Composer education is an individualized process these days with all the schools and training options available. Students need to look at the big picture and ask: "Is it the diploma that is important and necessary for my career path?" or "Do I simply need a rigorous course or two that will get my name out there quickly?" You will need to research the same way parents and high school students look for the right college or university to attend.

There are accredited colleges that offer online training, of course, and non-accredited online training. There are plenty of less than sterling courses on the web. Buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for your training as a composer:

1. Look at brick and mortar schools with accredited programs.

2. Use online composer training classes.

3. Find helpful agents and resources to learn how to market your musical compositions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use established schools and training centers for composer training

Go to an established schools and institutes for a good education, degree or certification that holds up under scrutiny. Get an education that no one can ever take from you.

I recommend: Musicians Institute in Hollywood offers Bachelors and Associates Degrees, as well as certifications and individual courses in music and composition. Tennessee Department of Education delivers in music classes for ninth through twelfth graders in musicianship, self-expression, performance and composition. Coursework at Art Institutes in electronic music focuses on structure and notation, tonality, scales and cadences, ear training, rhythm, and harmonic and melodic structure. Students learn to compose and produce music in a number of different mediums.

Get your education for a composer online

There are many fine training programs online. Look for testimonials and professional looking websites. There are as many or more low standard programs and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.

I recommend: Berkleemusic is one of the best schools in the country for guitar education. Composer training is part of the online program Berlee offers. Look at the open-course-ware at MIT. You will find all kinds of classes and courses once taught at MIT now offered in full for free online.

Find music composer education from companies that will help market you

Once you have your music composition skills, you will need to learn to market your compositions. These companies will help you make the right connections.

I recommend: Get the help you need to get your songs launched and sold. ParamountSong will help you meet the right people. TAXI helps you get a deal. They will help you get your music compositions in the right hands, so you can start making money.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When it comes to online music composer training programs, formulate clear goals and needs before choosing music composer education. If you want accredited, check for accreditation. Maybe you just need a rigorous program to get you up to speed quick. Beware of bioinformatics courses that promise more than they can deliver. Look at testimonials and teacher credentials and backgrounds to find a good training program that meets your needs.