Teaching

Philosophy Lessons Testimonials

• Music is an art of emotion, allowing participants to exercise compassion and empathy.

• Composers are lifelong learners, honing our skills and ultimately becoming our own teachers.

• Students are empowered when they enter the room, and their experiences must be valued and respected.

• Everyone can write music and should have access to this creative medium. 

• Embracing our humanity is crucial, which comes through discovering and sharing our own stories.

• Understanding and exploring our identities is fundamental, as is maintaining an open dialogue about mental health, irrespective of the artist’s age or experience 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 carry a unique story, and our creative expression can be a powerful tool for 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.

I have served as a Music Theory and Composition Lecturer at the University of Michigan since 2020. In 2016, I joined the Trade Winds Ensemble as a Teaching Artist. TWE is a collective of professional musicians who conduct workshops incorporating music composition, songwriting, interactive games, and creative writing for children around the globe.

I aim to help individuals, including those with little to no experience composing, explore something new, creative, and challenging. My standard rate is $80/hr., but I offer a “name your price” sliding scale pricing model. There are no questions asked/details requested beyond, “What would you like to pay for lessons?” 

I ask that students commit to either six 1-hour lessons or twelve 1-hour lessons, offered weekly, if desired, or bi-weekly. The format is flexible depending on the project, goals, experience, etc. A free trial lesson (contact me) is always available so we can discuss your goals and interests, look over any music you’ve written, and discuss how I might help!

Collected Non-Anonymously

“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 is a compassionate and thoughtful teacher who strikes a perfect balance of conveying rigorous compositional techniques and strategies and sponsoring individual creativity and freedom. Across a broad range of musical styles and media, Brandon offers tangible feedback as well as accompanying ‘bigger picture’ concepts. I always leave my lessons with them excited to continue my work.”

– Luquant Singh, Former Student

“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. I recommend them with enormous enthusiasm!”

– 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

“My understanding of composition grew tremendously during my years of undergraduate study with Dr. Rumsey. Their guidance not only helped me to realize the full potential of each note, it also gave me the confidence to venture outside of my comfort zone, resulting in the creation of some of my best works. I am grateful to Dr. Rumsey for their mentorship both inside and outside of the classroom, and for their unwavering commitment to my growth as a composer.”

– Christian Erroll King, Former Student