Hollywood Songwriting Tips & Tricks: Learn To Write Like The Pros!

From 26.8 £ /h

Wanna learn to write songs like the pros? That's where I come in! From song structure to hooks and catchy choruses, to lyric writing and instrumentation, I can teach you all the skills you need to write songs like a Hollywood music producer!

ABOUT ME:
I'm Alex an award-winning songwriter, composer, performer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, producer and audio engineer from Hollywood. I combine a BFA in Musical Arts and an MFA in Performance & Composition from California Institute of the Arts with 28+ years of professional experience in the music industry and 15+ years of teaching experience.

I've been signed to multiple record labels, including Sony Music, and write, produce, engineers, mix and master a wide variety of styles, including Rock, Alternative, Indie, Pop, EDM, Country, Film & Trailer Scoring, Sound Design and much more.

I've also taught master level classes in Popular Music, Contemporary Songwriting, Composition, Recording Arts, Music Business, and Music Theory.

Extra information

If you have a laptop, that's optimum. But I can also teach you on your instrument, or even just a pen and paper!

Location

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At student's location :

Around Amsterdam, Netherlands

Around Utrecht, Netherlands

Online from Netherlands

About Me

I'm Alex an award-winning songwriter, composer, performer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, producer and audio engineer from Hollywood. I combine a BFA in Musical Arts and an MFA in Performance & Composition from California Institute of the Arts with 28+ years of professional experience in the music industry and 15+ years of teaching experience.

I've been signed to multiple record labels, including Sony Music, and write, produce, engineers, mix and master a wide variety of styles, including Rock, Alternative, Indie, Pop, EDM, Country, Film & Trailer Scoring, Sound Design and much more.

I've also taught master level classes in Popular Music, Contemporary Songwriting, Composition, Recording Arts, Music Business, and Music Theory.

Education

BFA in Musical Arts, 2014
California Institute of the Arts, Los Angeles, CA
MFA in Performance & Composition, 2016
California Institute of the Arts, Los Angeles, CA

Experience / Qualifications

With 28+ years of professional experience in the music industry and 15+ years of teaching experience, I've been signed to multiple record labels, including Sony Music, and write, produce, engineers, mix and master a wide variety of styles, including Rock, Alternative, Indie, Pop, EDM, Country, Film & Trailer Scoring, Sound Design and much more.

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Song writing

Music composition

Sound (music)

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

At student's home

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Audio Recording and Production 101: Help Me Obi Wan!

61.63 £ /h

So, you want to learn how to producer, engineer, mix, and master audio, eh? Awesome! I can teach you any DAW you want to learn, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Cubase, Garageband, and Logic Pro, in easy to understand, simple steps. I know that when you open recording software for the first time, it can feel like looking at the controls for a spaceship; how can you ever hope to understand all these numbers, colors and controls?? It feels overwhelming. Don't worry though, it's not as hard as it looks! In fact, it's so intuitive that I guarantee you will engineer your first drum track the very first time we work together!!

Learn to Sing: Vocal Training for Beginners and Intermediate Singers

50.02 £ /h

Do you often find yourself screeching like a werewolf when the moon is full? Or perhaps you scream along to your favorite songs in the car? Or maybe you treat your neighbors to a shower opera every morning? If this sounds like you, then it's time for some vocal training! I have over 28 years of professional Hollywood music industry singing experience, both in the recording studio and live on stage, and I can train you to not only sing to the best of your ability, but to develop healthy vocal habits to make sure you don't hurt your voice!

Valeria

5.0

(1)

I am a classical and baroque bassist. Graduated from Amsterdam Conservatory (Bachelor and Master )
With more than 15 years playing my instrument and 3 years of teaching young kids and people from all ages and levels!

If you always wanted to learn the double bass is never to late to start!

Kirsi-Marja

5.0

(1)

Have you always wanted to play an instrument that is extremely diverse and used in many different music styles? Have a dream to learn to play the trumpet but never knew where to go and where to start? Have you been playing in the past and now you want to pick it up again, or continue learning with a teacher?

Your situation might be described above or be something different, it doesn't matter. I'm offering high-quality, student-centered trumpet lessons with years of teaching experience. My goal is to help you to reach your goals with whatever you want to learn with the instrument, and also equip you with good instrument technique and general music theory knowledge. I have studied both classical and jazz music and played also pop, funk and other styles of music. I have recently graduated from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. In addition to trumpet playing, I'm also a singer and composer. I would be more than happy to teach you what I know from these fields of activities. I hope to see you at my lessons!

Kirsi

Hernan

5.0

(1)

The way I teach actually depends entirely on the student. The way I explain the concepts, plan and structure the lessons and approach each subject all depends on whether the student is a beginner, intermediate or advanced, and whether he or she has some experience on the subject.

Each student has different needs and different abilities. It's just a matter of getting to know the student, in order to identify both the weaknesses and strengths on which to work.

Fani

5.0

(1)

Music Production, Music Technology, Electronic music composition. Audio Recording and mixing.
Learn how to use Logic Pro X, Ableton, Reaper etc. Depending on your level the lessons start from basic music technology principles to advanced music production techniques.

Beginners: I can teach you about the types of microphones and how to use them (Audio Recording), introduce you to the basic audio equipment, and teach you how to use a Digital Audio Workstation (Audio mixing & Audio editing).
Intermediate/Advanced: For advanced levels, we can focus on production and mixing techniques, special effects, composition, aesthetics, and adjust the lesson to your knowledge.

Get in touch to discuss your needs, every lesson is personalized.

Lucy

5.0

(1)

[EN below]

Do you have a passion for music and dream of learning to sing, play the piano, write your own songs, or even discover the magic of music production in Logic Pro X? Search no further!

Together we can search for the perfect lesson content that is specifically tailored to you, so that I can always offer what you want. Multiple interests? – then we can even combine different disciplines for an even richer learning path. The lesson material is infused with my personal experiences as a professional musician in the pop industry, knowledge from previous classical piano and theory lessons, singing lessons and the insights I gained during my completed studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Pop).

Expect a professional approach during class, combined with a fun and unique teaching experience designed especially for you.

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Are you passionate about music and do you dream of learning to sing, play the piano, write your own songs, or dive into the enchanting world of music production using Logic Pro X? Look no further!

Together, let's embark on a journey to tailor the perfect lesson content to your desires, ensuring that I can always provide exactly what you're looking for. Multiple interests? – then we can even combine various disciplines for a more enriching learning experience. The teaching material is infused with my personal experiences as a professional musician in the pop industry, insights from earlier classical piano and theory classes, singing lessons and the knowledge acquired from my studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Pop).

Expect a professional approach during the lesson, paired with a warm and distinctive learning experience crafted just for you.

Max

5.0

(1)

I want to base my lessons on playing the guitar and related instruments in a way that feels mastered and personal.

I therefore want to focus on expression, technique and the aurally malleable nature of the instrument, for example by discussing extended techniques and the use of effect pedals. I want to invite the students to learn to listen carefully to the impact of different playing techniques and audio effects.

During the lessons I want to cover different kinds of music theory, especially in an "applied" way that is valuable to the student. I also want to deal with recording and producing my own work.

Owning your own effects pedals, a guitar amplifier or recording equipment is not required for this course.

Stefano

5.0

(1)

Are you ready to discover the magic of one of the most beautiful instruments ever created? Look no further! The piano has transformed my life and I'm confident it will do the same for you.

With my guidance, I'll equip you with all the tools you need to approach this majestic and stunning instrument. I'll take you on a personal journey, step by step, showing you how to master the Piano in a way that suits your individual style. Whether it's Jazz, Classical, or Pop, you'll fall in love with playing the Piano!

But that's not all - I'm also thrilled to offer you the opportunity to explore:
- Music theory
- Songwriting and Composition skills

With my expert guidance, you'll develop a well-rounded musical education that will take your talent to new heights.

So why wait? Get in touch with me today and let's embark on this wonderful journey together!

Enrico

5.0

(1)

Hello everyone, I'm Enrico and I come from Italy. Right now I am in Utrecht where I am doing a master's degree in cello under the guidance of Timora Rosler.
During my years of studies I always had the possibility to teach music, in fact while I was doing my Bachelor in Italy at the Conservatory of Turin, I taught cello and music theory in a private music school called "Isla de Musiqueros", in this school I had the opportunity to teach people of all ages, including children under 4 years old.
When I moved to the Netherlands little by little I started to find students and many many concerts.

I believe that playing is the best way to have fun and express your emotions, the work I want to do is work on tensions and try to help you melt away while playing, in this way you can have more sound and feel more free.
Technique is also very important in the everyday life of a musician, together we can see the best exercises for you, to help you improve and have more confidence with the instrument.

Antek

5.0

(1)

Hello there!

My name is Antek and i'm a cellist and composer who graduated from Conservatorium van Amsterdam. As a cellist I've had the pleasure and honour of collaborating with renowned artists such as Hans Zimmer, being part of his 2022 European Tour Orchestra, touring over 15 countries and playing in locations such as London's O2 Arena or Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. I am now mainly active as a performer of contemporary/experimental music, as well as classical music, freelancing in various orchestras in the Netherlands, having played in venues such as Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, Concertgebouw or TivoliVredenburg. I offer cello lessons, regardless of the level - whether you are a curious beginner or more advanced player, i'm happy to collaborate and share my knowledge and experience with you, as well as inspire your creativity regarding both playing the right notes, and making artistic choices.

I can also help you prepare for conservatory entrance exams by providing Solfege, Ear-training and General Music Theory lessons.

As a composer, I'm currently pursuing a degree at Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp. I can help you work on your ideas, and how to write them down, to sound exactly how you want them to sound. That includes tutorials on engraving rules, orchestration, working in DAWs (Ableton) and using sheet music software (Sibelius, MuseScore), as well as building your craft and workflow. I'm experienced in writing both instrumental and electronic music, as well as performance art, live electronics and multidisciplinary projects. I have also collaborated with institutions like National Polish Radio or CelloWercken Festival Zutphen.

I hope to hear back from you soon and I'm looking forward to start working on your musical journey!
Peace and Love
Antek

Stijn

5.0

(1)

Guitar lessons in Amsterdam Center from a certified guitar teacher with more than 20 years of teaching experience!

Pop, Rock, Blues, Funk, Jazz: I am familiar with many styles and can help you discover the guitar and your musical development!

Accompany yourself on guitar while you sing? Do you want to write songs yourself? With my tips, lessons and coaching you will go further and get even more pleasure and satisfaction from music and your guitar

Samuel

5.0

(1)

Hello

I'm a professional bass player living in Amsterdam. I have a passion for teaching and passing on some of the knowledge that I have acquired during my studies at several schools and heard from the musicians I look up to. I've done my bachelor degree at The Royal Academy of Music in Denmark, and I finished my Masters at Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2024.

I teach double bass, electric bass and composition.

Musically I try to be as open as I can. For me it doesn't matter if it's free jazz, traditional jazz, pop or metal as long as it feels good.

I'm a leader of my own group where we combine jazz and indie rock. we will release our debut album this fall.

I'm also a sideman in several groups.

As for composition I have experience with composing for regular jazz groups, big band, string quartet and irregular constellations such as my band with three guitars and three horns.

Some thoughts about teaching:

I believe that the most important thing when teaching is having a good relation to one another and generally just having a good time. If we don't enjoy the process we don't learn.
You should feel comfortable saying how you feel and what you want to learn/don't want to learn. With that transparency I will be able to customize the teaching and balance the curriculum so that I meet your needs while pushing you into unknown territory.

If you're reading this I'm happy that you took your time to read through it all, and hopefully we'll get to meet and talk about music!

Davide

5.0

(1)

Join Davide, a professional jazz vocalist and master's student at the Conservatorium Van Amsterdam, for an engaging and enriching vocal jazz/pop class. With years of performing experience across Europe and a deep understanding of voice techniques, Davide offers personalized coaching to help you unlock your vocal potential.

What You’ll Learn:

Fundamentals of Jazz/Pop Singing: Explore jazz and pop phrasing, rhythm, and improvisation to bring your performance to life.

Voice Technique: Strengthen breath control, tone, and pitch with targeted exercises.

Repertoire Building: Learn to interpret and perform classic jazz standards and pop songs while developing your own unique style.

Stage Presence: Tips on engaging audiences and developing confidence through live performance techniques.

Multilingual Singing: Benefit from Davide's expertise in Italian, English, and Spanish to master songs in multiple languages.

This class is perfect for singers of all levels looking to refine their vocal technique, enhance their jazz/pop repertoire, and explore improvisation.

Markas

5.0

(1)

Lesson in Ableton Live, preparing for live performances, sound engineering, piano and composition.

- classical music
- electronic music with Ableton live and other DAW’s
- composition with traditional methods and notation
- orchestral writing and part preparations
- sight reading, scales
- harmonic theory and chord progressions
- elements of jazz harmony and voicing

Sofiia

5.0

(1)

Lessons are specifically tailored to the needs of each student, with a focus on their personal requests. I offer various approaches — teaching, coaching, mentoring. My lesson style ranges from diving into music theory and analysing great music works of the past, to developing a musical concept for your compositions and working on your personal style.

I am proficient in jazz arranging and composing, classical orchestration and composition, jazz and classical theory, solfege, rhythmics, as well as working within interdisciplinary fields — combining different art forms with music.

I offer a wide range of possibilities — writing your own compositions/songs; arranging for a big band (or any other ensemble); songwriting; working with strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion.
Your motivation is the limit:)

I am also working with Sibelius as a software, so I can teach you to use it.

Deniz

5.0

(1)

In this class, we use Ableton Live as a creative tool to explore music production, composition, and sound design. Whether you're a beginner or already producing, the lessons are tailored to your goals. whether that’s making beats, writing songs, or designing experimental soundscapes. You'll learn how to turn your musical ideas into finished tracks, while gaining practical knowledge of arrangement, audio effects, MIDI, sampling, and more. Theory is introduced in a simple, intuitive way to support your creativity, and improvisation is encouraged to help you find your own sound. My goal is to give you the tools—and the confidence—to create music that feels truly yours.