Music Composition

Program Overview

Music Composition

Program Overview

This course is a practical and hands-on way to learn music composition, which will give you the vital skills required to create unique and cutting-edge tracks. You’ll learn how to add hooks, riffs, chords, basslines, melodies, and develop your arrangements to create crisp, perfected tracks. Your expert instructors will help you learn these skills as well as break down and analyze massive tracks from the likes of Avicii, Skrillex, Deadmau5, and more.

Key Info

• Duration: 1 Term
• Start Dates: July 2025, October 2025, January 2026, April 2026, July 2026, October 2026, January 2027, April 2027, October 2027
• Timetable: One 4-hour class each week for 10 weeks. Daytime, evening & weekend slots available.

Fees

• $2,545 payment in full
• $100 reg fee + balance of $2,445
• $100 reg fee + $895 per month

Accommodation

While we don't offer on-campus housing, we work with trusted partners to help you find safe, comfortable student housing that fits your needs and budget. Whether you're looking for short-term housing or apartment rental, there are plenty of options—many fully furnished and equipped with high-speed internet and secure access.

Courses

Music Composition

Compositional proficiency is a core skill for contemporary producers and artists, equipping them with the ability to realize their creative ambitions and make more informed production decisions, whilst helping them become professionally competitive. This module will explore the core elements of musical composition: rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, and arrangement. You will develop compositional techniques through practical application of music theory using music software. This module focuses explicitly on commercial western popular musical styles, genres, and their aesthetics. You will have the opportunity to investigate technical and stylistic aspects of these styles and genres, developing their confidence and abilities in composition. You will gain experience in composing original musical elements and arranging these elements into a full composition.

• Music & Time
• Beats & Drum Programming
• Diatonic Harmony
• Melodies & Riffs
• Bass
• Extended Harmony
• Structure & Arrangement
• Hooks
• Writing for Vocals & Finishing a Composition

Expert Instructors

• Markman: Composition & Mixing
• Nathaniel Nutter: Music Composition
• Jaron Lopez: Composing For Film & TV, Music Composition, Studio Vocal Production

Student Spotlight

• James Salazar: Musician

Included with Program

• 50% off Ableton Live Suite
• 50% off MSRP on NI Komplete 14 or Komplete 14 Ultimate
• 70% off Eventide plugins
• 55% off Roland Cloud Ultimate

Career Opportunities

• Composer
• Vocalist
• Songwriter
• Vocal Producer
• Lyricist
• Artist/Performer
• Musical Director
• Vocal Arranger
• Vocal Coach

FAQ

• Are there any admission requirements?
  • Admission into any college-level program at pointblank requires that the prospective student:
    • Be 18 years of age or older (under age 18 may be accepted only with signed parental consent)
    • Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent
    • Be provided a current pointblank Music School Catalog
    • Sign a School Performance Fact Sheet and an Enrollment Agreement for their program
• What equipment do I need to buy?
  • None at all! Every pointblank student has access to their own fully-equipped workstation in class and during their practical studio work outside of class time. If you decide to purchase equipment for your own home studio, we will be happy to help you arrange student discounts from our leading industry partners including Apple, Ableton, Pioneer, Native Instruments, Serato, Izotope, Waves, and more.
• When are the classes scheduled?
  • For most 10-week courses within in this program, classes meet once per week for 4 hours (with a 15-minute break included) at one of the following session times:
    • 10:00am – 2:00pm (Morning Session)
    • 2:30pm – 6:30pm (Afternoon Session)
    • 7:00pm – 11:00pm (Evening Session)
  • Musicianship and instrumental courses meet once per week for 2 hours each at similar times. Some programs contain up to 3 or 4 courses per quarter, so check the "Key Info" section on each program page to see how many classes you'll be attending each week. Classes are scheduled before the start of each quarter; call for the most up-to-date information on scheduling and class availability. Our facilities are also open for student use six to seven days a week (depending on the quarterly course schedule), giving you valuable studio time to make your music and reinforce your new skills outside of class sessions.
• Do you provide student housing?
  • Our students have many options for housing accommodations near pointblank Los Angeles. Please visit our Student Accommodation page or Contact an Admissions Advisor for more info.
• I work full time. Can I enroll?
  • Yes. Classes are usually available in the evening and on weekends, and we will be happy to arrange a class schedule that works around your other professional commitments. Please check with an Admissions Advisor to see what scheduling options are available by calling or by completing the Contact Us form.
• I'm an international student. Can I enroll?
  • International students have different options for attending pointblank classes depending on their country of origin. These include the B2 visitor visa, the ESTA visa waiver program, and more. We do not offer F or M student visas at this time.
  • Further information for international students can be found here on our International Students USA page. Please call or contact us for assistance.
• Help! My question is not answered here.
  • If you have further questions, please contact an Admissions Advisor or call us directly at . You may also review the pointblank Music School Catalog for complete information about our programs and policies.