Teaching Background

I have been teaching Music Composition privately, actively since 2017 and taught Music Theory and Composition at Michigan State University from 2018-21. Starting Spring 2022, I started teaching Music Theory and Composition at Western Michigan University, and I am currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory at Arizona State University. I have had four different students participate in the Seattle Symphony Young Composer Workshop, and many of my students are currently getting ready for university music programs. I currently only teach via Zoom or I can come to you in the Phoenix Metro Area. I have been teaching this way since before the pandemic, which has allowed me to maintain my studio with my students who live in the Seattle area. I have a Masters in Music Composition, and I have a doctorate in composition. I was chosen as the MSU Composition Studio Graduate assistant for the 2019-2020 academic school year, where I maintained a studio of 10. Whether you need a Composition or Theory instructor, I have the experience and passion to help you reach your goals.

Teaching Philosophy

When it comes to teaching, my philosophy is one of an individualized instructional approach. Particularly when it comes to composing, each student is going to have different backgrounds, needs, styles, and goals. There isn’t one technique that works for every student. I provide students with tools and figure out which technique is the best for their creative process.

I ask my students to do a lot of listening, and I am very open-minded to the types of projects they take on. I also try to act as a mentor for any career planning, so that if college music is the goal, we will make sure that they have the necessary portfolio, and that their school list reflects their interest and goals. I also believe that students who compose but do not have the work performed are missing a fundamental piece of knowledge, which is why I advise my students to pick projects with a high likelihood of performance (and how to find said performances).

Rates

Generally speaking, I charge 75$ for a 1-hour lesson. That said, I am happy to offer pay what you can lesson rates. I do not feel like someone's inability to pay should affect their goals if music is something that the student would like to pursue. I also offer semester rates which save you money in the long run. Typically speaking I prefer weekly one hour lessons that ask the student to take a growth mindset. While not every student who studies with me has the goal of a professional music career, I will help guide your student to make the right choice for their own life goals.

Student Success

I have a number of students that have been selected for local and national calls for scores, competitions, residencies and workshop. Three students have participated in the Seattle Symphony Young Composers Workshop or two separate students have been selected as runner ups for the Sinta Quartet National Composition Composition. Finally I have had multiple student been accepted to various undergraduate and graduate programs. My goal is to help you reaching your growth, taking a growth mindset approach

Student Testimonials

"Simply put, Spencer got me from all rejection letters to all acceptances in less than a year. They have helped me write my best music yet, but also taught me all the things about being a composer that go far beyond just writing music." - Ryan Galik, MM 2023 Michigan State University, studied 2020-21

“One thing I really enjoyed about working with Spencer was that I never felt stifled by their teaching; I was able to write whatever I wanted and they would always support me. Through this method of teaching, I eventually found my own sound in a very natural way” - Luca Robadey, BM 2025 Indiana University, Studied 2017-21

“What I appreciate most about Spencer is that they never limited my imagination. Whether I was interested in writing chamber, musical theatre, or pop music, they guided me through all facets of my compositional mind, which has led to some of the most incredible opportunities.” - Elisa Johnson, Luna Lab Participant - 2018-21

“Working with Spencer was a great experience. They pushed me to think about composition from different perspectives and introduced me to a whole host of new music and composer” - Connor Johnson, MM 2023 Michigan State University, Michigan State University BM 2019-20