A Journey Begins with a Single Note
Whether you're embarking on a second career, chasing a professional dream, or jamming as a hobbyist, our holistic, audiation-based courses empower you to compose, create, and thrive on your musical journey.
At UreMusic, we believe that the journey of unlocking your musical potential should be a joyful and fulfilling experience, whether you're embarking on a second career, planning for a professional future in music, or simply pursuing a beloved hobby.
While I have a passion for guiding middle-career professionals toward confident composing, my heart is equally open to aspiring college musicians and dedicated hobbyists. Everyone deserves the chance to express their creativity and sound amazing doing it! So whether you're swapping your corporate suit for a music stand or simply wish to turn up the volume on your weekend jamming sessions, I'm here to help you every step of the way.
With my holistic, audiation-based courses, I've crafted unique pathways for each individual’s growth—so that everyone, from busy professionals to college creatives, can navigate the complexities of music theory and musicianship with ease. Why should your lofty ambitions be limited by your current circumstances?
My teaching experience spans over 25 years, combining hands-on lessons with innovative online support to ensure that every student—from the self-proclaimed hobbyist to the future music mogul—feels empowered and equipped to tackle their musical dreams. Say goodbye to second-guessing and self-doubt, and hello to a world where you can compose, improvise, and shine.
Join a community of diverse learners who are conquering their musical fears and reaping the rewards of newfound creativity. You won’t just learn music—you’ll transform your life.
So, if you're ready to hear those melodies in your mind and bring them to life, step into the UreMusic world where your passion for music can thrive at any stage of your journey.
I’ve been fortunate to connect with thoughtful mentors and colleagues who have helped me develop as a composer and instructor.
Composers often think they must study more theory, counterpoint, or ear training to reach the next level.
It’s how you learn and apply the techniques that matter. You can be an expert theorist, possess a perfect ear, and master the art of counterpoint but still have no idea how to apply these concepts to your music.
My approach to teaching composition is not commonly taught in any school. And, unlike most composers, I consider myself a teacher first, which makes my students my highest priority.
Like many composers, I felt the pull to write music from an early age. As a child, I would stare longingly at our family piano, knowing a new world was within those keys.
I once asked my mother at a drive-thru bank teller why there was Christmas music yet no music for Halloween. Broad musical questions like these continued throughout my life but became more sophisticated as my abilities grew.
During college, I continued my quest to put those mysterious sounds and impressions of musical ideas onto paper while also developing my musicianship skills by playing for more than six ensembles as a student. I devoured everything I could but failed to write the music I wanted to compose.
I couldn’t find the answers I was looking for.
Completing a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music composition helped me think differently about music, but I was still only learning the techniques of other composers.
As a graduate student, I started writing my first book, The Elements of Music Composition. The book introduced a flexible composition method that helped composers see greater connections in music.
While writing and conducting research for the book, I thought about my high school and undergraduate years. I remembered scouring through every text I could on musicianship and ear training. I worked through programs of study to train my ear, but none worked to train the faculties that a composer needs.
I started to create my own programs. While drinking coffee one day, a friend asked me why I created these programs. I told her it would save time and make it possible to compose more freely away from a piano or notation program. I also wanted to create a program that would benefit others — something that actually worked.
As I finished my master’s program, I was writing music fluidly; but unexpectedly, I suddenly lost all motivation to compose.
I fulfilled my lifelong desire to compose, and I lost the spark. The reason was simple. I learned how to create and hear music in my mind, but it lacked the perfection of greater composers. I realized technique was only half the battle, and I felt strongly that I had to reinvent myself before I could write again.
I went through a decade-long process of study and introspection. I felt I lacked music theory training. I felt my music would become deeper and more meaningful if I increased my knowledge.
Music theory wasn’t the answer.
I kept searching. I wrote my second book, Music Composition Technique Builder, which teaches composers to develop their inner ear using methods that worked for me and my private students. I never stopped teaching composers as I continued my search for greater meaning and connection in my music.
University teaching taught me something important: more knowledge of music theory does not substantially improve a composer’s ability. I should know, I’m a composer who taught all levels of theory from the undergraduate to doctoral levels.
Through my teaching, I discovered my true passion lies in teaching composers to write better music.
One of my role models is Nadia Boulanger, who taught some of the leading composers of the 20th century but was lesser known for her own compositions. I've always respected her ability to teach composers how to compose in unique and personal styles.
While I learned that theory was not the panacea, I also discovered how to help composers write better music.
The Composing Hour Masterclass Series is very different and separate from my role in the university, and the course content is unique and not something that would fit well into a university program. I aim to help you benefit from the decades I spent searching for techniques to develop your craft.
I will help you create your own flexible and intuitive theory of composition that will change with each new piece you encounter, and you will never stop improving as a composer.
In short, you will start the process of becoming your own best instructor, and you will be able to train yourself and develop music that is authentically you.
With eight years of experience as a university professor, Kevin has taught over 70 music courses, guiding more than 1,000 students on their musical journeys. He recognized a gap: while many were eager to compose music later in life, they lacked the guidance and confidence to start. So he decided to create holistic music courses that bridge the gap, offering structured learning and step-by-step instructions.
Kevin's unique approach includes innovative courses in music theory, ear training, audiation, counterpoint, and form and analysis, all tailored for adult learners. He crafted these programs not only based on his own challenges—developing over 2,000 audio files to refine his ear—but also from the direct feedback of students who struggled as he once did. His courses, including the acclaimed 16-unit Flawless Ear Training course, empower aspiring composers to find their voice and unlock their potential.
The success of Kevin's students speaks volumes; they have turned their dreams into reality, creating music they never thought possible. Reviews from students highlight the effectiveness of his methods, noting how the exercises train their ears in ways traditional apps do not.
Now, through UreMusic, Kevin is excited to offer supportive, guided music courses designed specifically for middle-aged career change professionals eager to compose. Because after all, you shouldn’t have to feel lost pursuing your passion—join Kevin, and take your first step toward composing with confidence today!