Teaching

Private Lessons Philosophy Testimonials

In lessons we’ll work through your sketches, listen closely, identify what you’re trying to say, and turn that into actionable next steps (craft, form, harmony, orchestration, revision, and finishing pieces). Lessons can be in-person (Ann Arbor or the Detroit metro) or remote (anywhere!), depending on what works best for you. Remote sessions can be audio-only or camera-optional, and in-person locations depend on your lesson needs and space availability.

My standard rate is $80/hour, and I offer a limited number of “name your price” sliding-scale openings. No questions asked—just: “What would you like to pay for lessons?” Most students choose a 3-lesson or 6-lesson arc (weekly or biweekly), which gives us enough time to build momentum and finish work. A free 30-minute trial lesson is available so we can choose a plan together.

If you’re interested in lessons, please use the form below to get in touch. Tell me a little about your background, what you’re working on, and what you’re hoping to get from lessons, and I’ll reply soon with next steps.

• Music can be an art of emotion, an invitation to listen deeply, practice empathy, and connect, and an art of making: a way to explore process and experiment with construction.

• Everyone can write music, and everyone deserves access to the tools and encouragement to compose.

• Students arrive with real experiences and knowledge; my job is to honor that and help you discover confidence and agency in creativity.

• Composers are lifelong learners. Over time, the goal is for you to trust your voice and become your own teacher.

• Wellbeing and identity matter. I aim to make lessons a supportive space for the whole person, at any age or level.

As a teacher, I aim to cultivate a supportive and creative learning environment that prioritizes students’ voices and experiences. My teaching is genre-inclusive, and I have experience with students composing in various styles, including classical, pop, rock, R&B, musical theatre, and electronic music.

I bring a unique perspective to my teaching as someone who identifies as non-binary and queer, has personal experience with mental health disorders, and comes from a working-class, first-generation college student background. These experiences have helped shape my approach to teaching and my commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and understanding in the classroom.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that we all have a story to tell, and our creative expression can be a powerful tool for communication, self-discovery, and healing. I strive to guide students in their journeys of self-exploration and self-compassion while teaching them the practical skills and knowledge they need to succeed as musicians.

“Imagination is at the heart of Brandon’s work, regardless of what role they are in. As a composer, they touch listeners’ hearts with imaginative timbres and glints; as a collaborator, they inspire colleagues to exercise their own imaginations. But where Brandon’s imagination shines most is in their role as a teacher. They use imagination to do three things: serve any student’s unique needs, invent activities that ignite anyone's creativity, and unlock empathy, curiosity, and courage in everyone they teach.”

– Midori Samson, Founder of Trade Winds Ensemble

“Brandon played a pivotal role in my development as a composer during college. Through our composition coachings, they introduced me to a wide range of musical concepts while encouraging me to explore and incorporate my own cultural identity into my work. That kind of mentorship made me feel truly seen and affirmed as an artist. Their materials, resources, and thoughtful guidance expanded how I think about composition and gave me the confidence to trust my voice and strive to create timeless music. They also contributed to fine-tuning the form in my debut single, ‘Bright Idea,’ which speaks to the lasting impact their mentorship continues to have on my work.”

– SHACAI., Detroit-based Singer-Songwriter and Producer

“Brandon is a uniquely marvelous teacher. Their compassion and deep thoughtfulness are central to their approach. The preparation they engage in ensures that they understand both the student's musical training and the particular values and inner workings of the music the student seeks to create. As a music educator myself, I appreciate the radical respect Brandon showed both me and my work. I came away from our lesson with specific, actionable tasks to improve my piece and, equally importantly, the inspiration to continue to grow as a composer.”

– Jennifer Goltz-Taylor, Composer and Teacher

“Taking lessons with Brandon has been one of my most rewarding musical experiences in a long while. Their breadth of knowledge on writing for winds and brass coupled with their approach to listening to existing recordings of works really opened up my ears to listen and think about music in new ways. As an established performer, I was pleasantly surprised and found these lessons invaluable.”

– Annie Lyle Mason, Instructor of Bassoon at Eastern Illinois University

“In any issue or work I presented, Dr. Rumsey could always share back an energy of excitement and passion with me, and for the music I shared. My lessons became times where I could feel the most enabled to succeed at my craft.”

– Zachary Mendenhall, Former Student

“Taking Brandon’s [Introduction to Music Composition] class my senior year fundamentally changed how I think about music and composition. I was a complete beginner. Their teaching created a space where curiosity, experimentation, and emotional honesty felt not only welcome, but essential. Years later, I still carry those lessons with me as an independent artist, and taking their class was the major spark in my decision to seriously pursue making music.”

– Ben Shuart aka Ten Thirty Upstairs, Independent Singer-Songwriter