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DMA Music Theory & Composition | 6 years of teaching experience
Collin K.

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Hourly Rate: $30
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About Collin

Bio

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I specialize in teaching music theory and composition, particularly to those preparing to enter college or who would like extra guidance working through the core undergraduate curriculum. I also offer composition lessons, portfolio reviews, and general musicianship guidance. For those looking for a deep-dive, my doctoral research focuses on the intersection between Latin American folk and concert music. I'm always happy to incorporate folk or ethnomusicology...

Thanks for stopping by.

I specialize in teaching music theory and composition, particularly to those preparing to enter college or who would like extra guidance working through the core undergraduate curriculum. I also offer composition lessons, portfolio reviews, and general musicianship guidance. For those looking for a deep-dive, my doctoral research focuses on the intersection between Latin American folk and concert music. I'm always happy to incorporate folk or ethnomusicology elements into my teaching when relevant to your goals.

I have a BA in saxophone performance from Case Western Reserve University (saxophone) and the Cleveland Institute of Music (theory and composition) where I was a founding member of the Ingeniare quartet. I earned my Masters of Music in composition from the University of Colorado Boulder, and my Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition and Theory from the University of Texas at Austin.

As an instructor of music theory at the University of Texas at Austin, I taught the core music theory sequence, music appreciation for non-majors, and the complete aural skills sequence. While at UT, I received an average course evaluation rating of 4.6/5, placing above both the College of Music and university averages. Additionally, I have over two years of tutoring experience in music theory and composition to high school students, undergraduates, and life-long learners, ranging from ages 15-75.

My teaching style is goal-oriented, as I tailor content to each student's unique interests and objectives. While much of my music theory curriculum is structured around entrance exams or the typical college syllabus, the repertoire and analytical focus we pursue are guided by your interests. For composition, I start with your music and use your weekly work to guide discussions on orchestration, score analysis, form, and other compositional techniques.

I look forward to getting to know you and your music!

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Education

Cleveland Institute of Music
Music Theory and Sax
University of Colorado at Boulder
Masters
University of Texas at Austin
PhD

Policies

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Composition (Music)

Composition (Music)

I hold a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition from the University of Texas at Austin, where I taught music theory, aural skills, and composition as Instructor of Record. I have also taught composition lessons privately over the last 6 years. As a freelance composer, I have received commissions and grants for chamber, orchestral, operatic, and interdisciplinary projects, with performances at national and international festivals. In private lessons, I guide students through portfolio development, notation, orchestration, formal design, and preparation for college auditions or graduate applications.
Ear Training

Ear Training

I taught the full undergraduate aural skills sequence (I–IV) for three years as Instructor of Record at the University of Texas at Austin and for two years as a department tutor at the University of Colorado Boulder. My instruction covered sight singing, melodic and harmonic dictation, rhythmic dictation, part-singing, and chromatic listening skills aligned with a standard collegiate core curriculum. I have taught in in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats, designing structured drills that develop interval recognition, harmonic hearing, tonal memory, and score-based listening. I regularly worked with students in individual coachings and office hours, preparing them for placement exams, juries, and advanced theory coursework.
General Music

General Music

I hold a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition from the University of Texas at Austin and have 6 years of collegiate teaching experience in music theory, aural skills, and music appreciation. As Instructor of Record at UT Austin, I designed and taught courses for both majors and non-majors, including Elements of Music for students with limited formal training. My teaching emphasizes foundational musicianship: rhythm, notation, listening skills, stylistic awareness, and critical engagement with repertoire across classical and popular traditions. I also provide individualized coaching tailored to each student’s goals, whether developing practical skills, preparing for coursework, or deepening overall musical literacy.
Sight Singing

Sight Singing

I taught the full undergraduate aural skills/sight singing sequence (I–IV) for three years as Instructor of Record at the University of Texas at Austin and for two years as a department tutor at the University of Colorado Boulder. My instruction covered sight singing, melodic and harmonic dictation, rhythmic dictation, counterpoint,, and chromatic listening skills aligned with a standard collegiate core curriculum. I have taught in in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats, designing structured drills that develop interval recognition, fixed and movable solfege, and 4-part harmony. I regularly worked with students in individually during coachings and office hours.
Music Theory
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Hourly Rate: $30
Contact Collin