21 Best Music Composition Courses to Learn in 2023

Carson

Published: November 12, 2023

In this era of evolving musical landscapes, the importance of studying music composition has never been more apparent. 

As the demand for skilled music composers continues to rise, today’s professional musicians are expected to possess a profound understanding of diverse genres and knowledge of music production and marketing.

When it comes to pursuing the path of musical composition process, choosing the best music composition courses is paramount. 

Aspiring composers should consider several factors, including access to orchestras, chamber and jazz ensembles, electro-acoustic music, recording studios, and the faculty-student ratio. Location and cost are also significant considerations in selecting a program that aligns with one’s goals.

Join us as we delve into the realm of top notch music composition programs, exploring the finest programs that empower music composers to hone their skills, express their artistic vision, and unleash their musical genius. 

Embark on this enlightening journey and discover the top online music composition courses that will shape the future of your musical career!

List of the 21 Best Music Composition Courses and Programs for 2023

Are you ready to dive into the world of the most famous music composition courses? Get ready for a curated list of top-notch programs that will ignite your musical creativity and guide you toward becoming a masterful composer. Let’s explore the best composing music options to take your musical journey to new heights. 

Detailed Review of 21 Best Music Composing Classes and Courses

We have compiled an extensive list of online music composition courses and classes to help you master the art of composing music. From beginner to advanced, we have something for everyone. Start your musical journey today and unlock your full potential with our top-rated courses.

1. Best Music Track Structure Bootcamp – Evenant Music

Here we will give you a detailed review of the music composition classes you can learn online while staying at your home.

The Track Structure Bootcamp by Evenant is one of the best music composition courses out there that teaches to become music producers how to structure their tracks effectively.

The course is designed for beginner and intermediate producers who want to improve their skills in music arrangement and songwriting. The course costs $99 and includes over 4 hours of workshop content and lifetime access to the course material.

In the course, students will learn how to create a strong musical narrative by organizing their tracks in a way that engages and holds the listener’s attention. The musical composition course covers topics such as intro/outro structure, verse/chorus development, and breakdown/buildup techniques. Additionally, the course covers the use of effects and transitions to enhance the overall sound of the track.

Arn Andersson is the course instructor. He is a Norwegian musician, creative educator, and traveler who is working towards empowering creatives to produce better art. He has worked remotely across nearly 30 countries and has provided music for various ad campaigns, a Lionsgate film, and trailer campaigns like the Lego movie.

Student reviews for this particular music composing class are not available on the platform’s website. But given the course instructor’s profile and the course content, we can assure you of an effective teaching and learning composition experience.

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Track Structure Basics
• Understanding Contrast, Dynamics, and Growth
• Song Structure Guidelines
• Creating A Full Track Structure Sketch

Based on the high quality of the course material and positive student reviews, we rate the course an 8.9/9.0. If you are a music production enthusiast looking to improve your track arrangement skills, this course is definitely worth checking out!

2. A Wall of Music – Evenant

When it comes to learning music composing, Evenant Design offers the “Wall of Sound” course, which is geared towards beginners in composing music. The course comes with a price tag of $99 and is self-paced, with lifetime access to the content. The course workshop is spread across 3+ hours.

In this course, you’ll learn the basics of music composition, including how to create a full track from scratch. You’ll learn about how to create your own sounds using various techniques.

The music composition class also covers mixing and mastering techniques that can help you achieve a professional sound. You will also cover how to make your layers super effective and how to pick and match complementary sounds.

Jerry DiPhillippo , AKA BigJerr, is the course instructor. Born in Philadelphia and currently living in Los Angeles, he has made a name for himself in the bass music scene while he is also an Ableton certified trainer and an instructor at Icon Collective.

Even though student reviews are not available for this course on the website, we assure you that this is one of the best music composition courses out there, and it is a must-try!

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Smart ways to think about frequencies and space
• How to make your layers super effective
• How to pick and match complementary sounds
• How many layers do you really need for a massive sound?
• How to create the individual layers
• How to customize samples to your liking
• Building layers from scratch with synthesis
• Making my favorite sub sound ever (You’ll never have to use another sub)
• Treating the individual layers and applying some smart processing to make things pop
• Mixing tips to make the sounds LOUD
• Bonus sounds and presets
• A list of my favorite awesome free plugins

Based on the quality of the instructor and the value of the content, we would rate the course an 8.7/9.0. If you want to learn music composition online from some of the best in the industry, then check this course out right now!

3. Fight Writer’s Block and Compose Music Fast – Evenant

When we talk about the best online courses for music composers, “Writing Powerful Themes” by Evenant always makes a list. The course comes with a price tag of $99 and is delivered through 4 hours of video content in a workshop format.

The course is designed to teach different methods on how to come up with a simple yet effective music melody (theme), explore different composition structures for ideas, and apply harmony to simple melodic ideas that will shape them into different moods, for example making a melodic idea sound triumphant, emotional, happy, etc. just with the use of harmony.

Anze Rozman is the instructor for this course. He is a composer of concert music and music for media from Slovenia/He is known for his orchestral and flute works, which are regularly performed in Europe, Canada US, and South America along with Asia.

He is literally a living legend, and upon Hans Zimmer’s invitation, he moved to LA in 2018 to start working as a full-time composer.

Student reviews for this course are not available on the website, but looking at the fact that you get to learn from a legend in music composition, this course is necessary to explore!

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Simple yet effective music melody
• Explore different music-composing structures
• Shape them into a different mood

Overall, we would rate “Writing Powerful Themes” by Evenant a 9/9 for its comprehensive and practical approach to teaching music composition and, of course, being conducted by a living legend! If you’re a music composer who wants to learn from a true legend, enroll in this course right away!

4. Make your Musical Composing Ideas Come to Life – Evenant Music

This music composition online course is a self-paced course designed for beginner and intermediate-level composers who want to learn how to compose music and emotional music for film, games, and media. This course is priced at $499 and includes 26 hours of on-demand video, downloadable resources, and lifetime access, spread across 8 modules

In this course, you will cover the whole lot, from writing unforgettable themes to effective harmonic progressions, arranging your tracks into pleasant sonic journeys, and mocking them up using modern model libraries; you will be taught all you need to know to make your musical ideas come to life. 

You’ll also have access to composition exercises, walkthroughs, and feedback on your work from the instructor and the Evenant community.

Arn Andersson is the course instructor. He is a Norwegian musician, creative educator, and traveler who is working towards empowering creatives to produce better art. He’s also the co-founder of Evenant.

Student and attendee reviews for this course are overwhelmingly encouraging. One such review states,

“Thank you for this course, it really helped me along! It is the second song I ever actually finished, so I’m really happy about that!”

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Theme Development Made Easy: Generating Creative Ideas
• Crafting Memorable Melodies: The PReVaDe Method
• Enhancing Your Compositions: Effective Countermelodies and Ostinatos
• Structuring Powerful Orchestral Composing: Organizing Your Theme Ideas
• Essential Principles of Orchestral Arranging
• Avoiding Common Mistakes in Orchestration
• Exploring Orchestral Instruments: A Guide to Families and Basics
• Creating Lush Orchestral Soundscapes: Techniques for a Huge Sound
• Achieving Realism in Orchestral Mockups: Crucial Principles
• Mastering the Mix: Basic Techniques for Better Orchestral Production

Based on its comprehensive course content and positive student reviews, we would rate the course 8.9/9. If you’re looking to start or improve your skills in composing music for media, this course is a must-try!

5. Cinematic Music: From Idea To Finished Recording – Evenant Music

This complete beginner-level online music composition course is great for anyone who wants to make amazing-sounding cinematic music on their computer. This music composition course will help you learn how to compose and record your own music and how to mix using the main processing tools such as EQ, Reverb, and Compression. 

Leading the course is the fantastic Walid Feghali, the Co-founder of Evenant, an award-winning digital artist, mechanical engineer, and entrepreneur.

He is excellent at musical composition and has produced known scores for feature films and games, including Independence Day 2, Warcraft, Starcraft 2, and Call of Duty. Learning from him will give you great exposure. 

This music composition online class was initially priced at $49.00 but is currently on sale for $299, so make sure you grab it before the discount ends. For this price, you will get access to 7 modules, 26 hours of video content, assignments, and exercises that ensure practical learning, followed by feedback, lifetime access, and downloadable resources. 

Student ratings were unavailable on the website, but the reviews proved that the course is a must-try one. Speaking of reviews, here is what students had to say:

“This course is thorough and goes into just about everything you need to know to get started with composing on a computer, and then some. Walid explains well and has been very responsive whenever I have a question, easily 10/10 for his efforts on this one! I course if you are just starting out, and will personally sign up for further courses here at Evenant as I find them to offer great value!”

We rate this course a 9.0 out of 9.0 for its outstanding quality and effectiveness.

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Making Memorable Melodies: Repurposing a Single Melody into Multiple Themes
• Expanding Harmonic Language: Modal Interchange, Chromatic Mediant Modulations, and Powerful Voicings & Inversions
• Mastering Ostinatos: Exploring 5 Different Types and Their Impact on Tracks
• Modes Unveiled: Exploring Dorian, Mixolydian, and Lydian and Their Influence on Themes
• Creating Lush Orchestral Textures: Building Beautiful Pads and Textures from Scratch
• Crafting Engaging Track Structures: Building Dynamic Journeys Beyond 4 Minutes
• Arranging Massive Brass and Choir Statements: Crucial Principles and Mistakes to Avoid
• Transforming Simple Ideas into Beautiful String Arrangements and Full Orchestral Statements
• Incorporating Velvety Passages, Orchestral Runs, Deep Pulses, and Epic Percussion in Tracks

Enrolling in one of their music composition class is an investment in your musical future that you won’t regret. Join the Evenant community today and unlock your full potential as a music composer

6. Top Quality Music Composer Course – Evenantt Music

Our next lineup is an all-level music composer accelerator course that will help you refine your process for developing interesting compositions, turning them into compelling track structures, creating powerful and balanced arrangements, realistic soulful recordings, and translating these into crisp and rich productions. 

Learn from Arn Andersson, a musician, and entrepreneur who is highly passionate about music and has been able to turn his passion into a living by imparting his knowledge to students.

Your music composing knowledge will significantly increase during your 8 weeks with the instructor. 

You can get access to this fantastic course for $299. We know this is expensive, but if you want to learn everything about musical composition like a pro, this course is worth it.

Student ratings were unavailable on the website, but the feedback was positive. If other students love it, we are sure you will too. Here is what one student had to say:

“By far the best investment I’ve made in my composing journey.” 

Our rating for this stellar course is 9.0/9.0 for anyone who wants to take a holistic approach to music composition.

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Week 1: Melody Writing & Composition
• Week 2: Harmonic Development
• Week 3: Track Structure & Dynamics
• Week 4: Orchestration & Arrangement
• Week 5: Ear Training & Musical Intuition
• Week 6: Realism, Idiomatic Writing & Soul
• Week 7: Music Production & Polishing
• Week 8: Workflow, Efficiency, Business & Mindset

Don’t miss your chance to elevate your music production skills with Evenant’s music composition class! Join us today and gain access to expert instruction, valuable resources, and a supportive community of fellow composers.

Enroll now and start creating music that truly represents your unique voice and vision. Let’s make some amazing music together!

7. Online Music Composing Degree – Point Blank Music School

Are you ready to take your music composition skills to the next level? Look no further than the online music composition degree offered by Point Blank Music School. This online program by one of the top musical composition schools is designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for music composers like you.

The course is priced at $960 and lasts 3 months. With a curriculum that covers essential topics like musical melody, harmony, arrangement, and song structure, you’ll gain a solid foundation in music composition. 

Not only that, but you will also cover the important principles of music theory. That is why we recommend that you also look at the best music theory courses.

Led by experienced instructors who are industry professionals, Point Blank Music School ensures you receive expert guidance to develop your compositional skills and find your unique artistic voice. 

Ellie Lawson, Julian Peake, and Nick Hunt are just some of the experienced industry professionals on the panel of instructors.

Point Blank Music School is known for its commitment to excellence in music education, and its musical composition course is no exception. While specific student reviews are unavailable, the school’s strong reputation speaks for itself. 

Take advantage of this opportunity to expand your compositional knowledge and skills with one of the leading music schools in the industry. Point Blank Music School’s music composing online class can be your pathway to unlocking your full creative potential in music composition.

Given the experienced faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and the school’s reputation, we rate the music composition course at Point Blank Music School 8.7 out of 9.

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Commercial composition techniques
• Use of rhythm in drum beats and melodies
• Key, modes, and scales
• Use of melodies
• Writing basslines
• Composing musical ‘hooks’
• Listening and analysis
• Use of harmony: chord sequences and modulation Form, structure and arrangement

Take the next step in your music composition journey of getting a degree in music composition and enroll in this course today. It’s time to unleash your creativity and become the composer you’ve always wanted to be!

8. Fundamentals of Music Composition – Art of Composing

If you’re eager to learn the art of music composition from scratch, look no further than the online Music Composition 101 by Art of Composing. This top-rated music composition course is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in composition, guiding you through the essential principles and techniques of creating music at your own pace.

Led by the experienced instructor Jon Brantingham, Music Composition 101 takes a step-by-step approach, breaking down complex concepts into digestible lessons. You’ll learn about music melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and practical exercises to apply your knowledge.

With a self-paced format, you have the flexibility to study at your own convenience. Whether you’re a beginner or have some musical background, this course is tailored to accommodate learners of various levels.

Art of Composing has garnered positive feedback from students who have found value in the course. Although specific reviews are not provided on the website, the comprehensive curriculum and engaging teaching style of Jonathan Peters are highly regarded.

The Music Composition 101 course is priced at $100 for a one-time payment, offering lifetime access to the course materials for a course duration of 13 hours. This investment allows you to delve deep into the art of composition and develop your own musical voice.

Given the comprehensive content, experienced instructor, and positive student feedback, we rate the Music Composition 101 course by Art of Composing 8.5 out of 9.

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Make More of Your Music Melody (27:43)
• Master the Essentials of Harmony (1:42:47)
• C Major and Fundamental Chord Progressions (27:39)
• How Harmony Works (32:20)
• Harmony and the Real Power of Limitations (24:18)
• Understanding Form (11:46)
• Compose a Sentence (1:18:44)
• Generating and Refining Basic Ideas (38:33)
• Chord Progressions, Minor Keys, and Simple Modulation (1:41:20)
• Master Melodic Composition (53:57)
• Understand Voice Leading and Harmonization (1:00:08)
• Compose a Period (12:33)
• Embellish Your Melody (16:14)
• Composing a Beginning, Middle, and End – Small Ternary Form (28:48)
• Add Accompaniment (20:37)
• Capstone Project: A Few Bagatelles (1:54:59)

Don’t miss out on the chance to embark on your composition journey with Art of Composing. Enroll today and unlock your creative potential as a music composer!

9. Introduction to Music Composition – SFCM

If you’re eager to explore the world of music composition and expand your creative horizons, look no further than the Introduction to Music Composition (Online Only) course offered by the renowned San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM). This is one of the best schools for music composition.

This immersive program is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in composition and unleash your artistic potential and hence is overall the top-rated course.

Led by the esteemed composition faculty of SFCM Dr. Mauricio Rodriguez, the course takes a comprehensive approach, covering fundamental concepts such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and form. 

You’ll gain practical skills and insights into the art of musical composition through video lectures, interactive assignments, and personalized feedback.

The basic music composition course is delivered entirely online. The 3-week duration provides ample time for in-depth exploration of each topic, ensuring a thorough understanding of the materials.

Although specific student reviews are unavailable for this course, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music has a strong reputation for excellence in music education. 

Their composition faculty is known for their expertise and dedication to nurturing the artistic growth of their students.

The course is priced at $395, offering a valuable opportunity to learn from top-notch instructors and be a part of a prestigious music institution. This investment in your musical journey is well worth the knowledge and skills you’ll acquire.

Based on the comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and the reputation of SFCM, we rate the Introduction to Music Composition (Online Only) course 8.8 out of 9.

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Overview
• Vocal Academy
• Technology & Applied Composition Immersive
• Bass Clarinet Intensive
• Guitar Workshop
• Harp Camp
• Introduction to Music Composition
• Computer Assisted Composing

Don’t miss the chance to learn from the best at SFCM and embark on a transformative musical journey. Enroll today and unlock your creative potential in music composition!

10. Study Music Composition with Technology – Tony Chen Music

If you’re passionate about music composition and want to explore the exciting possibilities that technology offers, Tony Chen Music’s Music Composition & Arrangement with Technology course is the perfect choice for you. 

This best part-time music composition course provides a comprehensive exploration of composition and arrangement techniques, perfect for beginners, all while harnessing the power of technology.

Led by Tony Chen, an experienced composer, and educator, this course takes a hands-on approach to teach you the ins and outs of composing and arranging music using modern tools and software. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a newbie composer, you’ll find valuable insights and techniques to enhance your skills.

The curriculum of the course covers a wide range of topics, including melody creation, harmonic progression, arranging for different instruments, and utilizing technology to enhance your compositions. Tony Chen’s clear explanations and practical examples make complex concepts easy to understand and apply.

This top music composition course is self-paced, allowing you to learn quickly and conveniently. You can access the course materials and lessons anytime, anywhere, making it ideal for busy individuals or those with unpredictable schedules.

With a price tag of $520 for a duration of 5 hours, the Music Composition & Arrangement with Technology course offers great value for the knowledge and skills you’ll gain. 

Tony Chen’s expertise, combined with the comprehensive curriculum and practical application of technology, make it a worthwhile investment in your musical journey.

Based on the comprehensive curriculum and experienced instructor, we rate Tony Chen Music’s music composition and arrangement with Technology course 8.5 out of 9.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your music composition skills and embrace the power of technology. Enroll today and unlock a whole new world of creative possibilities in music composition!

11. Most Comprehensive Music Composition Lesson – MacPhail Center for Music

Music’s Composition Lessons Online is an excellent choice. This program offers customizable composition lessons designed to cater to your unique goals and interests. The price tag is between $44.25-$51.00 for a 30-minute lesson, making it a flexible choice.

Basically, the pricing for this best music composition course varies depending on the duration and instructor you choose. MacPhail Center for Music offers flexible options to accommodate different budgets and schedules. 

With MacPhail’s Composition Lessons Online, you can work one-on-one with highly qualified instructors with extensive music composition experience. These instructors will guide you through the process of composition, helping you develop your musical ideas, expand your creativity, and refine your skills.

Jeremy Hanson and Sara Miller at the instructors. Both are well-qualified in the field, and their common specialty is composition and piano. If this interests you further, look at the best piano classes.

The curriculum is tailored to your specific needs, allowing you to focus on the areas of composition that interest you the most. Whether you’re interested in classical music, jazz, film scoring, or any other genre, the instructors will adapt the lessons to align with your musical preferences.

While specific student reviews and an overall rating are not available, MacPhail Center for Music has a strong reputation as one of the best music schools for composition. 

Their commitment to personalized instruction and the expertise of their instructors make them a trusted choice for music composition lessons.

If you’re seeking individualized guidance and a tailored learning experience in music composition, MacPhail Center for Music’s Composition Lessons Online can provide the support you need. Based on the curriculum, faculty profile, and customization, we rate it 8.6 out of 9.0.

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Piano/Keyboard Skills (Grade 4-6)
• Music Notation Software/DAW Proficiency
• Reading Music: Staff, Clefs, Notes (Treble and Bass), Piano Keyboard, Accidentals, Rhythmic Values, Meters
• Music Theory Fundamentals: Major Scales, Minor Scales (Natural, Harmonic, Melodic), Key Signatures, Circle of Fifths, Intervals, Interval Inversions, Interval Qualities (Perfect, Major, Minor, Diminished, Augmented), Chord Qualities and Inversions, Triads (Major, Minor, Diminished, Augmented), Seventh Chords (Dominant Sevenths, Half-Diminished, Full Diminished)

Enhance your composition skills, unleash your creativity, and explore the world of music composition with the guidance of their experienced instructors!

12. Top Notch Self-Study Music Composing Class – Next Level Sound

Next Level Sound’s Music Composition Course is a comprehensive online music composition program designed to help you develop your skills in music composition. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, this course offers valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance your composition abilities.

The curriculum of the Music Composition Course covers a wide range of topics, including music theory, harmony, melody, arrangement, and songwriting. Through a series of in-depth video lessons, you’ll learn essential concepts and techniques used in professional music composition.

The instructor for this course, Kristen, is an expert composer and music producer with years of experience in the industry. She provides clear explanations, demonstrations, and practical examples to help you understand and apply the principles of composition effectively, making it the best hands-on course.

Priced at $297 for a one-time payment and 4 weeks duration, the Music Composition Course offers lifetime access, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit the materials whenever needed. The course is self-paced, giving you the flexibility to study whenever it suits your schedule.

While specific student reviews and an overall rating are good, let’s look at one example.

“Loved the music composition course. I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to take their composition to the next level. Kristen was amazing and very helpful.”

Next Level Sound’s Music Composition Course can be a valuable resource if you’re looking to enhance your music composition skills and explore the creative process behind composing music. With its comprehensive curriculum and experienced instructors, this course can help you take your composition skills to the next level, and we rate it 8.4 out of 9.0.

13. Beginner Music Composition Course (Part 1) – Udemy

The Music Composition 1 course on Udemy is a self-paced online program designed to introduce learners to the fundamentals of music composition. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience in music, this course aims to provide you with a solid foundation in composition techniques.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as beginner music theory, melody, harmony, rhythm, and various composition techniques. Through video lessons, lectures, and practical exercises, you’ll learn how to craft melodies, harmonize chords, create rhythmic patterns, and structure your compositions effectively.

The course is instructed by a professional composer and music educator, Jonathan Peters, who brings his award-winning expertise and passion to guide you through the learning process. Their clear explanations and examples make complex concepts more accessible, helping you grasp the principles of music composition.

The pricing for the Music Composition, 1 course on Udemy, may vary due to sales, but it’s currently priced at $99.99 for a 2-hour duration, making it the best affordable course in this curated list.

Students have really good things to say about this course. One such student review says,

“This course is very much like a real school course, with reviews and quizzes. It is very well done, step by step. I recommend the ability to look up some basic music theory on google for instance, since knowing some basics is assumed. But very easy to find the info I needed by searching online. My questions were answered quickly by Mr. Peters. Well done!”

With its comprehensive curriculum and professional instruction, this course can help you lay a strong foundation in music composition, and we rate it 8.7 out of 9.0.

Eligibility Criteria

• Basic knowledge of music theory
• Ability to read notes in treble clef and bass clef
• Have a basic knowledge of note durations, meter, key, scales, flats, sharps, intervals, chords, and chord inversions 
• Musescore (music notation software)
• Although not a necessity, it is very beneficial that the student has some ability to play the piano (or another instrument)

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Compose your own rhythms and melodies
• Practice transcribing music
• study harmony and form in Music Composition
• Develop your rhythmic and melodic material
• Notating music using music notation software

If you’re ready to start your journey into music composition, we warmly invite you to enroll in a music composing lesson on Udemy. Enrol today and unlock your full creative potential as a composer. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!

14. Beginner Music Composition Course (Part 2)  – Udemy

This intermediate-level online music composition course will primarily teach you about harmony and compositional forms. You will get to understand the musical texture and how rhythm, melody, and harmony are interlinked.

The instructor of the music composition class is the same as the previous course we looked at. Jonathan Peters (YouTube channel) is the author of five academic books on music and also an award-winning musician. His expertise in the field is immense, so you will surely learn a lot from him.

The short course includes 1.5 hours of on-demand videos, 54 articles, and 28 downloadable resources. If you are looking for a crash course on the technical skills of music composition, then this online music certification will be great for you.

Currently, it is available for only $16.99, which is super pocket-friendly. So, don’t miss out on an online music composition course like this. 

Scoring 4.7/5.0 stars from students and with 8,862 enrollments, this course is certainly quite well-liked and popular. 

Students have several positive things to say about this informative music composition lesson. Here’s one review that caught our eye: 

“I learned a lot from this course (I took both I and II back to back). It is basic, which is exactly what I needed. The exercises helped to remove my hesitation in getting started. Early exercises were simple enough for someone like me, new to the subject. Toward the end, the quizzes and exercises became much more challenging gave me a feeling of accomplishment, and inspired me to fill my free time trying things beyond the lesson requirements.”

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Compose chord progressions
• How rhythm, melody, and harmony are combined
• Notating music using music notation software
• Develop your harmonic material
• Composed a number of entire pieces

Considering the course content and price, we give this music composition lesson a score of 8.0/9.0.

Unleash your inner composer today – Start learning music composition online and create your own masterpieces! Sign up now and join the community of passionate musicians.

15. Music Theory Comprehensive: Part 1 – Skillshare

To compose or write your music, you first need to learn how to read music! This online music composing course does just that very concretely. 

The top course for music composition will cover clefs, intervals, naming octaves, identifying notes on the staff, identifying notes on the keyboard, beat and beat divisions, tempo, and dotted rhythms. 

The instructor for this course, Jason Allen, is a Ph.D. and Ableton-certified trainer. He wore the hats of producer, songwriter, engineer, sound designer, DJ, remix artist, multi-media artist, performer, inventor, and entrepreneur. Allen is a versatile creator whose diverse project experience range will certainly help you give several insights. 

It is a beginner-level course with 3 projects and has 34 lessons that can be completed within 3 hours and 23 minutes. This is the ideal length for such a detailed course. 

The best part is that you only have to pay $2 monthly for this amazing musical composition certification. The music composing course is very well-liked by students, and almost 59% of them even felt it exceeded their expectations. We are sure it will exceed yours too. 

The course is very popular and has 20,096 students enrolled. 

Here is what the students had to say about this online music composition certification:

“This class exceeded my expectations! I really liked this class and I think it was very well done. I definitely learned a lot about reading music. Now that I finished the class I’m going to practice and then move on to the second one. I was very happy with the class :)”

With the incredible feedback featured in this course, we give it a score of 8.5/9.0.

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• MyApproachToTheory (6:45)
• ToolsYouNeed (6:10)
• MuseScore (3:45)
• TheElementsoftheScore (6:04)
• PitchNames (9:33)
• PitchClasses (4:50)
• Octaves (9:28)
• TheKeyboardLayout (2:12)
• TheWhiteKeys (5:40)
• TheBlackKeys (6:50)
• HalfStepsandWholeSteps (3:10)
• SectionReview (3:12)
• StaffOverview (3:00)
• clefs (10:37)
• TrebleClefRefresher (2:13)
• NamingNotesandIntervals (4:43)
• OctaveNames (3:45)
• BeatAndBeatDivisions (6:42)
• DupleVsTriple (4:47)
• TempoDownbeatsAndUpbeats (6:06)
• BasicRyhtmicElements (15:13)
• Dots (3:26)
• Rests (8:08)
• TimeSignatures (5:21)
• Ties (3:48)
• Languages (5:03)
• Dynamics&Repeats (12:20)
• AccidentalBehavior (10:17)
• Form (10:43)
• PlacesToFindScoresOnline (4:07)
• TipsForPracticingNotesAndRhythms (8:05)
• Thanks bye (2:00)

Discover the art of music composition from the comfort of your own home. Enroll now in our online course and start creating beautiful melodies today!

16. In-Depth and Straight Forward Approach to Understanding Music – Udemy

Cha-ching cha-ching! Who said learning music composition was limited to just you being able to compose music as a hobby? No, not at all! You get to earn some bucks by enrolling in an online music class!

This online course is related to music composition tips from a business perspective. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to know how to sell the music they compose. It is for advanced students or those who already know how to compose music but must position themselves to make the extra buck.

Offered by the amazing instructor, Jonathan Armandary, who is an educator and performer specializing in composition. He has won awards for his impeccable compositions. Enrolling in this course gives you some insightful tips and tricks. 

The short music composition class has 2.5 hours of on-demand videos, 2 articles, and 7 downloadable resources. Looking for a short course that is packed with information? This course should be your top pick.

The only downside is that the course is priced at $84.99, which is quite expensive. However, the good thing about Udemy is that it has frequent sales. Keep a look out!

It is the highest-rated music composition course with a solid 8.9/9.0-star rating. It is certainly one of the best courses Udemy has to offer.

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Definition of music composing
• Division of pitch into melody
• Unit of measurement
• Tempo
• Distinguishing between rhythm and meter
• Time signatures
• Dotted notes
• Strength of pulses
• Common types of tuplets
• Pitch experiments
• Definition and history of the modern scale
• Enharmonic keyboard notes

The course has gained considerable traction, with 1,258 students who have already benefitted from it. 

Here is what these students have to say about this stellar online music course:

“The instructor is excellent in explaining the topic at hand. The course is complete and clear on its objective. As promised, I feel well-equipped to target this new (and otherwise confusing) field with confidence and clarity. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in the library music industry.”

We give it a score of 9.0/9.0.

Eligibility Criteria 

• You should already know how to compose and produce good-quality music 
• You don’t need to be an expert, but you need to be able to put a decent-sounding track together

Ready to take your musical composition skills to the next level? Explore a curated list of the best music composition programs and find the perfect one for you. Start creating unforgettable music today!”

17. Music Theory and Composition (Part 1) – Berklee Online

This level 1 composition course is part of the undergraduate Berklee course. It is detailed and walks the learner through various parts of knowledge in understanding how to learn music composition. 

The music composition lesson has 3 stellar instructors: Gabriele Vanoni,  an award-winning music composer with global reach. Jeff D’Antona has vast experience in the field of composing music, which is clearly reflected in this course.

Lastly, Mark Zaleski is a dynamic soloist, multi-instrumentalist, and band leader. He has performed with a diverse group of notable artists and is an instructor at Berklee College of Music.

Together, they will make the course interactive and packed with many musical insights. 

There are 12 lessons, each providing a clear understanding of the types of music and how you can compose them according to your liking. 

For 3-credit tuition, the music composition course is available for $49. This is quite expensive, but if you truly want to understand how to compose music online, this is your way. 

There was no information on student ratings or reviews, but based on our research, we believe this is a stellar course that shouldn’t be missed out on!

We give it a score of 8.0/9.0 based on the price and course content. 

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Lesson 1: Introductions, Resources, and Rhythm
• Lesson 2: Melody and Tonality
• Lesson 3: Intervals, Scales, and Keys
• Lesson 4: Triads – Building Upon Intervals
• Lesson 5: Chords in Motion
• Lesson 6: Minor Key
• Lesson 7: 7th Chords and Voice-leading
• Lesson 8: Writing for Drums and Bass
• Lesson 9: Major Key Chord Scales
• Lesson 10: Modal Interchange
• Lesson 11: Musical Composition Applied
• Lesson 12: Blues

Eligibility Criteria 

• Ability to read notated music 
• Ability to record MIDI in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
• Ability to sync your compositions with various short video clips and export them as an MP4 file

Unlock your creativity and refine your music composition skills with Berklee’s renowned composition class. Join passionate musicians and learn from world-class instructors. Enroll now and start composing your next masterpiece today!

18. Best Course for Music Composition Techniques – Udemy

This music composing course is excellent for beginner and intermediate-level learners, so whether you are a newbie or want to learn music composition from scratch, you will find this course beneficial. 

This is an additional value-oriented musical composition course where learners get to learn musical composition tactics with lessons, software, and techniques. It focuses on letting students discover their creativity and bringing it to life with foolproof ways and efficiency, especially when using software like GarageBand or FL studio.

Learn from Johnny Allen, who has worked with major American orchestras, film studios, and video game designers. He has a Ph.D. in music composition and is a university professor. His expertise and knowledge make him a great music composition course instructor. 

The course offers 16 hours of learning and many additional practice resources to enable effective learning. All this is for $24.99, which is not a lot. 

This online music composition certification has a rating of 8.4 out of 9.0 and has 210,788 students enrolled in it. It is a brilliant music composition course online, so don’t miss out! It is even a bestseller on Udemy. 

Students love the course so much. Here are the praises they have for the instructor and course:

“It seems like every little detail is being covered in an extremely simple fashion. The learning process becomes relaxed and allows complex concepts to be absorbed easily. My only regret is not taking this course earlier.”

We give it a score of 8.0/9.0.

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Write and Compose music using proven techniques and tips
• Create their own music using software, or good old pencil and paper.
• Generate musical ideas through creativity exercises
• Tools of the trade: Software
• Tools of the trade: Pencils and fine paper
• How do you start?
• The process
• Program music and metaphors
• Character sketches
• Writing through canon

Eligibility Criteria 

• Some basic knowledge of music composition

Ready to turn up the volume on your creativity? Join this one of the top music composition classes and discover a whole new world of sound. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, we’ve got the perfect class for you. So don’t wait – hit that high note and enroll today!

19. Learn Music Composition From Scratch – Udemy

The music composition class has been designed for beginners, so you are in luck even if you have no prior knowledge of music or theory. 

This exciting type of musical composition course takes you through some extra steps to polish your composition in no time! By the end of the course, you will be able to read and write every musical note and compose your own music.

Learn under the guidance of Liam Hindsonthe, founder of the music service that provides lessons to students learning any instrument, like the best piano classes and top-notch Ableton live courses for any age. He has immense experience in the domain of teaching, and this translates into this online music composition certification.

It offers 1.5 hours worth of learning content, 1 article, and 4 downloadable resources. If you are looking for a short course, this might interest you. 

Priced at $84.99, this certification is quite expensive. However, we believe it is totally worth it. 

Having a rating of 3.7/5.0 and 1,135 students enrolled, it is fairly popular and liked by many students. We went over the student reviews and saw some positive comments like:

“This course has been fantastic and took me back to when I was 12 and first started piano lessons. I have thoroughly enjoyed re-learning the important basics of music theory and going on to start to develop my knowledge and ability further. Liam makes this subject interesting and easy to follow with his relaxed style and clear instructions. A fantastic course for all levels and abilities, thank you.”

We give it a score of 6.5/9.0.

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Learn to read the treble and bass clefs
• Write music using bars, keys,s, and time signatures
• Learn to recognize and write different note lengths
• Work out any scales – major and minor
• Understand how to decorate music using dynamics, articulation, and ornaments

Eligibility Criteria 

• You should love to play, write, or listen to music

Compose your way to the top with Udemy’s music composition class. With expert instruction and a dynamic curriculum, you’ll unlock your full creative potential and create music that truly resonates. Enroll now and start making beautiful music today!

20. Epic Cinematic Music Composition Lesson – Udemy

This next course suits intermediate learners and requires DAW music production software access.

Through this course, you will explore the foundations of epic music, the guidelines of epic music, the sounds, and even some very effective tips. By the end, you can create epic music in any style you choose: from intense battle music to powerful heroic music to huge, grand, and larger-than-life music.

All this will be learned from Mikael Baggström, a music composer and sound designer with vast experience in this field. He has a stellar rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, along with 49,468 students to his name, making him quite popular. Don’t miss out on a chance to learn from him!

The music composition course is on sale right now; it is available for the pocket-friendly price of $13.99. Hurry and enroll before the sale ends, making the price $74.99 again, which is pretty high. 

3.5 hours of learning content are offered, and it is excellent for anyone who wants to learn musical composition in the epic cinematic category.

With a 4.6/5.0-star rating and 1,707 enrollments, we can clearly see that students really like the course.

We overviewed everything the students had to say and mostly saw positive responses. Here’s one positive review that sums up the course nicely. 

“Mike does a great job as usual. A very well-organized schedule, a lot of tips and tricks, very solid knowledge, and very good live examples. Anyone who wishes to develop their composing skills in this genre will definitely make a lot of use of this material. At least, you will be a great listener of epic cinematic music for sure 🙂 Hands down, 5 stars!”

We give it a score of 8.0/9.0.

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• Best Guidelines, Practical Tips & Tricks on Epic Music Composition
• Sounds & Elements of Epic Music Composing

Eligibility Criteria 

• You need a DAW (Music Production Software)
• You need to have sounds & plugins for cinematic music
• You should already have some music composition experience

Join Mikael Baggström’s comprehensive online course and learn to create captivating melodies that leave a lasting impression. With step-by-step guidance and personalized feedback, you’ll compose like a pro in no time. Enroll now and start creating your own masterpieces!”

21. Music Theory Comprehensive Part 2 – Skill-share

This is also a beginner-level music composition online course that is great for anyone who does not have prior knowledge of music composition. 

As the title suggests, this is the next foundation phase for musical composition. It assists the learner in getting a good grasp of chords, scales, and keys so they can truly create their music.

The instructor mentioned in the previously featured Skillshare course offers this online music certification. Allen was a semi-finalist for the Grammy Foundation’s Music Educator of the Year. He has mastered various skills, making him a great instructor for this music composing course. You get to learn from the best!

With 57 lessons, this online course takes 5 hours and 13 minutes to complete. If you are looking for an in-depth music composition course, it will be ideal for you. 

All of this is just for $2 per month. How great and pocket-friendly is that?

More than 6,000 students have benefited from this online learn-to-compose music course. You could be next!

Students seem to love the course, and 66% of them have even rated it as having exceeded their expectations. 

This is what they have to say about the course:

“ This course has helped me believe I can get it if I don’t give up. That’s the mark of a great teacher. Not just TELLING you you can get it, but helping you believe it so you’ll actually keep going until you do. This course has helped so much. I’m looking at the music I’ve written and seeing how I can make it work for me instead of flying blindly and hoping it works itself out. I feel like I have more control and decision-making power, and that doesn’t threaten my creativity, it opens up endless opportunities! If you’ve tried to learn music theory and have been scared away, try this course. It’ll smarten you up without making you feel stupid.”

We give it a score of 8.0/9.0 based on the course content and price. 

The following are the topics you can expect to learn:

• ToolsWeWillUse (5:35)
• WhatAreScales (3:05)
• ChromaticAndDiatonic (4:32)
• OrderedPitchClassCollections (4:40)
• ChromaticScales (3:15)
• WholeAndHalfPattern (7:38)
• ScaleDegreeAndTonic (5:13)
• Solfege (5:35)
• Practice (2:32)

Discover the secrets to composing music that inspires and captivates with our music composing lesson. If you want to take your skills even further, check out our Skillshare review to learn how you can access a vast library of music courses taught by industry experts. Start creating your own musical legacy today – sign up now!”

9 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Music Composition Programs

In reviewing these courses, the components below were deliberately constructed after thoughtful consideration, comprehensive research, life experience, and the most important challenges of the eLearning industry.

1. Course Curriculum: We explored the subjects and topics covered in each program to ensure they aligned with your musical interests and goals.
2. Instructor Qualifications: We examined the qualifications and experience of the instructors to ensure you learned from knowledgeable and skilled professionals.
3. Teaching Methodology: We assessed how each program delivered its lessons and determined if the teaching style matched your preferred learning approach.
4. Student Reviews: We read reviews and testimonials from fellow students to gauge their satisfaction and determine if the programs met their expectations.
5. Accessibility and Flexibility: We checked if the programs offered online or in-person options, accommodating your needs and availability.
6. Support and Community: We considered each program’s level of support and sense of community to ensure a conducive learning environment.
7. Pricing: We compared the programs’ pricing structures, considering budgetary constraints.
8. Additional Learning Resources: We explored whether the programs offered supplementary resources such as online libraries, software, or workshops to enhance your learning experience.
9. Certification: We investigated if the programs provided certification upon completion, which could add value to your musical credentials.

What are the 7 Advantages of Learning Music Composition?

These are seven benefits of learning how to compose music:

1. Self-expression: Composing music enables you to express yourself and connect with listeners personally creatively.
2. Musical understanding: Learn how to compose music to grasp better how music functions, including its structure, melody, harmony, and rhythm.
3. Career Opportunities: Opportunities for employment: Studying music composition can help you pursue a number of careers, including those as a composer, songwriter, music producer, or music educator.
4. Collaborative Opportunities: Opportunities for collaboration: Working together with other musicians to compose music frequently presents a wealth of networking contacts and fascinating project options.
5. Cognitive Advantages: Knowing how to compose music helps enhance cognitive abilities like spatial reasoning, memory, and concentration.
6. Emotional Advantages: It has been demonstrated that creating music has emotional advantages, such as lowering stress and elevating mood.
7. Personal Development: Learning how to compose music can be a difficult but rewarding process that can promote personal development and self-assurance.

List of 10 Music Composition Software You Should Learn

1. Logic Pro X
2. Dorico
3. Finale
4. FL Studio
5. Reason
6. Muse
7. Score
8. Cubase
9. Ableton Live
10. Sibelius Notion

Conclusion

As we reach the end of our journey exploring the best music composition courses, we’ve uncovered a world of possibilities for aspiring composers. 

These top-notch music composition programs provide the technical knowledge and artistic guidance needed to excel and foster a vibrant community of musicians.

By immersing ourselves in these courses, we unlock the benefits of music lessons that extend beyond composition itself. 

We embrace the joy of self-expression, develop our musical skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the language of music. Moreover, the invaluable mentorship and feedback received throughout our learning journey helped us grow as artists.

So, whether you dream of composing for films, creating symphonies, or crafting your unique musical style, remember that the path to success begins with choosing the right education.

With the best music composition courses at your fingertips, you can unleash your creative genius and embark on a fulfilling career in music.

So, let’s take what you have learned here and dive into the world of music composition. Embrace the challenges, nurture your passion, and let the melodies within you soar. The stage is set, and your musical journey awaits!