teaching experience

I have been teaching composition for well over a decade, via in-person and virtual private lessons, university classes, extracurricular workshops, and summer festivals. In addition to composition, I have also taught classes and workshops in music theory, music technology, and history of modern music. I’ve held teaching positions at Columbia University, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Montclair State University, and University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, where I served as Chair of the Composition Department.

Beyond institutionally supported positions, it has been an honor to work in a freelance capacity with many young composers over the years, composing in many styles and at a variety of stages in their compositional journeys. I take pride in the fact that none of my students’ music sounds like my own, nor like each other’s. My students have included:

• experienced musicians with little compositional background, who with me developed their techniques and portfolios in preparation for successful application to Masters programs in composition

• accomplished performers eager to explore a new mode of engagement with music, usually to the significant benefit of their primary musical pursuits

• individuals with minimal or no compositional experience but significant aspirations, who have in short periods of time created very strong portfolios and gained acceptance into several of their top choices for BM programs in composition

• songwriters interested in deepening their understanding of musical structure and theory to enhance their writing

• the curious listener, for whom the study of composition, music theory, or the history of contemporary music is simply a means to a better understanding of the musical world they already occupy

Regardless of one’s experience level, musical goals, or stylistic inclinations, I see the study of composition as one of the greatest ways to enhance one’s relationship with music, including its creation, performance, and consumption.

testimonials

John has greatly expanded the possibilities that I consider during the process of composing music. His lessons are never one-sided lectures, but rather mutual conversations through which I develop, refine and elevate my own ideas.

- Zixuan, award-winning high school composer and pianist preparing for college applications

The time I’ve spent studying with Dr. Rot has been invaluable to my growth as a composer and as a musician. During lessons, we discuss ways in which my pieces could benefit and be clearer in their message. I benefit from these talks because they often lead to breakthroughs that take my pieces to the next level. Along with that, the music theory knowledge I gained in high school because of my lessons with Dr. Rot, has made me very comfortable navigating music theory in college. The time I’ve spent with Dr. Rot has broadened my knowledge and given me a solid foundation on which I can now write pieces that I am confident and pleased with.

- Alejandro, high school composer and vocalist successfully admitted to several college programs, including top choice

I took composition lessons with Dr. Rot throughout my senior year of high school. In our lessons, Dr. Rot taught me so much about theory and composition. We worked on writing melodies and analyzing other pieces of music, as well as music theory and voice leading. Taking lessons with Dr. Rot helped me to improve what I had felt most unsure about when I was composing. By improving my chord progressions and giving me ways to build melodies and structure my pieces, Dr. Rot helped me get to the point where I don’t need to work as hard as I used to in order to add length to a piece, now it comes naturally. Throughout my time with him, I wrote a piece for string orchestra, which he helped me through the process of writing, and got the opportunity to conduct and premier it with my school’s orchestra. That was a truly special moment in my life that I would not otherwise have gotten the chance to do if I hadn’t taken lessons with Dr. Rot. I am now in my freshman year of music school as a viola performance major, and was inspired by my time with Dr. Rot to start double majoring in music composition next year.

- Brandon, high school violist studying composition and music theory for fun

In my year and a half of composition lessons, I have grown immensely as a composer and as a musician. Dr. Rot has let me develop my own unique compositional styles, and offers great feedback that is relevant and valuable to my compositional process. He is always willing to talk about other musical topics, such as music history, theory, and listening.

- Henry, high school cellist and composer

John Rot was instrumental in helping our son, Will, pursue music composition at the collegiate level. Before working with John, Will had had limited experience writing short pieces for one instrument at a time. John helped guide him toward completion of an eight minute long, five-section piece for piano and cello that became one of the key pieces in his portfolio for college admissions. They worked together remotely through the fall, fleshing out the rest of his portfolio and evaluating which college programs might be a good fit based on Will’s musical inclinations and experience. John also helped with mock auditions so Will was comfortable in those settings. Will was ultimately accepted to nearly every program he applied to and John helped him decide which was the best fit. I don’t know how our family would have been able to support Will through this process without John’s help. He took the time to truly know Will and steer him to a place where he would be happy. We couldn’t be more pleased with the help John offered our son!

- Kathy, mother of student

My son has been taking private composition lessons with Dr. Rot and enjoys every minute! As a parent, I have been deeply impressed by my son’s growth as a composer. Dr. Rot allows my son creative freedom to develop his unique composition style, and provides valuable feedback so my son can think productively about his musical ambitions and visions.

- Carol, mother of student

Talking to John Rot about my music was like staring into the mirror. The more I tried to talk about my music the more I felt like I was hearing and thinking about my own words and thoughts. More and more I had to accept that this music I wrote was mine - and only then, did John push forward with what I could do. There's a way John integrates the craft of composing with the art. Techniques feel like a means to an end, and John never steps on the student//composers' toes when giving his thoughts in lessons. A lot of questions were asked - many unanswered, but all of them felt necessary. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with John Rot. 

– BM composition student

I have become a more responsible musical decision maker each and every session. John has exposed me to new horizons, and even through the technology buffer I could feel his passion for everything music.

– Justin, BM composition student

I am so grateful that I had the chance to study with John. From the very first lesson, he made me realize a vision that had been forming for years but I was completely unaware of. And now I feel empowered to make this vision come true and make it mine. 

– Dewey, MM composition student

John's music theory labs made the course for me. Whenever I left labs, I not only felt that I had a more secure understanding of the topic, but that the topic was much simpler and more straightforward than I had previously imagined. Truly a fantastic teacher whom I will be sorry not to have next semester.

– Columbia University music theory student

He was passionate about what he taught, displayed comprehensive knowledge of music from advanced music theory to intellectual history. He also didn't shy away from controversy, inviting thoughtful discussion on problematic aspects of history and our study of it. His piano playing ability enabled him to sit at the piano and unpack/dissect certain musical elements within these masterpieces, bringing a clarity to the piece that would otherwise be obscured in less capable hands. He puts in a lot, but he also demands a lot. If you want to dive in headfirst and emerge with a more thoughtful, capable appreciation of classical music then take his class.

– Columbia University music history student

Something I really appreciated was that he was willing to alter the lessons around the discussions we had in class instead of shutting them down. I felt that he truly listened to what the students responded and cared.

– Columbia University student

Professor Rot in addition to being amongst the most competent in this subject matter also happens to be a great teacher. Teachers who don't tell you what to think and facilitate a wide range of discussion are rare at Columbia. I found the environment to be the healthiest I've seen at the university. Professor Rot's natural ability and dedication made the difference. I really appreciated John's teaching method. He is always clear and teaches everything in a simultaneously comprehensible and enjoyable way.

– Columbia University student

Stellar instructor. He broke down each musical element and composition to allow students with no musical background to be able to understand and appreciate each piece. I learned more in his class than I did in any other music classes I've taken in the past. I highly recommend.

– Columbia University student

John is probably one of the most accommodating instructors at Columbia. He is truly committed to his students success and really wants us to understand the material. His excitement in an 8:40am class made me want to pay attention. 

– Columbia University student