Online Lessons & Classes
Theory • Composition • Film Scoring • Orchestration
Meet the Instructor
Hi! I'm Caleb Both, composer, orchestrator, and educator. While teaching at the collegiate level at NYU during my graduate studies, I discovered a passion for teaching and sharing everything I've learned with students. After earning my M.M. in Music Theory & Composition: Screen Scoring, I decided to continue teaching online to make these resources accessible to more students, no matter where they are.
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Passionate about music and dedicated to fostering creativity and curiosity, I've had the privilege of guiding students of all levels, from young learners to collegiate students at NYU.
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Whether you’re brand new to music theory & composition, or an experienced musician wanting to expand your skills, there’s a lesson plan for you! In each course, I'll share insights and techniques I’ve learned from Hollywood composers, orchestrators, and leading academics in higher education.
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Format:
1 on 1 private lessons (flexible schedule) or group classes (dependent on sufficient registration)
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During our first lesson or class, I’ll get to know your background, experience, and interests, and together, we’ll find the topics that most interest you!
Courses & Included Topics
Some contents may varying during private lessons based on your interests, but below is a list of topics generally covered in each subject:
Music Theory
Why does Bach sound like Bach? How did Mozart “break the rules” of his time? What is Historical Counterpoint?
Recommended materials:
Paper and a pencil. That's it! Readings and assignments will be provided as part of the lesson plan.
Beginning -- Advanced
Ideal for students wanting to supplement their piano or instrument lessons, preparing for music theory exams, or simply interested in the foundations of music!
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Fundamentals through all four collegiate levels, into advanced tonal analysis
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Beginning to advanced study of harmony and jazz harmony
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Counterpoint and voice-leading
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Historical Counterpoint
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The evolution of music theory, from the Baroque era to modern times, including film music
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AP Music theory and other exam preparation
Concert Composition
How do you make sure your music sounds just the way you imagined it? How did Beethoven usher in the romantic period that still inspires the film music of today? Why do we still study classical music? And how can you apply age-old concepts to your own music?
Beginning -- Advanced
Ideal for students interested in learning to compose for any instrument, ensemble, orchestra, and for those preparing for music school and university applications!
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Orchestration and Instrumentaiton
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Music Theory
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Beginning to advanced study of harmony and jazz harmony
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Counterpoint and voice leading
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for concert music
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Music structure, writing themes and motifs, developing your ideas
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Overcoming writers block and finding inspiration
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Learn how to read orchestral scores and analyze the music from your favorite composers
Engraving/music notation
Engraving/music notation: using notation software to write your music down and make it look professional, ready to be played by real musicians!
Film Scoring
Ever wonder how John Williams wrote the music for Star Wars, or Hans Zimmer wrote Interstellar? From fundamental concepts to advanced theory and techniques, we’ll explore what makes these scores great and how to apply the concepts learned to your own music.
Recommended intro materials:
Free for beginners: Musescore, Garageband
Recommended Industry Standard:
Notation software: Sibelius, Finale, Dorico, Noteperformer
DAWS: Logic Pro X, Pro Tools
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If you already have a different DAW, don't worry! Concepts can be applied across any standard program. However, I will only be able to provide detailed tech help with the software listed above.
Intermediate -- Advanced
Ideal for aspiring film, TV, and media composers—whether exploring it as a career, preparing for film scoring programs, or learning for fun!
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Creating mockups, using synths and electronic sounds
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Learn film scoring techniques used by Hollywood composers!
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Working with a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
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Scoring to picture: Syncing music to picture, emotional storytelling, technical skills
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Mixing and Intro to Mastering
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Collaborating with directors/filmmakers​
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In addition to these topics from Concert Composition:
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Orchestration and Instrumentation
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Music Theory
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Harmony and Jazz harmony
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Counterpoint and voice leading
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Engraving/music notation for film music (learn how it differs from concert music, and how to get your musicians to sight read your music with confidence to get great results fast)
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​Music structure, writing themes and motifs, developing your ideas
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Overcoming writers block and finding inspiration
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Learn how to read orchestral scores and analyze the music from your favorite composers and films!​
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