Composition, Theory, Aural Skills/Musicianship, & Piano Instructor

Kyle K.

Hello! My name is Kyle. I have a PhD. in music composition from SUNY Stony Brook, where I also teach undergraduate music theory classes and private composition lessons. I also have a Master's degree in composition from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where I studied with Pulitzer Prize/Grammy award winning composer Kevin Puts. I also hold bachelor's degrees in piano performance and composition from Northern Illinois University, where I was also on faculty from 2018-2020.

I have been teaching composition, music theory, aural skills/musicianship at the collegiate level since 2018 (and at the high school level since 2014). I have also been teaching private piano lessons at all levels (and ages) since 2014. I am dedicated to helping students learn about all aspects of music alongside their chosen musical focus. Whether you have studied music in the past or not, I can teach you everything from the very basics to advanced collegiate-level material. I am well versed in the understanding of classical, jazz, and pop genres. I would love to help you understand more about (or how to play) the music you love!

Composition/theory lessons with me comprise of learning the craft of writing, understanding, and listening to music. Subjects I typically cover are harmony, rhythm, texture, color (timbre), counterpoint, orchestration, form/structure, and aural skills/musicianship. I often assign listening assignments and score study when deemed useful. I am dedicated to helping a student find and understand their own compositional voice and develop their own subjective understanding of musical/sound art.

Piano lessons with me also vary depending on the level and musical interests of each student. Weekly lessons typically include working on one or two pieces while also developing technique through various assigned exercises. Special attention is given to developing expressive control and interpretation of the music being studied.

If you have any questions, please contact me!

Best,
Kyle K.