Do I Need To Get Composition Lessons If I Want To Be A Composer?

Something I am asked quite regularly is whether or not you need composition lessons if you want to be able to write music.

As with all things, there isn’t a simple yes or no answer but there are factors to consider. Everyone who understands the basics of music (and even those who don’t) can create sounds and phrases, be it through singing melodies or a combination of notes on a variety of instruments. These can be honed with time and experience into a coherent piece of music for everyone to enjoy!

History shows that composers have emerged from many different paths. Some studied formally at conservatories, while others were largely self-taught, learning through experimentation, imitation, and practice. The face of art and the composition world is ever-changing, with increased speed as  online resources and tutorials abound and now AI is creating evermore comprehensive tools. What you can be relatively certain of is that the learning path that worked for Bach or Beethoven, Richter or John Williams will not necessarily be the same for you and I.

Learning from someone has the advantage of offering structured guidance which can dramatically speed up your progress, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach from a YouTube video series. A good teacher will help you understand harmony, counterpoint, orchestration and form in a logical sequence that is tailored to you and is kept interesting. Instead of the guess work surrounding why something sounds good (or not), you have someone who can explain the technical reason why a harmony doesn’t work or a melody sounds unpleasantly angular. You will gain the theoretical tools to make intentional creative decisions.

This feed into being able to get personalised feedback. With a lot of musical undertakings from the creative side to learning an instrument, it is easy to develop blind spots and reinforce the same mistakes, making them feel natural. A teach can point out weak voice leading, awkward instrument writing, or unclear musical structure.

Finally, teachers in all areas offer accountability and momentum. Regular deadlines push you to completion - many composers struggle not with ideas and ability but with consistency; lessons can help breed discipline and habits.

The halfway house for musicians who already have a good amount of ability and are highly motivated is score analysis and critical listening to help you learn how other composers approached and created iconic sounds. This can be supplemented by occasional coaching and masterclasses or if you live in an area with a vibrant creative community then you could ask your peers to listen and see what they think.

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Explore More from Nick Pike

Nick Pike is a London-based composer, pianist, saxophonist, producer, and educator with over 15 years of professional experience. His music blends neoclassical piano with jazz, funk, and contemporary influences, drawing comparisons to Ludovico Einaudi, Yiruma, and Ólafur Arnalds. Alongside original compositions, Nick offers music services including scoring for film, TV, and advertising, piano and saxophone recording, arranging for strings and horns, and professional mixing and production.

Music & Albums – Original releases from solo piano to orchestral scores.

Services – Composition, recording, arranging, and production for artists, media, and brands.

Contact – Get in touch for lessons, commissions, or collaborations.