Composition Teachers NYC

Study one-on-one with professional musicians who are active in New York's live music scene. Jazz, rock, funk, Latin, Brazilian — all levels welcome at our Midtown Manhattan studio.

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Whether you’re writing your first song or you’re a seasoned composer, our composition teachers in NYC will meet you exactly where you are. The New York Jazz Workshop offers private composition lessons with a roster of working professional musicians and dedicated educators.

Our approach is rooted in jazz, but our teachers are versatile performers fluent in rock, funk, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and contemporary styles. Developing your jazz foundation will make you a stronger composer in any genre.

Composition lessons can take place at our dedicated studio in Midtown Manhattan, at your teacher’s studio in neighborhoods across the city, or online from anywhere in the world. You can also explore our full faculty here.

Why Study Composition at the New York Jazz Workshop?

Professional NYC Musicians

Every teacher is an active performer on the NYC music scene. You learn technique and musicality from someone who plays it every night.

All Styles, All Levels

Complete beginners to advanced players — jazz, rock, funk, Latin, Brazilian and more. Our teachers build a foundation that travels across every genre.

Flexible Location & Free Studio Time

In-person at our Midtown Manhattan studio (studio time is free when you lesson there), at your teacher’s studio elsewhere in the city, or online from anywhere in the world.

Simple Scheduling & Billing

We handle booking, scheduling, and billing through our platform. You focus on playing — we take care of the logistics.

W-2 Employees & Fully Insured

We hire our teachers as W-2 employees. That means fair pay, sick leave, access to a retirement plan with employer matching, and full payroll protections — something that’s still rare in music education, but shouldn’t be. All teachers are also covered by workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.

The NYJW Guarantee

Not satisfied after your first lesson? We’ll connect you with a different instructor at no additional cost. Your progress is our priority.

Meet Our Composition Teachers in NYC

All teachers offer in-person lessons in Manhattan and/or Brooklyn, and online lessons worldwide.

Marc Mommaas

Private Saxophone lesson Private Rhythm lesson Private Composition lesson Private Improvisation lesson Private Counterpoint lesson Intermediate Advanced In Person Online

Saxophone, Rhythm, Composition, Improvisation, Counterpoint Overview Private Lessons Locations Photos & Videos Teaching Topics and Philosophy Topics:Composition – focus on form, melodic and harmonic development. This includes counterpoint, arranging, classical functional harmony and Jazz styles of composing including tertian, fourth and polychordal harmony. Rhythm – focus on accent point / mixed meter / counterpoint and cross rhythms. Application as an improvisor and a composer. Saxophone – Range from tone quality, improvisation, harmony, rhythm, approach notes, […]

Rates start at: $100
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Mark Marshall

Beginner Intermediate Advanced In Person Online

Singer Song writer / All styles / Guitar Overview Private Lessons Locations Photos & Videos Biography Brooklyn-based Mark Marshall has taken his years of experience and expertise — a bootcamp spent touring as a guitarist and recording with notable musicians in many genres — and has dedicated his creative output to songwriting and composition projects that wield instruments, tape machines, samplers, and microphones in the same way an artist uses paint, charcoal and ink. For […]

Rates start at: $80
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Not sure which teacher is right for you? Contact us and we’ll match you with the best fit based on your goals, schedule, and location.

The NYJW Guarantee: If you’re not fully satisfied after your first lesson, we’ll connect you with a different instructor at no additional charge. Your progress matters — and we stand behind every teacher on our roster.

How Private Composition Lessons Work at NYJW

Lesson Format

All lessons are private and one-on-one, typically 45 or 60 minutes. Your teacher tailors every session to your goals — technique, repertoire, reading, or improvisation. Lessons are purchased in packages for convenience.

Where Lessons Take Place

  • Our Midtown Manhattan studio at 265 West 37th Street
  • Your teacher’s private studio in Brooklyn or other NYC neighborhoods
  • Online via Zoom or FaceTime — available worldwide

Scheduling & Billing

Scheduling is handled through our online platform at https://app.newyorkjazzworkshop.com. Lesson packages are billed monthly. You can reschedule with reasonable notice, and our team is always available to help.

What to Expect

Your first lesson is an assessment and orientation — your teacher will get to know your background and goals, then design a learning path that makes sense for you. Progress is visible from the very first session.

We hire our teachers as W-2 employees. That means fair pay, sick leave, access to a retirement plan with employer matching, and full payroll protections — something that’s still rare in music education, but shouldn’t be.

Ready to Start Your Composition Journey?

Browse our teachers above, pick the right fit, and buy a lesson package directly online — or contact us and we’ll help match you.

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