I Analysed 100+ Music Composition Programs - Here's Every Resource I Found

Over the past couple of months, I've been researching composition education with one goal: figure out what actually needs to be taught to take someone from complete beginner to professional composer.

I analysed 100+ resources. From conservatory programs like Julliard and Berklee, online platforms, YouTube channels, books, mobile apps. Basically everything I could find.

Why? Because based on a student composer survey I conducted some months ago, there was one clear, recurring problem: that there is no structured, clear progression. It's overwhelming with so many things to learn. How to track and improve what I need to improve? How do I even know what aspect to improve in my composing skillset?

The problem isn't that good resources don't exist. It's that they're everywhere. You literally have to piece your education together if you're not taking a music degree, and even then there might still be gaps.

So I decided to map out everything that's available and use that research to build something different: a structured curriculum that actually makes sense.

Here's what I found.

The 5 Core Areas

Every serious composition program - whether it's a $55,000 Juilliard degree or free YouTube tutorials - covers some combination of these 5 areas:

1. Theory - Music fundamentals, harmony, counterpoint, analysis
2. Composition - Melody, form, thematic development, the actual craft
3. Orchestration - Instruments, textures, realistic mockups
4. Production - DAW mastery, mixing, getting professional sound quality
5. Business - Licensing, clients, income streams, building a career

Some programs focus heavily on one area (like a production-focused course). Others try to cover everything (like a conservatory degree). But these are the 5 pillars.

What I Compiled

I organised every resource I found into these 5 categories:

• 40+ theory resources - from the Royal Conservatory syllabus to Berklee Online courses to free apps like Perfect Ear
• 35+ composition programs - Juilliard, MasterClass, ThinkSpace Education, specialised Udemy courses
• 30+ orchestration resources - UCLA Film Scoring, orchestration textbooks, YouTube channels like Orchestration Online
• 45+ production options - Berklee's Ableton courses, Pro Tools certifications, DAW-specific tutorials
• 25+ business resources - Copyright guides, licensing courses, podcasts on the music industry

The result is a very detailed directory showing what's out there, what it costs, what skill level it's for, and where to find it.

It's completely free and you can use this as a resource whenever you want. Just tell me where to send it here ⬇

What I Learned

A few patterns emerged:

1. The price range is extreme. From free YouTube channels to $55,000 annual tuition at Juilliard. There's barely any middle ground - you're either learning from scattered free content or paying tens of thousands for a structured program.

2. Most resources focus on one area. You rarely find something that teaches theory AND composition AND orchestration in a connected way. You're expected to put it together yourself.

3. Nobody tells you what to learn when. Even good programs don't make the progression clear. What do you need to know before learning extended harmony? When should you start orchestration? Which DAW skills matter most?

4. The gap between beginner and professional is massive. Beginner courses teach you scales. Professional programs assume you already know advanced theory. There's not much in between to bridge that gap systematically.

What I'm Building

I'm using this research to create Composer Forge - a structured 5-track system that gives you the conservatory-level curriculum at an accessible price.

Instead of scattered courses, you get one platform with everything. Clear progression from beginner to advanced. Prerequisites so you're never lost. You always know what to learn next.

It's launching February 2026 with founding member lifetime access.

Learn more and join the waitlist at composerforge.com

Use This Research

Whether you join Composer Forge or not, this directory should help you understand what's out there and where your gaps might be.

Download the PDF, see what programs teach what. Use it to map your own learning path if you want to DIY your education.

Or wait for February when Composer Forge launches and I'll do the organising for you.