Unlock the Professional Composer Inside You
Unlock the Professional Composer Inside You
Get your music performed, commissioned, and recognized–
without the guesswork or burnout.
“I just received confirmation for a commission to write a 10-minute piece for a large wind ensemble!”
Simon
Hi, I'm Dr. Saad Haddad
If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent years shaping your voice as a composer: studying the masters, rewriting until the music feels honest, and quietly wondering if it will ever be heard in the way it deserves.
I know that feeling well.
Over the past decade, I’ve been fortunate to have my work premiered at places like Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Philharmonie de Paris, and by ensembles such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the American Composers Orchestra.
But it didn’t happen because I had the flashiest technique or the most connections.
It happened because I learned how to write from a deeper place, consistently, and how to build systems around my creativity: feedback, momentum, and relationships that made space for the work to grow and be heard.
These days, my practice includes solo, chamber, and and orchestral commissions for the top soloists and ensembles in the world.
But none of that came quickly.
I’ve faced more rejection than I can count: grants, festivals, fellowships...
What changed wasn’t my ability. It was my approach.
I started listening more closely to my voice, connecting with others in meaningful ways, and staying devoted to growth: on the page, in my process, and within the larger musical world.
Now I mentor composers from around the world who are ready to move beyond isolation and into a more connected, purposeful creative life.
If you’re someone who loves this work and wants to grow, not just as a composer, but as an artist in the world, I’d be honored to support you.
My music has been
performed at...
What actually moves a composer's career forward?
Even the most thoughtful, committed composers can find themselves stuck.
Not because the work isn’t strong, but because no one ever taught them how to move it forward.
What transforms great work into lasting impact is access, support, and strategy.
Here, you’ll discover how to:
– Turn your skills into meaningful opportunities
– Connect your music with ensembles, curators, and new audiences
– Sustain momentum beyond premieres, festivals, or degrees
You don’t need to reinvent your voice: you need clarity, support, and a process that brings out the composer you already are.
What you'll get inside this mentorship program:
This isn’t just a course: it’s a 4-month accelerator for composers ready to move from isolation to impact.
Inside, you’ll find a clear creative process, serious support, and a high-level community that helps your work get sharper, deeper, and heard.
A Process That Honors Your Craft and Voice
You’ll follow a proven, three-step approach to composition:
• Start with raw ideas
• Develop them by hand, with pencil and paper
• Shape them inside your notation software
This is about intention, not shortcuts, because that’s how lasting music is made.
Live Group Coaching and Personal Feedback
These aren’t passive lectures: they’re real-time, small-group conversations. Bring your questions, drafts, and goals. You’ll receive clear, honest, and thoughtful feedback from me and fellow composers who understand what you’re reaching for.
1-on-1 Support + Private Forum Access
You won’t be doing this alone. Over the 4 months, you’ll have direct access to personalized coaching, detailed written feedback, and daily connection through our private community forum.
Masterclasses with Composers You Admire
Learn directly from some of today’s most inspiring artists—like Christopher Cerrone, Hannah Kendall, and Viet Cuong—as they share how they write, why they write, and how their music connects with performers and audiences.
A Curriculum Focused on Artistic Impact
We don’t just talk about theory—we talk about expression, structure, and resonance. You’ll go deep into melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, and form—not as abstract concepts, but as living tools that shape your voice.
The Vault: A Living Library of Learning
Get on-demand access to past workshops and masterclasses featuring top performers like Clara Kim (violin), Parker Ramsay (harp), and Austin Chanu (conducting). From Renaissance counterpoint to French spectralism, you’ll find inspiration and tools to refine your voice—wherever you’re starting from.
A Serious, Supportive Community
Surround yourself with focused, generous composers who value honesty, rigor, and artistic integrity. No egos. No gatekeeping. Just real conversations about making better music—and a space where your growth is taken seriously.
A Clearer Path to Getting Your Music Heard
Learn what performers, curators, and ensembles are actually drawn to, and how to present your music in ways that lead to performances, commissions, and momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get performances and commissions?
Many of our composers have gone on to land commissions, performances, and residencies after applying what they learned here. I can’t promise outcomes—but if you do the work, you’ll have the tools, feedback, and support to finally get your music out into the world.
How much 1-1 support will Saad give me?
You’ll find me active in the community every day—answering your questions directly, giving detailed feedback on your music, and helping you make real progress. My goal is to make sure you’re not just composing more, but composing better—and getting your work out into the world faster and more confidently.
When does the program start?
When you sign up, you’ll get immediate access to the content, the support, and the composer community so you can start making progress right away.
When are the live calls?
*Monday's at 4pm EST: 3 times per month = Saad; 1 time per month = Nicky
*Wednesday's at 2pm EST: 3 times per month = Saad; 1 time per month = Nicky
*Subject to change for holidays, illness, or personal matters.
What if I can't make the live calls?
Every live call is recorded and added to our video library, so you can catch up anytime. You can also submit questions that we'll answer, even if you're not there live.
Do I have to attend the live calls?
The live calls aren’t required—but they’re one of the most valuable parts of the program. It’s your chance to share your music directly with us and get live feedback alongside other serious composers who are just as committed as you are.
What kind of music do you focus on?
We work with composers writing concert music—no matter your aesthetic. Whether your style leans modernist, minimalist, or something uniquely your own, the goal is the same: music that gets performed and recognized. If you're still finding your voice, we’ll help you uncover it—and shape it into something that gets noticed.
Do I need to compose like Saad?
Nope. And honestly, please don’t. This isn’t about copying anyone. It’s about refining your voice and writing music that gets performed, commissioned, and recognized—because it sounds like you.
Do I already need to be an experienced composer to start?
You don’t need a long resume to join, but this isn’t for beginners either. It’s for composers who feel a deep pull toward this work. Maybe you’ve had a few performances, maybe you’re just starting to take your music seriously—but you know this is what you’re meant to do. If you’ve got the foundation and the drive, we’ll help you turn that into real momentum: more performances, stronger music, and a clearer sense of who you are as a composer.
I've taken other courses. Will this course teach me anything new?
If you’ve taken other courses, studied with great teachers, or read all the books—you’re not alone. But this isn’t just more content. It’s a shift in how you think about your music and your career. We focus on what actually gets your music played: the way performers experience your work, the clarity of your materials, and the story your music tells—on and off the page. Even seasoned composers have told me this helped them see their music with fresh ears—and finally get it out of the hard drive and into the world.
How is this different from a university composition course?
This isn’t a university course—no grades, no bureaucracy. It’s practical, composer-to-composer mentorship focused on writing music that gets performed and recognized. You’ll be challenged, supported, and free to develop your voice without academic constraints.
What does it cost?
This program is an investment comparable to one semester of tuition at a top U.S. music conservatory — but instead of general coursework, you’ll be building a real-world portfolio, gaining personal mentorship, and positioning your music for professional performances and commissions. (Full pricing and flexible payment options are explained during your free consultation call.)
What happens after the membership is over?
By the end of your membership, you’ll have the foundation to keep growing on your own—or you can choose to stay in the community for continued support, feedback, and live calls. Either way, you’ll keep lifetime access to all the core content—and the progress you’ve made won’t disappear.