Composition
Composition lessons at Colburn provide students the chance to explore their musical voice while expanding their knowledge of the craft. Our accomplished faculty offers personalized support and mentorship throughout the learning process. Designed for those with a creative mind and a background in theory and notation, lessons are offered either as one-on-one sessions or online group classes. Students who demonstrate a strong level of commitment may also have the opportunity to hear their music brought to life in reading sessions with Colburn ensembles.
I want to be able to effectively match my compositional voice with my technical voice on the trombone. Colburn has helped me with this especially, with the teachers helping me on gaining a stronger understanding of what I need to work on and what directions I should head in.Trombonist Elijah Alexander
Learning composition with Dr. Michaela Eremiasova was an unexpected yet challenging and fascinating experience. As a pianist, this opened a broader musical world for me. She introduced me to many modern and contemporary composers, and I was often amazed by their creativity and imagination. During the composition process, I combined my years of music theory and piano study with the guidance of Dr. Eremiasova to further learn about the notation and techniques of various instruments. The most exciting part for me was that whenever we finished a composition, Dr. Eremiasova would arrange a reading session where musicians would perform our works. The sense of accomplishment from hearing my own piece being played live is indescribable—it was the best reward after the hard work of creating music.Eric Jia, Pianist
Composition students at the Community School of Performing Arts have been recognized for their achievements, including being accepted to the Nancy and Barry Sanders Composer Fellowship Program at the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Meet the Faculty
has received numerous prestigious composition awards, including the ASCAP Foundation’s Rudolf Nissim Prize for her violin concerto Emblems. Born in Prague, Czech Republic, she now resides in Los Angeles, California. Her work as a concert, jazz, and film composer, as well as a songwriter, has led her to compose for a wide range of vocal and instrumental ensembles—from soloists to full orchestras—across genres including opera, jazz, electronic, and popular music. Her study and research of diverse musical traditions and compositional techniques are reflected in a unique blend of sound and stylistic expression.
She has collaborated with renowned performers, writers, painters, poets, choreographers, and filmmakers. Alongside her husband, Jairo Duarte-López, she has composed for major clients such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, FOX Searchlight, and Lifetime. Their music has appeared in shows like Young Sheldon, Modern Family, and The Big Bang Theory. Their chamber opera Car Crash Opera was featured at the 2009 VOX Festival, and they’ve been commissioned by institutions including Montclair State University and Cincinnati Opera.
With writer and lyricist Elizabeth Breese, she co-founded MotiVibes Music, producing songs for artists like Sean Kingston, Brian McKnight Jr., Kief Brown and Jackie’s Boy, with placements in shows such as Temptation Island and The Ultimatum.
Her film collaborations have screened at over 300 festivals worldwide, including SIGGRAPH, Anima Mundi, and backup_festival, earning numerous awards for soundtrack and experimental excellence.
Eremiášová holds a PhD from the Eastman School of Music.
Courses
Eligible students should demonstrate the following:
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Intermediate I theory proficiency
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Ability to play an instrument
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Some prior composition experience desirable
No placement test is required for enrolling.
The foundation of this course is an improvisational approach to contemporary songwriting. Students will concentrate on melody writing, harmonic progressions, lyrics, and song structure as they develop their own voice.
Eligible students should demonstrate the following:
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Ability to perform songs written for the class
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Elementary IB level theory knowledge (basic notation, keys, key signatures, chords)
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Some prior songwriting experience desirable
No placement test is required for enrolling.
This course provides an opportunity for serious composition students to hear their music performed live and engage directly with performers—an essential step in developing a deeper understanding of instrumentation and notation.
Registration is by permission of the instructor.
Dr. Eremiasova consistently presents new perspectives and innovative techniques that have enhanced my development as a composer. Her ability to recognize my needs and to provide support for my individual style has been invaluable, allowing me to grow both technically and creatively. I’m also grateful for the reading sessions she organizes with Colburn or guest musicians; they bring my work to life and provide invaluable feedbackLeo McDonnell, Violinist
Related Programs
Music theory and Dalcroze classes are designed to be taken simultaneously or one at a time to accommodate each individual’s pace and progress. In the same way, upper level music theory classes are compatible with simultaneous compositional study as well as advanced Dalcroze Rhythmic Solfege study.
Music Theory
For more information, please visit our Composition page.
Dalcroze
For more information, please visit our Dalcroze page.
Private Lessons
To study composition with a private teacher, submit an inquiry form.