Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Classical Composition Antonio Gervasoni

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Classical Composition, Antonio Gervasoni, to share insights into his connection to music and his approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Antonio reflects on composition as a deeply personal passion, his focused and minimalist teaching setup, and his belief that composition is accessible to anyone with the right skills, not just a select few. He emphasizes critical self-analysis, writing consistently in small daily moments, and creating new music for the 21st century rather than imitating the past, offering an empowering and practical perspective on learning classical composition.

What drew you to learning about classical composition?

Composition is my passion. I'm not entirely sure that it's a popular topic. I think it could be more so if people knew that anyone with the right skills can do it, and not just a select few.

How would you describe your teaching studio?

It's small but cozy. In fact, I don't need much to teach composition; just a computer and a MIDI keyboard. I think having a separate room, with all my books and equipment, makes it easier for me to be in a good mind frame. Oh, and a cup of coffee or mint tea, of course!

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge or ability about classical composition, what would it be? 

The ability to critically analyze their writing so they are always in control of their compositional process.

What’s one lasting takeaway you hope your students will carry with them from your teaching, even years from now?

That composition in the 21st century is about making new music, not trying to imitate past styles.

Are there apps / texts / other resources you often recommend? 

1. A MIDI keyboard

2. The same

3. Dorico (notation software); "Musical Composition" by Alan Belkin and "The Technique of Orchestration" by Kent Kennan. Alan Belkin's YouTube channel has numerous instructional videos on composition, harmony, and orchestration.

4. Cantai, an app that promises to make computers sing.

What’s a skill or idea you’re excited to explore in 2026? How about your students?

1. Finish and publish my book on composition.

2. One of them is finishing an album, and another is using what he learned in our lessons to get a diploma in music theory.

3. This year I wrote more than 80 minutes of music and I'm halfway through my book. A former student, Simon Alami, has premiered two symphonic pieces. He has also recorded an album and is finishing a commission for an orchestral band.

4. The secret to composing a lot of music isn't in spending several hours a day doing it, but in writing for just a few seconds each day.

Is there anything else you would like to share with potential students about classical composition?

Anyone who can play an instrument and read music can compose. It's not just for geniuses.

If you are interested in learning more about Antonio or would like to book a lesson with him, please visit his Lessonface profile here. 

Also, be sure to check out all of Lessonface’s 2025 Teachers of the Year here!