Ivy league professor reveals how to...
Compose Concert-Ready Music in 120 Days.
Compose Concert-Ready Music in 120 Days.
Get your music performed, commissioned, and recognized without the guesswork, burnout, or endless rewriting.
After years away from formal study, Saad helped me rebuild my skills and reconnect with my voice. One piece I revised with his feedback doubled in length and found its structure. Another won an international call for scores. I’m writing more focused, expressive music and finally building real relationships with performers. I’ve grown more in this mentorship than I had in years.
Jude Duane, composer
Does This Sound Like You?
• You’ve spent years studying composition, but still struggle to get your music performed, commissioned, or recognized.
• You're serious about your craft, but feel isolated and unsure if your music really reflects your voice.
• You've applied to festivals, grad schools, or calls-for-scores… but rarely hear back, and you're starting to wonder what you're missing.
You're not alone...
Nobody Was Programming My Music...
Until I Figured Out This System
I sent my music to over 600 orchestras.
One replied.
And even they didn’t perform it.
At the time, I was writing constantly, finishing piece after piece, thinking, maybe this will be the one that gets programmed by a major orchestra.
I had the degrees. The training. I had studied with world-class teachers.
But my inbox stayed quiet. My scores sat untouched. And I kept asking myself:
Why isn’t this working?
So I did what most composers do: I pushed harder. I wrote more. I chased the next big idea. But the harder I worked, the more disconnected I felt. I was producing music, sure, but I wasn’t proud of it.
There was no momentum. No direction. Just burnout and silence.
Then one day, I finished a new piece, looked at the final bar line… and felt absolutely nothing. No pride. No relief. Just exhaustion.
I even told my doctoral advisor at Columbia University, “I’m not in love with music anymore.”
And for the first time, I asked the question I’d been avoiding:
“What am I doing this for?”
That was the turning point. I realized I wasn’t composing with clarity or purpose. I was composing out of obligation. Trying to impress imaginary gatekeepers. Writing for a system I didn’t believe in.
And no amount of talent or training could fix that.
So I changed course.
I stopped trying to prove I was “legitamate.” I started writing for performers again, not panels and unreachable orchestras. I wrote by hand. I studied music that actually moved me. I reworked my scores so musicians could trust them.
And I built a process that helped me finish bold, intentional work—on time, without second-guessing.
And that’s when it all clicked:
It's not about being “the best” composer. It’s about writing music that actually gets played.
When your ideas are clear, your voice is strong, and your scores are built for the stage, musicians take notice. Presenters take chances. You don’t have to chase opportunity anymore. You start attracting it.
Once I made that shift, everything changed. Performances. Commissions. Residencies. Calls from orchestras I used to admire from afar.
Not because I became a genius overnight, but because I finally aligned what I was writing with the outcomes I wanted.
Now I help other composers do the same.
Some are earning scholarships to top conservatories. Others are building portfolios that lead to repeat performances, multiple commissions, and international recognition.
Because once your music is clear, intentional, and performer-ready, everything starts to shift.
And it doesn’t take years. It just takes the right support at the right moment.
From Stuck to a $60,000 Scholarship at Peabody in Under 1 Year
I wouldn’t have gotten into Peabody with scholarships if it weren’t for working with Saad. I was super lost, writing pieces that weren’t going anywhere. He helped me write faster, stay on track, and build a strong portfolio that led to performances, recordings, and real results in under a year.
London Scholle, composer
How to Write Music Performers Can't Wait to Play
Writing music that gets performed comes down to three things:
✅ Crafting a concert-ready artistic voice
✅ Executing an efficient composing process
✅ Building authentic connections with performers
It’s not about being a “genius.” That’s a myth.
It's not about waiting for inspiration to strike, either.
And it’s definitely not about stacking composition treatises on your shelf, hoping the next one finally shows you how to write compelling music.
The real problem?
Most composers are focused on the wrong things, like obsessing over being “original” enough, perfecting every bar before the piece has taken shape, or chasing approval from institutions instead of writing for performers.
That approach leads to burnout, endless revisions, and music that performers hesitate to program.
The Composer’s Brain System will fix all of that.
Because it teaches you a repeatable method for writing music that’s built for the stage and can open real doors.
This means:
→ More performances by musicians who are genuinely excited to play your work.
→ More commissions, contest wins, and scholarships that recognize your unique voice.
→ More invitations to festivals and residencies that position you for a fulfilling, long-term career as a composer.
And I built this system to enable you to do this.
Inside, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Sharpen your musical identity so you’re not guessing what kind of music you should be writing
✅ Use my sketching method to develop emotionally grounded, structurally sound ideas before opening notation software
✅ Move from sketches to polished, performer-ready scores with a step-by-step process that saves time and frustration
✅ Write music that musicians trust—with clear, playable, intentional materials that performers want to engage with
✅ Get feedback at the right moments so you can stop second-guessing and finish with confidence
✅ Understand what gets programmed (and why) so you can position your work more effectively
✅ Stop chasing orchestras and start building collaborations with musicians in your network and local scene
I know this works because my students’ results speak for themselves. See what they have to say:
My first commission is officially underway, and I’m negotiating the contract myself, using Saad’s resources he shared. What stood out is how clearly he breaks down things that are usually hidden behind academic walls. For the first time, I feel like I’m building a foundation for my work.
Theodore Schwamm, composer
Before studying with Saad, I struggled with notation, instrumentation, and confidence. Now, I’ve earned a USC composition degree, worked with top ensembles, and feel supported both artistically and personally. Saad helped me find my voice and build the relationships that got my music performed.
Amelia Horney, composer
How Composers Are Turning Their Scores Into Careers
There’s a clear process that’s helping serious composers break out of isolation and finally get their music performed, without cold emails or waiting for someone to “discover” them.
Step 1: Find Your Voice
Clarify the music that resonates with you so you can write pieces performers want to program.
Step 2: Create Your Portfolio
Finalize polished, performer-ready scores and learn how to present them in ways that open doors.
Step 3: Grow Your Visibility
Learn how to build authentic relationships, connect with performers, and get your music heard, without pitching cold or waiting for permission.
Step 4: Build Your Infrastructure
Put the right systems in place to track performances, manage your catalog, and ensure your career keeps growing long after your music premieres.
It’s really that simple—just four proven steps to go from feeling stuck to hearing your music on stage. And with the Composer’s Brain System, you’ll have the tools, support, and structure to finally get the performances and recognition your music deserves.
After trying other online composition teachers, Saad stood out above them all. He took the time to identify the exact areas where I needed to grow and gave me targeted material that filled those gaps. My skills have improved significantly and for the first time, I feel real progress in my writing.
Tinashe Jera, composer
What stood out most about Saad’s mentorship was how grounded and specific his advice was. He helped me rethink where to apply, how to shape my materials, and how to build genuine connections—all with clarity and no wasted words. His support gave me direction I didn’t even realize I needed.
Bradley Fletcher, composer
How the Composer's Brain System Gets You Concert-Ready
Built on 20+ years of composing experience and 10+ years teaching everyone from undergraduates at Columbia University to award-winning composers, this system gives you the tools, feedback, and support you need to finally compose music that opens doors.
Inside, you get access to:
Working with Saad helped me overcome perfectionism and start writing more consistently. His structured yet personalized approach pushed me to develop ideas on paper, think analytically, and finish pieces I had stalled on, like a choral work that just got positive feedback from a conductor. Exactly the support I needed.
Sasha Kryuchkov, composer
Saad expanded my understanding of instrumentation and introduced me to new techniques like klangfarbenmelodie and graphic scores. He helped me through a tough audition process and made everything feel much less overwhelming. His support gave me the tools (and the push) I needed to take on bigger musical challenges with confidence.
Christina Qu, composer
Spots Are Extremely Limited!
I’m going to personally ensure that every composer in our community has the tools, feedback, and support they need to create music that gets performed, opens professional doors, and builds lasting momentum—so that joining this program becomes the most impactful decision they’ve ever made.
Because this is a hands-on, personalized mentorship, I can only take on 10 more composers before applications close. Once the spots are filled, that’s it.
So don’t hesitate. This opportunity could disappear before you know it.
This is a rare chance to have your music personally reviewed by a composer whose support has helped others land commissions, get into top festivals, and hear their work performed on major stages.
All you have to do is click Apply Now.
Then you’ll be on the path toward a body of work performers want to play and audiences remember.
See you inside.
✅ This is for you if...
• You’re tired of writing in isolation and want consistent feedback from someone who gets it.
• You have some training, but need structure and accountability to actually finish pieces.
• You want to hear your music performed, but don’t know how to connect with the right musicians.
• You’re open to refining your voice and building a body of work that reflects who you really are.
• You’re willing to do the work, including sketching, studying scores, and showing up consistently.
• You’ve been stuck in perfectionism or self-doubt and are ready to finally move forward.
• You’re serious about composition, not as a hobby, but as a core part of your life and identity.
❌ This is not for you if...
• You’re looking for shortcuts to success without putting in the creative work.
• You don’t want feedback or think your music is already beyond improvement.
• You’re not open to developing new techniques or exploring unfamiliar musical territory.
• You’re unwilling to share your work-in-progress or engage with a community of peers.
• You just want to dabble in composing occasionally rather than committing to daily growth.
• You believe performers should just understand your scores, without you improving your clarity.
• You’re not ready to invest time, energy, and focus into your long-term growth as a composer.
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.
I’m applying to music school for composition. Is this program the right fit for me?
Yes, especially if you want your portfolio to stand out.
Whether you're applying to undergrad or grad school, clean notation isn't enough. Your scores need identity, clarity, and real-world polish to rise above the rest.
This program helps you refine your voice, structure your work with intention, and present your music in a way that performers — and admissions panels — take seriously.
Several of my students have used this exact process to earn scholarships and admission to top programs like USC, NYU, Northwestern, Peabody, Vanderbilt, and more.
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 the cost of one single conservatory-level course, but instead of general coursework, you’ll be adding music to your catalogue while positioning your music for professional performances and commissions. We’ll walk you through full pricing and flexible payment options during your free consultation.
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.
Can You Afford to Keep Writing Music That No One Ever Hears?
You’ve been trying to figure this out on your own, writing piece after piece, hoping something clicks.
But if you're still not getting performances, commissions, or the kind of recognition your work deserves… maybe it’s not about working harder. Maybe it’s about getting the right kind of support.
At this point, you’ve got two options:
❌ Keep doing what you’re doing, alone, unsure if your work is even headed in the right direction.
✅ Or step into a system that gives you the clarity and feedback you’ve been missing.
The longer you wait, the longer your music stays on the page instead of on stage.
You have something worth sharing. But if no one plays it, no one hears it.
So let’s change that.
Click Apply Now and let’s figure out if this mentorship is the right fit for you.
What Others Say
