A free online music school
for your child

Little Composers gives your child app-based instruments, structured lessons, and a built-in music teacher. No cost. No signup. No travel. Just music.

Why Little Composers?

I am building Little Composers for two reasons. Today's music no longer teaches the way it used to. And the economy is making it increasingly difficult for families to afford the private lessons that once filled that gap. Music is the one skill that can enhance a child's life like nothing else, and right now, two forces are working against them.

In the sixties, listening to Elvis or the Beatles did more than entertain. A young musician would hear the lyrics, the drums, the guitar, the bass, and if they had access to one of those instruments, they could eventually play along. Many of those self-taught players formed bands and went on to fame. That era is over.

Today's music entertains. It no longer teaches. I have spent a career composing, recording, conducting, performing, and teaching music. I will be honest: I no longer hear educational value in much of what I hear. That saddens me.

This is why I am building Little Composers. I want to give today's children what I had: simple, easy access to music that builds real skill and helps them see the concept of music for themselves.

What Little Composers offers

Apps that include the teacher

Color-coded keys, a SHOW ME button on every lesson, and clear visual feedback. Your child can practice independently and safely.

No musical experience required

You don't need to read music or play an instrument. The apps guide both mentor and child through the first musical steps.

Composition before theory

Most music methods start with books. Little Composers flips the order and the results speak for themselves.

No instrument needed

Although a tablet provides the best learning experience, the apps work on any device you already have. Start where you are.

Trusted pedagogy

Developed by a retired Austrian music educator with decades of classroom experience. The method is tested, structured, and age-appropriate.

100% free, forever

Little Composers is a labor of love and my gift to the musicians of tomorrow. No barriers, just play. Like it used to be.

"The Canadian team behind Little Composers have created what may be the best music apps for younger kids, and they're available on all tablets, smartphones, Macs and PCs."

— Kevin McGuire, The Irish Times

Frequently asked questions

Can I teach my child?
Teaching a child is 80% encouragement and 20% patience. If you are willing to sit with them, listen to what they compose, and tell them how amazed you are, then yes, you can teach. We provide everything else.
How long should we practice?
If your child is a toddler or still pre-reading, keep sessions to about 15 minutes. Mix the playtime with questions. Pretend you've forgotten a few details and let your child teach you. Then generate a new lesson or start a new composition, depending on the app.
How often should we practice?
For best results, five days per week is sufficient. Not every day is the same. When I was a young music teacher in the eighties, I had a hard time teaching on the nights Knight Rider aired. If your child shows disinterest, it is okay to skip a day or two. If this becomes a pattern, revisit the first question: Can I teach my child?
We only have a laptop. Will that work?
Yes. Connect an external mouse and you are set. Just be mindful that clicking piano keys with a cursor is slower than tapping a screen, so start with a slower tempo and let your child set the pace. A laptop is a perfectly good place to begin.
Can I download your apps?
The Little Composers apps live in your browser, not on your device. You don't download or install anything. You open a link, the app loads, and you start playing. This keeps the barrier to entry as low as possible: no app store, no account, no update prompts. Any child with a screen and a connection can play.
Are the piano apps just for children?
No. Many apps include extra keys that make thousands of melodies possible. prePiano Two through Four and the Little Composers Piano span the range of the human voice, so if you can sing it, you can play it. Adults use them too.
No sound. How do I fix this?
First, play a YouTube video in the same browser. If you hear sound there, the app is fine and the issue is likely a temporary glitch. Try refreshing the page with Ctrl+R (Cmd+R on Mac). If that doesn't help, close the browser completely and reopen it. As a last resort, restart your computer. Sound issues are almost always a browser or system problem, not an app problem.
This is fantastic! How can I help?
The best way to help is to tell others. Share the apps on your social media, send the link to a friend whose kid needs a creative outlet, or mention Little Composers to your child's teacher. If you are a teacher or work at a school, visit our Schools page to get listed. You can also send us feedback. Word of mouth and honest feedback are how free projects like this grow.

Ready to make some music?

Check out some of the apps and when you are ready, introduce your child to the wonderful world of music.

prePiano One prePiano Two Little Composers Piano Major & Minor Scales

Curious how the apps came to be? Read the full story on prePiano.com.