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Eastman School of Music & NYU Music Theory & Composition | 20+ Years
John M.

906 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $90
Response time: 58 minutes

About John


Bio

Are you currently taking a theory course, preparing for the AP Music Theory, applying to a conservatory, or ready to finally understand how music works? I can help — and I bring one of the most elite academic and professional backgrounds on this platform to every lesson.

I work with:
— High school students preparing for AP Music Theory
— Conservatory applicants building their theory foundation
— Songwriters and composers who want to understand their instincts
— College music students...

Are you currently taking a theory course, preparing for the AP Music Theory, applying to a conservatory, or ready to finally understand how music works? I can help — and I bring one of the most elite academic and professional backgrounds on this platform to every lesson.

I work with:
— High school students preparing for AP Music Theory
— Conservatory applicants building their theory foundation
— Songwriters and composers who want to understand their instincts
— College music students needing help with harmony or counterpoint
— Adult beginners ready to go deeper
— Musical theatre writers developing their compositional voice

I hold a Bachelor's in Music Theory from the Eastman School of Music and a Master's in Music Composition and Theory from NYU. I have spent over twenty years teaching and working as a professional composer and lyricist in New York City.

My work has won awards from the Jonathan Larson Foundation, the Cole Porter Award (ASCAP), the Gilman-Gonzalez Musical Theatre Foundation, the New York Musical Theatre Foundation, NYMF, and the Holof and ASCAP lyric writing competitions.

As a graduate student at NYU, I taught ear training, sight-singing, and Elements of Music to undergraduates. I tailor every lesson to your specific goals and learning style. My students don't just learn theory — they learn to hear, feel, and apply it in their own music.


Education

Eastman School of Music
Music Theory
New York University
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $90
  • Rate details: Multiple Hour Lesson Rates Available
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 4/18/2026

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Composition (Music)

Composition (Music)

For over twenty years, I worked in NYC as a musical theatre writer, creating book, music and lyrics for new award-winning musicals produced in NYC and at regional theatres around the country. I have helped students successfully be admitted to the BMI workshop as well as the NYU Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. Whatever stage your musical is at, I can help you develop it from page to stage.
Ear Training

Ear Training

After receiving my Bachelors in Music Theory from the Eastman School of Music and my Masters in Composition from NYU, I taught and composed in New York City for twenty years. While working on my Masters, I taught ear-training and harmony to undergrad majors and non-majors and taught ear-training and sightseeing privately.
Sight Singing

Sight Singing

After receiving my Bachelors in Music Theory from the Eastman School of Music and my Masters in Composition from NYU, I taught and composed in New York City for twenty years. While working on my Masters, I taught ear-training and sight singing to undergrad majors and non-majors and taught privately.
Songwriting

Songwriting

After receiving my Masters in Composition from NYU, I taught and composed in New York City for twenty years. My songs have been performed around the country and one of my musicals is available for licensing. I have two albums on iTunes, and I have received several awards for my music and lyrics.
Music Theory
John M.'s Photo

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Response time: 58 minutes

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (504 ratings)
5 star
(499)
4 star
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2 star
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Reviews

Highly recommended

John was extremely clear and helpful during our class. I needed help reviewing figured bass and completing some assignments for a class. He used our time very efficiently and I highly recommend him as a music theory tutor!

Viola, 1 lesson with John

Just 1 lesson so far…

John was patient and really listened to what I was looking for in a composition. I’m older so I have the life experience but not so much technique or experience with composing. He made me feel comfortable with where I am and gave many ideas and next steps to grow toward.

Craig, 1 lesson with John

Very helpful

I am writing a review because my son found him to be so helpful, he asked me to make sure that I write one! He has had many tutors and this is the first time he has made that request.

DeAnna, 4 lessons with John

Amazing Teacher

Hello All John was helpful, made me do the work to understand and fun to work with. He also gave me feedback and pointers for our session. Thank you John ! Leah

Leah, 1 lesson with John

Incredibly Knowledgeable

John is an amazing tutor! He knows everything (music theory composition analysis, sight singing tools, notation tools, musical theater, Finale, more) and is so patient at explaining things! I was so blown away by our first lesson - I came away knowing more than I ever thought possible for one hour, stuff I wasn’t able to understand before despite years of auditing music theory classes at Peabody. Highly recommend!

Katherine, 161 lessons with John

Very knowledgeable and creative

John is incredibly patient and creative, coming up with exercises and music that I can play even as a beginner. I have learned so much even after just a few lessons!

Cynthia, 9 lessons with John

experienced and informed perspective

John really knows what he's talking about. He gave me several excellent ideas for improving my songwriting. I especially appreciate his candor and his willingness to challenge me. I recommend him highly.

David, 1 lesson with John

Very knowledgeable explained well.

John worked on ear training. He went over solfege and rhythm with me. It was a very productive hour. I appreciated John's patience and knowledge. Thank you John.

Kevin, 8 lessons with John

great teacher!

I had only 1 session with John on music theory and he was extremely helpful ! Very good at taking the time to explain things concisely and makes sure you’ve understood.

Alice, 1 lesson with John

Knows subject matter

My daughter has worked with John on numerous occasions. She needed additional help in ear training for her AP Music class. John helped her immediately by teaching her techniques and worked through examples, in a positive and encouraging manner. Now, since John, assignments that took hours before are mere minutes and my daughter has the confidence she needs to succeed.

Lisa, 28 lessons with John
Hourly Rate: $90
Response time: 58 minutes
Contact John