Who I am

My name is Michael Mollo. I am a composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, husband and father. I grew up learning rock and musical theater by ear then studied classical music and jazz arranging in college. I have both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in music composition as well as advanced certificate in film scoring from USC. I have spent the last 15 years scoring films, television and video games in the greater Los Angeles area. I also teach after-school courses in music composition and technology at Santa Monica High School.

What This Program Is

Music composition is a very personal way for young artists to express their creativity. I have studied this subject the majority of my life and I believe it is important to pass this gift of music down to the next generation. As such, I offer up my time in 1-hour private lesson format to guide our young composers on their journey to find their voices. Lessons are student driven and are individually tailored to each student. This allows students to pursue multiple areas of instruction based on their unique music composition interests. This program is also intended to help prepare students wishing to study music after high school for their next academic experience.

Areas of Instruction

Traditional Music Composition

Jazz & Arranging

Songwriting

For students interested in composing “concert music” or other traditional written music for performance. Solid emphasis on traditional, functional music theory, form & orchestration. Particular focus on the history of music composition involving their preferred instrument.

For students interested in composing in the various “jazz” idioms. Solid emphasis on tune construction, voicing techniques and working with bands of all sizes including big bands and jazz orchestras. Particular focus on the history and sub-genres within the greater jazz idiom.

For students interested in composing in song based forms. Solid emphasis on creating melodies, harmonic variation and rhythm. This interest often runs parallel with a focus in music production to record the songs. Particular focus given to the history of music genres related to the students preferred song genres.

Music Production

Film-Scoring

For students interested in working specifically with music production in the computer. Solid emphasis in both notation and sequencing software as well as production and recording techniques. Particular focus on the hands-on tools available to young music producers and the history of said tools.

For students interested in writing music to accompany moving pictures. Solid emphasis on the technical element of working with other media including sample and frame rates, scoring templates. Particular focus on the history and various genres of film, television and video game scores.

My composition studio operates on a semester basis akin to what our young students will experience should they pursue future study after high school. I offer blocks of ten [10] 1-hour private lessons in both the FALL and SPRING each year as well as a block of five [5] lessons for a mini summer term.

Fall Term: September – December [10 lessons]

Spring Term: February – May [10 lessons]

Summer Term: July – August [5 lessons]

Every student deserves the opportunity to study and enjoy music, regardless of their financial situation. Because I believe fully in equity over equality, 2/3 of my students receive some form of scholarship toward the cost of music composition instruction each semester. Financial aid slots are need based, not guaranteed and require a few additional steps upon registration.