Music Composition/Music Theory Lessons (song-writing, arranging)

From 42.86 £ /h

My name is Miguel and I'm a Portuguese composer, singer, and keyboard instrumentalist with a Master's degree in Composition (by the Koninklijke Conservatorium Antwerpen in Belgium), and Music Education (by the University of Aveiro in Portugal) and currently finishing a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Studies in Antwerp. I have professional experience in arranging and orchestrating, and a particular interest in vocal music.
I love learning and teaching about things I'm passionate about and I want to share this love for learning with others, so whether you're starting with your song-writing, or need help for arranging, whether you're into contemporary classical music and would like to know more about it I'm here to help!

Location

Online from Belgium

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Portuguese

Dutch

Spanish

Catalan

Skills

Music theory

Music composition

Song writing

Reviews

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

European Portuguese by the Oral Direct/Natural Method

32.15 £ /h

These classes make use of modules in the oral Direct method, in which there is a comprehensive interaction spoken solely in Portuguese that is apprehended by context, this makes this method similar to the kind of learning we experience when we are first learning our mother tongue. Whenever necessary we can switch to another language between these moments, complemented with explanations about grammar and pronunciation when needed. These explanations will be articulated in English, but contact me if you prefer them in another language like Spanish, Italian, French, German or Dutch.
We will use the international phonetic alphabet to take notes about pronunciation, but we will also learn about orthography.

Lou-Indigo

4.87

(84)

The course that I propose is BILINGUAL FRENCH / ENGLISH, as well as 2 BOOKS.

Age and musical taste are not restrictive when in the program, you can with qualitative daily work (not quantitative) quickly observe your progress.

Here the pleasure of playing music is put forward.

The kind of music you love most will be the focus of the course, their codes and secrets will be the focus of our study, that's what I want to share with you.

We can do technical lessons and simply learn together how to play one or more songs of your choice or mine, enrich your game with this approach and your repertoire!

(For example, We can re-arrange the pieces and make them more original by approaching the system (CAGED), and enriching their chords, resulting in new positions, new techniques and new sounds, using arpeggio techniques rather than strumming for 4-chord pieces, voicing and fingerstyle techniques, in short, expanding the instrument's playing fields and playing skills to keep progressing in your game and improve your rehearsals ...)

If you make a request, this program is obviously accompanied by the pleasure of learning more in theory and being able to directly apply new knowledge on its instrument and identify its common or rare use in the pieces discussed in class.

In this case, the theory is translated to be accessible to anyone, both for those who are connoisseurs and for those who discover everything from absolute zero.
The exercises, songs, and theoretical explanations offered throughout the program are organized in an order of progressive difficulty.

I wrote and produced 2 books of my method to learn the guitar and the music, that I sell to accompany my course and your apprenticeship in the best conditions and so that you can continue the course even at home and to review etc ... .
There is ONE BOOK OF COURSES containing all the theoretical and practical program of the year, as well as a BOOK OF EXERCISE on the ranges and the modes that you can obtain directly.

You can find here an indicative list of objectives that I propose in my theoretical program, which can of course adapt to your request.

The general theoretical objectives of the course:

--- Tuning / tuning and knowing his guitar:
* Standard Tuning
* Drop Tuning
* Open Tuning
* Adjust the optimal tension of the strings
* Adjust the shaft axis
* Adjust the action of the strings
* Choose the strings adapted to the style of play / tuning
* Change his strings

-Know his chords:
* Triads: Fundamental State & Inversions
* Tetrads: Fundamental State & Inversions
* The chord progressions of the Range
* Arpeggio techniques (tapping, sweep, 1/2/4 fing.shape, etc ...)

--- Know his scales and his modes

* The Mode of the Major scale
* 3 Modes of the Minor scale: Natural / Melodic / Harmonic
* Modes of the Pentatonic range: 5 positions
* Modes of the Blues range: 5 positions
Etc ...

--- Technique to the Pick / Plectrum / Tab / Pick (Electric Guitar):
* Alternate Picking
* Fast Picking / Tremolo Picking
* Hybrid Picking
* Palm Mute
* Natural Harmonics
* Pinch Harmonics
* Artificial Harmonics
* Shredding
* Tapping
* Sweep Picking
* Legato Picking

--- Strumming / Hand Picking (Acoustic Guitar)
* "SnareDrum" percussion on the guitar
* Arpeggios pinched with 4 fingers + thumb
* Rasgueado (Flamenco Technique)
* Generic Strumming
* Fingerstyle Picking
* Two-finger picking + Legato for fast melodies (eg a solo)

-Play the metronome
* exercises on click
* practice on song riffs

-Learn his favorite songs
* without thinking about the difficulty, nothing is impossible with the right methodology

-Improvise
* choose ranges and positions
* to place oneself rhythmically, to finish on the judicious notes

-Theory of Harmony
* Understand harmonization and its practice

-Theory on the Melody

-Theory of Rhythm

Maria

4.87

(84)

Welcome to my online Piano Class.
I am Maria, and I will happily help you achieve your musical goals, from zero to the top.
I love all student levels, but only towards the CLASSICAL piano, of any eras' works and composers.
Don't be afraid, my lesson is human-friendly 😊
Everything goes step by step! Outside the lesson time, I send you lots of short videos to support your practice through the week.

As each student is different, I focus on each ones' needs and I am always creative in helping you learn through the simplest ways - "if it's easy, it's correct", that's my motto!
My greatest happiness is to watch my students grow, overcome any limit and expand in full potential!

As a result, many of my students have won top prizes at major international competitions, as the IBLA Grand Prize, the Spoleto International Piano Competition, the Bach au Jazz (Lilia Boyadjieva) International Piano Competition and many others. And also, at renown online competitions, as The Royal, the IYMC, the Forte Academy, and many-many others.
So, in case you need a competition or exam preparation, here you are at the right place!
I will help you discover the advanced piano technique, and the ways to achieve your best musical interpretation. Also, very important, I'll help you understand and approach each composers' unique style, and, also, secure your concert / stage presence, with simple and effective solutions for memorisation and control.

I am a very proud piano teacher, as on Jan 11 2026 four young students of mine were awarded by the renown American Competition "The Royal Foundation" and were invited and performed at a Gala at the Carnegie Hall in New York City! Also, these kids were invited to participate to the Juilliard School festival, with masterclass and lessons, a fabulous chance and experience that I wish all young pianists could have!

On Sept 1st 2024 three awarded students of mine were invited to perform at The DiMenna Classical Centre of Music in Manhattan, from another American competition, the International Youth Music Competition.

I wish I can always bring such great opportunities and successes to all of my "piano kids"!

Sergio

4.87

(84)

Online classes of classical, electric or acoustic guitar, bass, Venezuelan cuatro, music theory, rhythmic or harmony. Beginner-intermediate-advanced. (Skype-Zoom-Meet). 12 years of musical experience.

Book your schedule now!

Do you have a musical instrument at home and do you always wanted to learn to play it?
Are you not sure where to start?

I can help you, I am Sergio and I have 12 years of experience in the musical area. I am a student of music education at the (UPEL) Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador Miranda José Manuel Siso Martínez and the Conservatory Lino Gallardo as a classical guitar interpreter. Furthermore, I also have experience teaching online classes via Zoom, Skype or Google Meet. If you think your level is beginner, intermediate or advanced, I can help you in your musical development. More than learning to play songs, musical art is a discipline and its own language that helps interdisciplinary in other areas of learning.

° Classes:
-Classic/Acoustic guitar.
-Electric guitar.
-Bass.
-Piano/Keyboard.
-Music theory.
-Solfeggio.
-Rhythmic and movement.
-Harmony.
-Venezuelan cuatro.

Giorgia

4.87

(84)

I teach for all levels, from children starting from zero to students who want to prepare certifications at the Conservatories, passing through amateurs or simply curious of any age.

I firmly believe in the importance of knowing how to read music and this is exactly what I teach first, obviously adapting the method to the age of my students: knowing how to read music is knowing one more language, which, if learned well, won’t ever be forgotten (like riding a bicycle!) and it is an invaluable wealth. Starting from that point I teach the position of the hand, the arm and the whole body at the piano, the fundamentals of the piano technique (giving great importance to the percussive movement of the finger and the distribution of weight), the understanding of musical language, the expression of the personality through the keyboard, the search for touch and knowledge of piano repertoire.

Piano

4.87

(84)

This is the time to finally learn some music playing, and we are here to help you reach your goals, no matter how big they are!
Pianoma is an online school where you can learn piano at home and with schedule flexibility. Our school works with teachers that speak 7 different languages.

Our main purpose is to make your music as valuable in your life as it is in ours. No matter the age, we adapt to you and to your musical tastes. We teach from 4 years old kids to our eldest student who is currently becoming 74 this year.

-> About our classes and planning

Our classes will focus on you and your musical expertise, if you have previous experience playing piano. If you are completely taking it from zero, we are also here to help.

We will also help you choose a perfect teacher for you based on your profile and what you tell us. He or She will always be teaching you, so no worries, there won't be changes all the time.

On our first class we will show you a bit how we work and our virtual platform so you can access to a private profile to check your weekly notes from your teacher, videos and other content that shall be relevant to you. Of course, there will also be some piano played involved ;)

The rest of the lessons will be planned based on your time. We will focus on what you are able to do with the time you have got. No need to stress or to rush, we want you to progress at your own pace.

Classes can be held on a weekly basis, but we also accept free scheduling classes by the student's availability. Do not hesitate to write us if you need more information!

-> Our courses

These are the courses that we are currently offering are focused on:

- Piano for Children: a fun method for beginners to learn and to experience music. Pedagogically based on Montessori, learning by collaboration and self motivation.

- Piano: no matter the style or the level

- Improvisation and Composition: for curious and creative minds

-Preparation to official exams such as Trinity and ABRSM: these exams take place in official examination centers in several parts of the world, but are also held online. They are highly recognized throughout the globe.

- Preparation to musical competitions

-> Online classes: how and why?

Our classes take place by several platforms as Google Meet or Skype, but if you feel more comfortable with others we are also open to suggestions. Our Professional Studios are set with 2 video cameras, so you can see us perfectly and also hear us perfectly with a studio microphone. Do not worry about your settings, as long as you have a stable connection this is all what we need.

Why online classes? We think online classes are a valid asset for the future. Students learn comfortably from their homes and the education that they receive is proved to have the same validity as in person lessons, if performed with the right means and the right method, obviously! This is what we have been researching and testing for the past 5 years. So far, we have reached a 90% of students that actually got top results at ABRSM examinations by being prepared exclusively online by us.

-> What you need for class?

- A phone, tablet or computer with internet connection
- A keyboard.

If you do not have a keyboard yet and need assistance, feel free to let us a message, and we will try to help you find something that adapts to your budget.

-> Who are we?

We are a positive and energetic team of teachers formed mostly in different conservatories in Europe (Belgium, Georgia, Italy, France and Spain). We have more than 10 years of experience in music teaching, and it is not our only passion: film scoring, composing and playing concerts take a big part of our daily lives too. If you want to get to know us a bit more, scroll down to our Profile.

Quentin

4.87

(84)

This course is above all there to make you want to play the guitar, so that it is a pleasure!

It will be based on the practice of the instrument, on the understanding and role of the guitar.

Theory will be based on the progress of practice. Step by step, practice and theory will thus be complementary, and will necessarily be useful!

Have you always dreamed of being able to play the guitar? it's time to get started!
Let the magic of music take hold of you and become the accomplished guitarist you always wanted to be!

Join my guitar class and let music bring joy and serenity into your life. Sign up now and begin your musical adventure!

“Music gives soul to our hearts and wings to thought.” - Plato

I am also here to advise you on the equipment you might need.
Advice on choosing an amplifier that suits your needs and fits your budget.
Choosing your first guitar, bass or ukulele, according to the criteria you want.
Also for small equipment, jack cables, plectrum/pick, tuner or instrument stand.

Possibility of offering this course to one of your loved ones, a very appreciated gift for people who would like to embark on a musical adventure!

Andrea

4.87

(84)

Hello! I've been teaching continuously for over 10 years, and I'd like to explain what you can expect from a class with me.

Personalized approach: The most important thing is to know what you want to achieve. I will tailor the lessons to your needs: playing for pleasure at home is not the same as preparing for entrance exams (although always with the same rigor). Your goals will influence the methodology, the organization of your studies, the repertoire, and so on.

Relaxed (but rigorous) environment: Once you've defined your goals, classes will be dynamic and pressure-free. Note! "Relaxed" doesn't mean undemanding; we'll just avoid military methods—especially given my personality and sense of humor.

Music, not just notes: My methods are very dynamic, with a special emphasis on hearing and musicality. No "read, play, and turn the page." I avoid approaches obsessed with reading sheet music without memorizing, listening, or understanding what is being played. I want you to own your performance and make artistic decisions. Warning! I might even make you sing.

No stylistic barriers: Thanks to my training in Jazz and Modern Music, I give equal importance to all genres. Adapting to your tastes, we'll go from baroque to blues, from Haydn to bebop... or even Michael Jackson. Why not?

If you identify with this approach, contact me! Learning the cello is a pleasure, and I'd love to share it with you!

Ana

4.87

(84)

One very supportive piano teacher whose main goal is to make you love music and piano playing, and enjoy your time at the instrument!! :)
I am an graduated pianist from Croatia getting my second diploma at Liszt Ferenc Academy in Budapest. I am here to help you learn piano or improve your piano skills. I am teaching also any genre apart from classical music, on any level. I have grand piano at my apartment, but I am also open to come at your home or teach you online. I am looking forward to help you! :)

Jim

4.87

(84)

Hi, my name is Jim. I'm an electronic music producer with a Master’s degree in Music from the Fontys Academy of Arts (Rockacademie) in Tilburg, Netherlands. Music has always been my way of exploring the world — through raw field recordings, synthesis, and emotional storytelling. Over the past 12 years, I’ve developed a complete, self-sufficient creative process: from concept to composition, sound design to vocal production, mixing, mastering, and live performance. I’m passionate about helping others gain those same end-to-end technical skills — so they can bring their own musical vision fully to life.

As Malvae, I’ve written, sung, recorded, produced, mixed, mastered, and performed all of my work. My music reached #17 in the Spotify Viral 50 charts in the USA, gathered millions of streams, and featured in international film productions including King of the Streets and Netflix’s Terrace House Japan. One of the most formative moments in my career was my Amazonas album project, where I traveled into the Amazon rainforest to record and manipulate natural sounds. 90% of that album was created entirely from these field recordings, reshaped through granular synthesis and advanced sound design into a cohesive sonic journey. That experience deeply shaped how I approach my music and how I teach sound design and composition.

I’ve headlined shows at iconic venues like Melkweg Amsterdam with immersive, self-built audiovisual live sets using Ableton Live, modular gear, sequencers, and Resolume for live integrated visuals. I curated my own events and performed at venues like A’dam Tower, OT301. I also teach at studios such as Wisseloord in Hilversum, guiding students through the technical and creative intersections of sound and performance.

Selected Works & Collaborations:

My EP Like Bees to a Hive began as a soundscape for fashion brand Lobomar’s collection Final Orders, Please, presented at the Amsterdam World Museum. I collaborated with South African poet Julia-Beth Harris, integrating her spoken word into a seamless, atmospheric release. From sequential Prophet 6 textures to ADX1 drum machine layers and detailed field recordings, I handled every layer, from concept through multitrack production to the final live performance in London.

My Chrysalis EP, released as a limited-edition heavyweight red vinyl, pushed that even further, combining ethereal vocals, analog grit, and unique textures to craft an emotionally rich release. I personally led every part of the project’s technical and creative execution, from arrangement and vocal production to final mixing, mastering and vinyl press preparation.

In addition to my own projects, I’ve worked as a vocal producer and mixing engineer, including on Esther Veen’s EP Before I Go, where I handled recording, complex vocal layering, creative processing, production, multivocal arrangement and final mixing to deliver a polished, high-impact sound.

About the lessons:

My sessions are fully customised to your experience level, goals and grounded in real-world music production. Whether you’re just getting started or want to deepen your technical ability, you’ll learn how to develop professional workflows and the creative independence to finish what you start.

We can explore:

- Building advanced music production workflows and creative strategies
- Recording, Composition, arrangement, and storytelling through sound
- Full-stack mixing and mastering — from bedroom setups to pro-level delivery
- Synthesis and sampling — from sound shaping basics to high-level manipulation
- Multi vocal production, vocal recording, editing, layering, FX, and creative processing techniques
- Translating your music into a compelling live set with Ableton Live
- Applying music theory practically in electronic, cinematic, and contemporary music

Lessons are available online or in-person at my studio in Amsterdam. For online students, I use high-quality real-time tools that allow us to collaborate with full-resolution audio directly from your DAW — no screen sharing limitations, just real work in real time.

My own musical path often started by blending the sounds I encountered in the world, whether from distant rainforests or my own voice , into something personal and expressive.
I found my sound that way, and I’d love to help you find yours.

(And don’t worry — we won’t have to go to the ends of the earth to do it. I’ll show you how to turn the sounds you already have into something truly your own.)

Whether you're just starting out or ready to go deeper, I look forward to helping you grow through structured, creative, and technically grounded electronic music education.

Martin

4.87

(84)

In my class you learn how to play the guitar either finger style or with a pick (plectrum).
First, you learn the basics, if this is what you need. Then you learn about styles and ways of playing the guitar.
Consequently, you learn how to develop your own style in music and find ways of making yourself and others happy with the means of your guitar!

You also learn how purchase the right guitar and how to set it up for you to be comfortable with.

You save your money on a luthier's shop every month.

You learn the smartest fingerings for any chord changes and scales!

You get to learn the theory in detail so that you fully understand what you play.

You get best deals on guitars from local music stores.

You get to learn how to sightread music and more!

See you soon!
Martin

Shehab

4.87

(84)

Teaching different musical instruments: piano, guitar, oud, oriental singing and oriental maqamat, reading sheet music.

More than 5 years of experience teaching in music academies

Arabic singing: We will learn how to sing correctly, learn the exits of the letters, vocal exercises, and learn how to distinguish the Eastern Maqams in simple ways.

Oud: We will learn how to hold the oud in the correct way, speed exercises, oriental maqams and examples in songs for each maqam.

Piano: musical scales - and we learn about all kinds of chords (harmony) - famous pieces and songs by learning how to read musical notes - exercises to strengthen the fingers

Guitar: We will learn how to hold the guitar correctly, musical scales, chords and chords, technique exercises, pieces

Steve

4.87

(84)

Composing your own music has always been a very rewarding task. This has never been so true as the present day when you can hear what you compose instantly if you use computers to generate and play back your own music. However, to ensure that your music sounds really great (whether using computers, manuscript or actual instruments) there are many principles to be considered.

I have had a great interest in composing for over 45 years. I have composed for various combinations of instruments and voices in a wide variety of styles. Having been a music teacher in a comprehensive school for over 30 years, I have had a lot of very relevant experience in teaching composition to a wide range of different ages and abilities. These opportunities have enabled me to tutor students in a diverse variety of genres.

The class will be personalized to your particular standard and chosen style of composition. We would focus on generic building blocks such as structure and instrumentation as well as looking at how to develop ideas. Using a range of compositional devices will also be key to enhancing your compositions. I will tailor-make the class to suit you.

David

4.87

(84)

I am a Spanish pianist and composer (MMus graduate from Codarts Rotterdam in both directions) with many years of teaching experience, and also very active in performing in various contexts.

I give private piano lessons for all levels and styles (classical, jazz, Latin, new age, pop...), as well as music theory, composition and improvisation lessons. My lessons are distinguished by their dynamics, practical approach and adaptation to the needs and interests of the student.

The lessons (live or online) take place in my studio next to the Maastunnel, where I have a premium stage piano and a top-quality webcam setup.

I speak Dutch at an intermediate level, which is improving every day.

Kathrine

4.87

(84)

Hello, I am Kathrine from Malaysia! :)

I am a professional piano teacher with 10 years of teaching experiences in Malaysia, Singapore, and now in Japan!
I provide private piano lesson in English, Mandarin, Japanese, and Cantonese, mainly in Tokyo, Kawasaki, and Yokohama area.

Here are some of the things you can expect from my lessons:
I enjoy incorporating music games (Kodaly method) and arts into my lessons, regardless of your age! (I believe learning through play is highly effective.)
I don't only teach "music knowledge." I value cultural exchange with my students. Through lessons or specific pieces, we can share our languages, songs, backgrounds, and more!
Whether you're preparing for exams or pursuing music as a hobby, my ultimate goal for students is to find JOY in every lesson. While learning an instrument can sometimes be challenging, I'll use my experience to guide you, and together, we'll overcome any hurdles. :)

Feel free to contact me if you are looking for a piano teacher in your native language! 😊
Thank you.

Muhamed

4.87

(84)

Welcome to the world of music!

In this course, we will dive together into learning each musical instrument through an integrated approach that enhances your technical skills and satisfies your passion for music.
[Piano]

Musical Notes: Learn to read and write notes easily while improving your musical abilities. Musical Scales: Study scales and their effect on playing pieces. Chords: Learn to build different chords and how to use them in playing. Western and Eastern Pieces: Present a mix of Western and Eastern pieces that enhance your skills and develop your artistic taste. Technique Exercises: Advanced exercises to improve hand coordination and improve performance on the piano.