Music Theory and Composition Lessons in Brooklyn, New York
Transform Ideas Into Music Through Theory and Composition
Understanding the language of music is just as crucial as playing an instrument. At Brooklyn Music Workshop, we offer comprehensive music theory and composition lessons that teach students how music works—from reading and writing notes to constructing harmonies and composing original pieces. Whether you're a vocalist looking to enhance your sight-reading skills, a guitarist interested in composing songs, or a pianist preparing for conservatory auditions, learning theory and composition opens doors to deeper musical fluency.Our program is ideal for students of all ages and backgrounds inBrooklyn, New York, and nearby boroughs.
We combine structured learning with creative exploration, ensuring you gain technical proficiency and artistic confidence. Lessons are led by experienced instructors who are active composers, arrangers, and performers in New York City’s thriving music scene. You’ll study rhythm, harmony, melodic structure, and form while creating original work under the guidance of a dedicated coach. With personalized pacing and curriculum flexibility, our theory and composition training supports everything from casual learning to serious academic preparation. Whether your goal is to improve your musicianship or prepare for exams like AP Music Theory or college entrance auditions, this program will elevate your understanding of music at every level. Music theory isn't just about rules—it’s about learning the creative tools that shape every note you hear. Where music lives and breathes through every neighborhood, our program offers students a powerful way to engage with that energy and turn knowledge into expression.
Key Benefits of Our Music Theory and Composition Lessons
Stronger Musical Understanding
Students develop a deep comprehension of musical language, including scales, intervals, chords, and rhythmic patterns. This understanding enhances instrumental and vocal performance, allowing musicians to interpret and execute music confidently and accurately across styles and settings.
Creative Songwriting and Composition
Our curriculum includes hands-on opportunities to write and arrange original pieces for various musical genres. Whether crafting solo piano works or full ensemble arrangements, students learn how to turn ideas into polished compositions that reflect their personal voice and creative goals.
Expert Instruction from Working Musicians
Passionate instructors with active careers in composition, performance, and education teach all lessons. They bring extensive industry experience and up-to-date knowledge, helping students effectively connect theoretical concepts with practical, real-world musical applications.
Custom Curriculum for All Skill Levels
Whether you're just starting or preparing for advanced studies, we meticulously tailor lesson plans to fit your specific goals. Every lesson is paced according to your unique background, strengths, and learning objectives, from introductory notation to advanced counterpoint concepts.
Support for Academic and Audition Prep
Our program supports students preparing for music exams, college applications, and auditions. We help you build solid portfolios, understand theoretical frameworks, and perform confidently in academic and evaluative settings.
Local Access in a Culturally Rich Community
Our program is enriched by the borough’s dynamic artistic landscape and vibrant community. Students benefit from a local environment that values creativity, offering additional inspiration and numerous performance opportunities beyond the classroom.
Music Theory and Composition Services We Offer
Beginner Music Theory Lessons
Our beginner music theory lessons introduce the essential concepts of rhythm, pitch, notation, intervals, and scales. Designed to complement instrumental or vocal training, these sessions help students decode the language of music. Whether you're a young learner or an adult beginner, we’ll guide you through a solid foundation for further musical growth and exploration.
Advanced Harmony and Counterpoint
Advanced lessons cover harmonic progressions, voice leading, modulation, and counterpoint. Students analyze and compose complex works, studying techniques from classical traditions to modern composition. Ideal for college preparation or professional development, this service enhances compositional skills and deepens your theoretical understanding, focusing on accuracy, creativity, and style-based writing practices.
Composition Coaching for Songwriters
Whether writing ballads, pop songs, or jazz, our composition coaching helps you build original works from scratch. Learn to create melodies, arrange harmonies, and structure complete compositions. We combine music theory with creative mentoring, ensuring each student develops their unique style while mastering songwriting techniques used by experienced New York-based composers.
AP Music Theory and Exam Prep
This program prepares high school students for the AP Music Theory exam through structured lessons in dictation, part-writing, harmonic analysis, and sight-singing. Students receive practice exams, study resources, and focused coaching to maximize their scores. Our instructors have a strong track record helping students succeed on standardized national music theory tests.
Ear Training and Aural Skills Development
Train your ears to identify intervals, chord qualities, rhythms, and melodic phrases. These lessons develop essential skills for any musician by using call-and-response exercises, dictation, and active listening. Ear training improves improvisation, performance, and transcription ability. It’s ideal for composers, vocalists, instrumentalists, and conductors in solo and ensemble settings.
Portfolio and Audition Preparation
We assist students in assembling comprehensive portfolios that include written theory work, original compositions, and recorded performances. These lessons are designed for conservatory and academic admissions and cover repertoire selection and personal statements. Our approach ensures students submit polished, competitive materials that reflect their best musical abilities.
Inspiring Creativity Through Musical Understanding
Music theory and composition lessons open the door to deeper musical expression and understanding. At Brooklyn Music Workshop, we believe every musician—whether a singer, instrumentalist, or aspiring composer—benefits from learning how music works beneath the surface. Our structured yet creative instruction empowers students to read, write, and analyze music confidently and fluently. From learning scales and harmonic structure to composing original works, our lessons are designed to suit each student’s current level and artistic goals.
Whether preparing for a college music program or simply exploring your passion for composition, our experienced educators guide you with a supportive, hands-on approach. We serve students from across Brooklyn, New York, and surrounding communities eager to deepen their musical foundation. For over 25 years, we have fostered musicianship through education grounded in theory, technique, and creativity. With flexible lesson options, personalized instruction, and academic preparation available, we help students connect the dots between knowledge and artistry. Start your journey toward becoming a more complete musician and discover how theory and composition can enhance every aspect of your musical life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play an instrument to take music theory lessons?
No, you don’t need to play an instrument to study theory. While it can enhance understanding, theory is taught using written music, listening exercises, and interactive tools. Many students focus solely on composition or analysis without prior instrumental experience.
What age is appropriate to start music theory lessons?
Students can begin learning basic theory concepts as early as age 7. We adapt instruction to suit each learner’s maturity and experience level. Younger students often start with fun rhythm and pitch games, while teens and adults explore more complex theory topics.
Can I take these lessons if I’m a beginner?
Absolutely. Our beginner theory lessons start with the fundamentals and progress gradually. Whether you’re just curious about how music works or want to write your own songs, we build your knowledge from the ground up at a pace that suits you.
Do you help with college music program applications?
Yes, we specialize in portfolio development, theory exam prep, and recorded submissions for college and conservatory applications. Students receive guidance on repertoire, personal statements, and audition pieces to strengthen their chances of admission to top music programs.
How often should I take music theory lessons?
Weekly lessons are recommended for consistent progress. However, we offer flexible scheduling for students who want to study more intensively or prefer bi-weekly sessions. Practice exercises and listening assignments are often provided between lessons to reinforce each concept.
Are online theory and composition lessons practical?
Our online lessons use interactive tools, digital notation platforms, and real-time feedback. Students can share compositions and complete ear training exercises virtually. The remote format is ideal for those who prefer learning from home while receiving professional instruction.
Can I learn to compose music without knowing theory?
While some people compose intuitively, learning theory provides the structure and tools to write more sophisticated music. We help bridge the gap between creativity and knowledge so your compositions are expressive and technically strong, regardless of your starting point.
What our customers have to say...
Testimonials
Shane is a great teacher! He's very patient, but also encourages you to challenge yourself. It's clear he loves what he does. I would highly recommend Shane and Brooklyn Music Workshop.
Cara
Shane is professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. He is great at breaking down the tasks/skills into smaller more manageable steps when I am learning something new. You can tell that he loves music and he loves to teach!
Brittani D.
Shane is such a great teacher, and is clear that he loves what he does. The course structure is great, It can be overwhelming learning guitar and music theory but he breaks it down and explains it really well!
Kayla G.