All styles welcome!
While most of my experience comes from my background in the Western music tradition, I work with all students to help them achieve their own goals as composers or students pursuing theory. My influences as a composer are greatly diverse, and I believe that diversity should be reflected in my teaching. I strive to always be learning, and learning through teaching is no exception.
All experience levels welcome!
You don’t have to have any experience with composition, performance, or analysis to study with me. I enjoy working with everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals in need of feedback on their music. My course of study is completely open to your needs.
Hi! I'm Nic Chuaqui,
a composer of wide-ranging contemporary art music. I’ve written everything from opera to avant-garde electronic music, and I even have some experience writing film music. I’ve studied at Eastman (DMA in composition, 2021), Indiana University, and Dartmouth College, and, along the way, encountered many different styles of music and musical thought.
I have a deep and abiding passion for teaching. For over five years, I have worked in university settings with students that range from complete beginners to peers, and have loved every minute of it. Nothing is more rewarding to me than helping students discover and hone their inherent creativity, whether it’s through private composition lessons or through meetings to learn, discuss, and explore the world of music theory.
All styles welcome!
While most of my experience comes from my background in the Western music tradition, I work with all students to help them achieve their own goals as composers or students pursuing theory. My influences as a composer are greatly diverse, and I believe that diversity should be reflected in my teaching. I strive to always be learning, and learning through teaching is no exception.
All experience levels welcome!
You don’t have to have any experience with composition, performance, or analysis to study with me. I enjoy working with everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals in need of feedback on their music. My course of study is completely open to your needs.
What I Offer
If you have questions about any of the options below, please reach out to me at: nic [dot] chuaqui [at] gmail [dot] com
Private Composition Lessons
— In-Person (NYC Area) or Virtual —
We will meet one-on-one to discuss your music for either regularly-scheduled or one-off lessons. I will provide detailed feedback, ideas, and guidance based on your goals as a composer.
$70
60 minutes per session
Virtual lessons will be held on Zoom. In-person lessons can either be in my Montclair, New Jersey studio, or, for a fee covering the cost of transportation, I come to you (NYC area only).
Music Theory Tutoring/Lessons
— In-Person (NYC Area) or Virtual —
This can take any form desired by the student—we can meet either on a weekly basis or as one-off meetings. The topics we study are also open, based on what the student needs and wants. Some popular topics include analysis of tonal music, aural skills, and twentieth- and twenty-first-century techniques, but there are many other possibilities!
$70
60 minutes per session
Virtual lessons will be held on Zoom. In-person lessons can either be in my Montclair, New Jersey studio, or, for a fee covering the cost of transportation, I come to you (NYC area only).
Private Composition Lessons
— In-Person (NYC Area) or Virtual —
$70
60 minutes per session
Virtual lessons will be held on Zoom. In-person lessons can either be in my Montclair, New Jersey studio, or, for a fee covering the cost of transportation, I come to you (NYC area only).
Music Theory Tutoring/Lessons
— In-Person (NYC Area) or Virtual —
This can take any form desired by the student—we can meet either on a weekly basis or as one-off meetings. The topics we study are also open, based on what the student needs and wants. Some popular topics include analysis of tonal music, aural skills, and twentieth- and twenty-first-century techniques, but there are many other possibilities!
$70
60 minutes per session
Virtual lessons will be held on Zoom. In-person lessons can either be in my Montclair, New Jersey studio, or, for a fee covering the cost of transportation, I come to you (NYC area only).
How to Apply
To apply, simply send an email to nic [dot] chuaqui [at] gmail [dot] com answering the following questions:
- Are you interested in composition lessons or theory tutoring (or are you not sure which)?
- What is your background in music?
- What are your goals for this course of study?
- If you have a sample of either your music or a sample of work in music theory, you can attach that or include a link.
- Please leave your email and/or phone (optional), and indicate which form of communication you would prefer.
What I look for in a student
The primary quality a student should have is dedication; they “want to be here.” As stated above, no background in music is necessary.
Contact me!
To inquire about lessons or tutoring, send an email to:
nic [dot] chuaqui [at] gmail [dot] comHere’s my personal website where you can learn more about me and my music.
https://www.nicolaschuaqui.comHere’s my academic CV:
