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Composition Lessons

Online private lessons for creators of sound & music.

I offer unique, individualized learning to unlock your creativity, discover your voice, and have fun!

If you create music and/or sound and use some method to communicate it to performers and/or listeners, composition lessons are for you!

This could mean creating work in a DAW like Ableton or Pro Tools, traditional notation, graphic notation, text recipes, field recordings, and more.

I believe that everyone is creative. (Yes, everyone!)

I always thought that composing was for prodigies. I didn’t realize it’s something you can just… sit down and do.

— Julia, Seattle, WA

Former students include:

  • A music major who did something entirely different for years after graduation and returned to composing in their 50s.
  • A music composition professor at a university who learned specific production techniques in Ableton Live.
  • A young composer taking a gap year between high school and college who used the time to write chamber music.
  • A cellist who “dabbled” in electronic music and created an entire album.
  • An elementary school music teacher who writes songs and creates sound art to accompany sculpture exhibits.

Because my creative journey began with electronic music, and I have worked extensively in audio production and sound design in addition to my classical music training, I offer insights and ideas that complement and expand traditional composition techniques.

Sessions can be focused on instrumental composition, electronic music, creative sound-making techniques, or activities like developing a workflow, getting creatively unstuck, or idea brainstorming.

In addition to topics such as form and structure, orchestration, and notation (if appropriate), we can address ideas such as:

  • Methods for creating emotional impact in music
  • Fun & creative techniques for generating musical content
  • Working with improvisation and/or electronic sounds
  • Developing a creative practice that feels playful and satisfying

Interested in composition lessons? Let’s talk!

Please contact for rates and availability.

Copyright © 2001-2025 Alexandra Gardner. All rights reserved.
Photography by Alexandra Gardner, James Holt, Caren Litherland, Rob McIver, and Thom Parks.