Grandmother Sandy B here...Too often I get the impression that some composers think music education will diminish their gift of composing or improv ? The classical masters of composition studied for years, technique, composing,etc with very excellent piano teachers. Not one serious classical composer was ever self taught. Input as at 68 years old maybe you can educate me. I am open to discussion. Piano teachers are to be embraced, in an academic way and valued as they are our future in music composition. Sandy B

Reaper,

On the Northern Sounds forum, Garry Garritan is publishing an interactive version of Rimsky-Korsakov's Principles of Orchestration. I do recall that you're interested more in quartets, but there may be lessons in the Principles which would be useful for you. (I write only for piano and can't express an opinion on the course content.)

The interactive course is here.