harmony for Composers (Part 10): Harmonizing Melodies
19:06

Harmony for Composers (Part 10): Harmonizing Melodies

In this final video of the series, we'll wrap everything up by figuring out how to find the right chords to pair with a melody. 🎬 Harmony for Composers: Functional Harmony and Voice Leading | https://youtu.be/OWo-9tCZj04 🔗 list of links and titles to all other videos in the relevant series. 1. Functional Harmony and Voice Leading | https://youtu.be/OWo-9tCZj04 2. 7th Chords | https://youtu.be/DGcL9_tIjbk 3. Chord Extensions (9ths, 11ths, and 13ths) | https://youtu.be/DWX-FjpCgbA 4. Borrowed Chords and Modes | https://youtu.be/UiqIDkvndKg 5. Hybrid Chords | https://youtu.be/UwVeSGoiC6M 6. Tertiary Harmony | https://youtu.be/QJyt_QAZ7WE 7. Set Theory (Horror Film Harmony) | https://youtu.be/yj4xIUvYHVs 8. Writing Interesting Basslines | https://youtu.be/HJoS27NLv8o 9. Part Writing | https://youtu.be/m6qUhifYVMI ________________________________________ 🏆 You can support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25190944&fan_landing=true ☕ Or you can also show support by buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ttcomposer 🎬 My book on film scoring: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎁 Purchase the Slides/Scripts from my Videos: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎹 For information on private lessons: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-online 🎵 My favorite online classes: https://www.masterthescore.com/?affcode=827102_putv_w4l 📱 Website: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopcomposer 👓 Blog: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/blog ___________________ Some links may be affiliate links which I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Harmony for Composers (Part 6): Tertiary Harmony
15:29

Harmony for Composers (Part 6): Tertiary Harmony

In this video we cover we cover our first type of non-functional harmony. We learn what Tertiary harmony is, why it's so popular in film music, and (most importantly) how to use it! 🎬 Harmony for Composers: Functional Harmony and Voice Leading | https://youtu.be/OWo-9tCZj04 🔗 list of links and titles to all other videos in the relevant series. 1. Functional Harmony and Voice Leading | https://youtu.be/OWo-9tCZj04 2. 7th Chords | https://youtu.be/DGcL9_tIjbk 3. Chord Extensions (9ths, 11ths, and 13ths) | https://youtu.be/DWX-FjpCgbA 4. Borrowed Chords and Modes | https://youtu.be/UiqIDkvndKg 5. Hybrid Chords | https://youtu.be/UwVeSGoiC6M ________________________________________ 🏆 You can support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25190944&fan_landing=true ☕ Or you can also show support by buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ttcomposer 🎬 My book on film scoring: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎁 Purchase the Slides/Scripts from my Videos: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎹 For information on private lessons: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-online 🎵 My favorite online classes: https://www.masterthescore.com/?affcode=827102_putv_w4l 📱 Website: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopcomposer 👓 Blog: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/blog ___________________ Some links may be affiliate links which I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Harmony for Composers (Part 7): Set Theory
16:17

Harmony for Composers (Part 7): Set Theory

In this video, we tackle another type of non-functional harmony; Set Theory. We learn what it is, how to understand it, and of course how to use it in your own music to create creepy/scary chords for your next project! 🎬 Harmony for Composers: Functional Harmony and Voice Leading | https://youtu.be/OWo-9tCZj04 🔗 list of links and titles to all other videos in the relevant series. 1. Functional Harmony and Voice Leading | https://youtu.be/OWo-9tCZj04 2. 7th Chords | https://youtu.be/DGcL9_tIjbk 3. Chord Extensions (9ths, 11ths, and 13ths) | https://youtu.be/DWX-FjpCgbA 4. Borrowed Chords and Modes | https://youtu.be/UiqIDkvndKg 5. Hybrid Chords | https://youtu.be/UwVeSGoiC6M 6. Tertiary Harmony | https://youtu.be/QJyt_QAZ7WE ________________________________________ 🏆 You can support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25190944&fan_landing=true ☕ Or you can also show support by buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ttcomposer 🎬 My book on film scoring: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎁 Purchase the Slides/Scripts from my Videos: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-shop 🎹 For information on private lessons: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/book-online 🎵 My favorite online classes: https://www.masterthescore.com/?affcode=827102_putv_w4l 📱 Website: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopcomposer 👓 Blog: https://www.tabletopcomposer.com/blog ___________________ Some links may be affiliate links which I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

1. What kind of students do you accept? 

I've worked with students of all different experience levels and backgrounds. However the best type of student is the one with a clear goal in mind. For example a student that wants to learn how to make their arrangements sound clearer will get much more out of lessons than a student who just wants generic feedback on their music. The more clear you can be about what you want to learn, the more specific we can get with the lessons. 

2. Do I have to know how to read music? 

Not at all! There are no software requirements for lessons and I have experience teaching with both traditional notation and MIDI notation. As long as you have a way to share your work and a reliable process to write new music, there should be no issue. 

3. How often are lessons? 

As often as you'd like. I've worked with students that meet anywhere from once ever three months to multiple times a week. It all depends on your goals and how frequently you want to meet. 

4. What are your rates? 

If accepted, my rates are $90 for a one hour lesson, or $250 for three one hour lessons. 

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