Understanding Music Theory and Harmony for Composition

From 31 £ /h

Are you an aspiring musician, writer or composer?

If you feel that there are certain concepts in Music Theory that you're unsure of, then this is the course for you.

An understanding to fundamental Music Theory is essential to developing as a musician, however it is often an area over looked and perceived to be daunting by many student.

You may not know anything! or you may be looking for ways to improve your writing? Modes? Understanding Chord Progressions?
Whatever your previous knowledge base I can help you to understand theory concepts from foundation to an advanced level and help you to apply them.

Classes will cover subjects such as Intervals, Chord structures, Scales, Harmonic Development, Chord Progressions, Modal writing, Secondary Dominants, Mediant Modulation and more.

Extra information

Due to current COVID 19 restrictions, only Web based video calls are available.

Location

Online from Germany

About Me

I am a multi- instrumentalist musician who has studied, learned and loved music for nearly 20 years.

I have recently moved to Berlin to focus on my own music composition and return to teaching after working within the busy Film & TV industry in London.

I studied Professional Musicianship at the British Institute of Modern Music in Brighton, UK before spending years performing and recording with various musical artists and bands.

From my experience in the UK's busy live performing circuits, I developed a strong understanding of the skill set required to be a working musician.

Now I offer friendly and well structured personal lessons designed to help YOU improve your playing, regardless of wether its just hobby or something you wish to pursue professionally.

Education

I have a BA(Hons) degree in Professional Musicianship from the British Institute of Modern Music where my main focus was on the Guitar. Since then I have continued my own personal development by studying Orchestration and arrangement.

Experience / Qualifications

Along side my Academic qualifications I have extensive live performance and industry experience, as part of contemporary Indie Guitar bands and Americana Folk style bands.

Before moving to Berlin I was Guitar tutor for the London Guitar Academy and now I am currently involved with the BIMM Berlin music institute.

Age

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

Music theory lessons

Music theory

Music composition

Reviews

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Learn Guitar & Musical Development in Berlin (Tempelhof)

31 £ /h

Have you ever wanted to Learn Guitar?
Interested in learning more about how you can write music?
Maybe you already play an instrument, but want to Improve your understanding of Music Theory?

Whether you are completely new to music or have been playing for a few years I can help guide you to improve, with structured lessons built around your individual interests.

I’m Joseph, an English-speaking Multi-Instrumentalist from Brighton, UK who has been lucky enough to have been playing music for nearly 20 years.
Primarily as a guitarist, I have spent years writing, recording, and performing music with various bands at venues ranging from International music festivals to coffee shops!
Having studied Professional Musicianship at the British Institute of Modern Music, my understanding of music is both professional and practical, and this is the approach I take when teaching.
Previously I have taught at the London Guitar Academy and I am now involved with BIMM Berlin.

Music should always be enjoyable and fun, so if you just want to work on a few songs to strum out at a BBQ then we can work through them!

Lessons are built around students' needs, creating realistic and rewarding goals to measure progress regardless of where you want to end up.

Maybe you want to work on your technique? Rhythm playing? Learn to write songs? Improvisation?

I also offer dedicated music theory classes and Lessons via Skype/Zoom if required

Lou-Indigo

4.87

(85)

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

Lydia

4.87

(85)

Welcome to my piano teaching studio! I am a professional pianist offering private piano and theory lessons for students of all levels. As a pianist with over 14 years of teaching experience in Europe and the USA, as well as over 23 years of playing/performing, I enjoy motivating my students with music of their own preferred style and interest, whether that be classical or contemporary. My main goal is to promote a positive experience and love for music-making during the learning process. If the student is interested in a more structured approach, I guide preparation for grades 1-8 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) piano and music theory exams where my students consistently receive highest marks. I also have successful experience preparing students for conservatory entrance auditions, masterclasses, and competitions in the Europe, the USA, India, and Canada. We have class concerts at Pianos Maene for interested students twice per year. I am happy to provide either a more relaxed or a serious approach to learning piano, we simply need to discuss the personal goals and preferences of each student.

My own studies are as follows: I have obtained two postgraduate performance degrees at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp: "Concertsoloist" in Piano Performance and "Chamber Music” (under the guidance of esteemed professor Sergei Edelmann). Prior to this, I received my Bachelor and Masters degrees in Piano Performance/Music from the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis (with Prof. Lydia Artymiw) and Texas Christian University, Fort Worth (with Dr. Tamas Ungar). My experience includes collaboration with many different instrumentalists and singers, performing as a soloist and collaborative member in several orchestras, and receiving top prizes in several competitions. While maintaining my performance and recording career in Belgium at present, I am developing my private music studio in central Antwerp and look forward to meeting new students.

Denise

4.87

(85)

My name is Denise and I am a professional singer and vocal coach with a Master’s degree in Historical Singing, Musicology and Music Education from the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC).

I have over 10 years of teaching experience in Europe and Latin America, working with students from diverse cultural and musical backgrounds in private lessons, artistic projects, and educational contexts.

My artistic work includes early music and chamber repertoire, as well as Latin American folk, jazz, and contemporary crossover styles. This diversity strongly informs my teaching approach, which is flexible, stylistically open, and based on healthy vocal function.

Maria

4.87

(85)

Welcome to my online Piano Class.
I am Maria Papadatou, 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 short videos when needed, 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.

As a Certified teacher on the official RSL Awards Teacher Registry (MusicTeacher.com), I can now offer the RSL Classical Piano programme - a well-established international piano qualification, equivalent in level to ABRSM but with more flexibility.

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, I'll help you understand and approach each composers' unique style, and secure your concert / stage presence, with simple and effective solutions for memorisation and control.

I am a very proud piano teacher too, as, except all other distinctions, on Jan 11 2026 four young students of mine were awarded and invited to performed at the winners Gala at the Carnegie Hall in New York City! They also participated to the Juilliard School festival, with masterclass and lessons, a fabulous chance and experience that I wish all young pianists could have!

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

Sergio

4.87

(85)

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

(85)

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.

Jeremy

4.87

(85)

Hi, my name is Jeremy and I've played music for 19 years, having performed over 200 concerts and composed with a wide variety of groups and ensembles across England and Belgium in many genres (Funk, R&B, Soul, Jazz, Rock, Alternative, Punk and more). I have completed 3 years of intensive bass study at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and am currently playing bass plus backing-vocals and song arrangement for Kids of the Elephant and Arrubio.

In these lessons, I will help you reach your goals while having fun in the process, keeping the lessons structured and tailored to your personal needs. I have 5 years of experience helping students improve as well as specialist knowledge in a multitude of styles. Some examples of what you might learn include:

- Correct hand positioning & posture for best performance and faster learning.
- Learning your favorite songs quickly and easily.
- Breaking down rhythms & dynamics
- Understanding the role of bass playing in a band.
- Understanding what makes a good bassline and composing your own.
- Essential music theory for bass & more advanced techniques (eg: melodic techniques, rhythmic, slap bass, etc)
- How to improvise, jam and play with other musicians.

Appropriate homework/exercises and recordings are provided during lessons. I also like to give advice and direction for people with musical aspirations. I'm also an empathetic person that loves teaching, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Elías

4.87

(85)

🎸 Looking for an experienced, certified guitar teacher with a structured approach?

👨‍🏫 Qualified concert guitarist – Professional level
I offer individual lessons in classical and modern guitar for children, teenagers, and adults, from beginner to advanced levels.

✅ Over 25 years of guitar experience (started playing at age 6)
✅ Recognized diplomas:
• Graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Tangier (2007) – 8th year in Classical Guitar and Music Theory
• Graduate of the Jette Academy – Completed Music Theory program (2025) + 3rd year in Classical Guitar
✅ Author of 3 complete educational books + exercise workbooks (available in print and digital formats)
✅ Lessons tailored to each student: clear, musical, and motivating progress
✅ Preparation for auditions, exams, or simply for personal enjoyment
✅ Lessons available in French or Spanish

🎓 Rates:

- Children ages 4–6: 30 min – Special method “Croco and His Adventure”
- Children ages 7–12: 45 min – Progressive method from beginner to advanced
- Teens ages 13–17: 1 hour – Serious yet motivating and personalized approach
- Adults ages 18–59: 1 hour – Structured learning from intermediate to advanced
- Seniors 60+: 45 min – Relaxed and custom-tailored lessons →

📍 Location: Brussels – in-person lessons available at the student’s home or in the teacher’s studio
📚 All teaching materials and a guitar are provided during lessons
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.

Andrea

4.87

(85)

Hello! I've been teaching nonstop for over 10 years, and I'd love to tell you what a class with me offers:

100% personalized approach: The first step is to define your goals. Learning for pleasure? Preparing for entrance exams? Or taking the professional leap? I'll adapt the methodology, curriculum, and even the repertoire to your goals.

Dynamic environment (without losing rigor): Relaxed but demanding classes, where practical methods (and my irremediable sense of humor) prevail.

Hearing + Musicality + Analysis: We'll work on listening, understanding, and analyzing your musical references. The goal: for you to make artistic decisions with confidence and feel music as your own.

No stylistic biases: For me, all music is valid. We'll explore everything from classical to electronic, using each style to work on key aspects: melody, harmony, production... We'll even explore genres you're unfamiliar with together!

Important! I balance classes with concerts and projects. Although you're my priority, I appreciate the occasional flexibility to reschedule (only when strictly necessary).

If you like this approach, write to me! Learning music is an exciting journey, and I'd love to be your guide.

Brent

4.87

(85)

Do you want to explore the world of (electronic) music production or take your skills to the next level? Whether you're a complete beginner or already have some experience, I can help you elevate your music production to new heights!

What I offer:
🎧 Music Theory & Sound Design: Discover how to create catchy melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. Learn sound design techniques, music theory, and tips & tricks to develop your own unique sound.
🎛️ FL Studio Expertise: Master the ins and outs of FL Studio (Fruity Loops) – from the basics to advanced techniques (VSTs, creating melodies, writing drum patterns, mixing, mastering, and more).
🎶 Work with Your DAW: Do you use a different program like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or Cubase? No problem! I adapt to your preferred software.
🎹 Practical & Accessible: No prior knowledge required! Everyone is welcome, whether you want to produce house, rap, techno, pop, or any other genre.

About the lessons:
- Personalized Guidance: Lessons are tailored to your needs and skill level.
Online and In-Person Options: Flexibility to choose the format that suits you best.
- Use of Professional Tools: You'll learn to work with professional tools, ensuring your tracks sound polished and ready for release.

What you need:
- A laptop/computer.
- Motivation to bring your musical vision to life!

Who am I?
Hey, I’m Brent! With over 8 years of experience in music production and a degree to back it up, I produce music under the name Pai Napple. You can find my tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more. I’ve garnered millions of streams and collaborated with well-known artists. My main genres are rap, pop, R&B, and EDM. I also sell music to other artists and for TV and film.

Interested?
Ready to start? Send me a message to learn more or book a lesson directly. Let’s kickstart your musical journey together! 🎶

Enrico

4.87

(85)

My lessons are friendly, relaxed and interactive. We start from the music you enjoy and build your skills step by step.
In class we work on songs, chords, rhythm, technique and improvisation, always in a practical and musical way. Lessons are adapted to your level and goals, whether you are a beginner or already have some experience.
My goal is simple: help you understand the piano, enjoy music and feel confident playing.
Feel free to send me a message and tell me what music you love!

Yaqoub

4.87

(85)

ابدأ رحلتك مع العود من الصفر حتى الاحتراف!
✨ تشمل الدورة:
• تعلم أساسيات العود
• المقامات الشرقية
• تمارين الريشة والتكنيك الصحيح
• تعلم عزف الأغاني
• تدريب عملي خطوة بخطوة
📚 تفاصيل الدورة:
• 10 حصص حضوري او اونلاين
• مدة الحصة: ساعة ونصف
• حصتين أسبوعيًا
• مناسبة للمبتدئين والمحترفين
🎶 طور مهارتك الموسيقية وابدأ العزف بثقة مع تدريب احترافي ومتابعة مستمرة. 🎼 Start your oud journey from beginner to professional! ✨ The course includes: • Learning the fundamentals of the oud • Eastern maqams (musical modes) • Plectrum exercises and proper technique • Learning to play songs • Step-by-step practical training 📚 Course details: • 10 online sessions • Session duration: 1.5 hours • Two sessions per week • Suitable for beginners and professionals 🎶 Develop your musical skills and start playing with confidence with professional training and continuous

Laura

4.87

(85)

Tailored clarinet or music theory tutoring? Personal guidance, adapted to your level, pace, and goals. Various musical styles possible. For beginners or intermediate level. Antwerp region. Making music together! Learning together with pleasure.

Anželika

4.87

(85)

I offer individual music theory and piano lessons tailored to your level, goals, and musical interests. Whether you are a complete beginner, a music student preparing for exams, or simply want to understand music better, we can build the lessons around what you need.
Music theory lessons can include notation, harmony, rhythm, ear training, analysis, sight-reading, and general musicianship. Piano lessons can focus on technique, repertoire, sight-reading, and developing a stronger understanding of the music you play.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Musicology and have professional experience teaching music theory. I am currently studying Sonology at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, with a focus on sound, electronic and contemporary music.

Ivan

4.87

(85)

Charango/ronroco/guitar lessons are personalized, for all ages and levels. Suitable for beginners as well as those who want to improve their technique and expand their repertoire.
Intermediate level classes in Spanish and English.
We primarily work with folk/Andean repertoire (huaynos, carnavalitos, bailecitos, sayas, chacareras, zambas, etc.), strumming techniques (tremolos, repiques), technical exercises, and technical elements specific to each musical genre. We always take your prior knowledge and interests as our starting point.
No prior knowledge is necessary to start playing.
The classes are 1 hour per week with material in sheet music/tablature and audiovisual format.