Novice English composer in middle of Palermo (7)
I believe the answer is:
learner
'novice' is the definition.
(I know that learner is a type of novice)
'english composer in middle of palermo' is the wordplay.
'english composer' becomes 'Arne' (Thomas Arne).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'middle of' indicates the central letters.
The centre of 'palermo' is 'ler'.
'arne' inserted within 'ler' is 'LEARNER'.
(Other definitions for learner that I've seen before include "Unqualified driver" , "One under instruction" , "neophyte" , "Pupil or apprentice" , "Someone undergoing education" .)