I've learned by doing. I do have a PhD -- in Expressive Arts Therapy, not in composing or theater. But my dissertation was a feature-length rock opara, which I composed, recorded, cast, filmed and edited. Did I make mistakes? Tons! Did I get it into any film festivals? No. Am I glad I did it? Hell yeah. Now I'm working on my next musical, making all-new mistakes, and having a blast.
