Songwriting Coaching - Lessons on Lyrics, Composition and Melody

From 52 £ /h

My songwriting coaching is based on my own experience, as well as the Essential Songwriting Course (ESC) which I have developed to cover the fundamental principles of songwriting. From crafting compelling narratives in Lyrics to refining compositional techniques in Composition, and mastering standout melodies in Melody, you’ll embark on a transformative journey. Thanks to understanding concepts such as prosody or knowing how to support your song’s mood with compositional elements, you’ll learn how to write strong and memorable songs. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned songwriter, this course will equip you with essential techniques to elevate your craft.

When coaching aspiring songwriters like yourself, I aim to bring out your unique style and personality by empowering you with songwriting tools that you choose to reach for based on your own preference and liking. I do not believe in 'shoulds' only in preferences. I'll share my views and experience and for the rest, the choice is yours ;)

P.S. The lessons will be given in English.

Extra information

If you're a guitar player, bring your own guitar.

Location

Use Ctrl + wheel to zoom!

At teacher's location :

Mauritsstraat, Hilversum, Netherlands

Online from Netherlands

About Me

Hi, I am Petra - a singer/songwriter, pianist, producer and a songwriting coach. I also work as a Student Advisor at Abbey Road Institute - a music production and sound engineering school.

Education

I started studying piano classical piano at the age of 8 (6 years) and I've been writing my own songs since the age of 15. later in life, I delved into studying jazz piano with a Belgian composer Hans Lamal (a former student of Chick Corea), and attended jazz courses in Belgium and London. As a part of my university studies (M.A. in British and American Studies), I took classes in creative writing and various philological disciplines (including British and American Literature, morphology, lexicology, stylistics...) which add to my understanding of the use of language.

Experience / Qualifications

I have given my workshops and the Essential Songwriting Course (ESC) at various locations, including Abbey Road Institute, Haarlem Conservatory, SAE, United Pop Amsterdam and Max Guitar (Den Haag). Subjects covered in the ESC and its workshops, as well as my experience as an artist and a songwriter, are the basis used in my individual coaching sessions.

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

90 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Slovak

Dutch

Skills

Song writing

Music composition

Music theory

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

At teacher's location and via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Natalia

4.94

(17)

Piano lessons with Natalia offers you the varied and impressive program. Are you ready to take on the challenge of learning to play the piano! Do you like piano? Do you want to improve the technique of your piano playing? Do not hesitate to contact me. The lessons take place at my home in Erpe-Mere (Burst).

As a professionally trained classical pianist you learn how to read / play notes, scales, arpeggio, chords, improvisation exercises and much more.

Are you looking for online piano lessons in this corona crisis?
Does piano seem to be more your thing? Canceling is always easy; you are not committed to anything. That is part of the philosophy of Piano Lessons with Natalia.
Online piano lessons (usually) mean that you take piano lessons through video lessons via Skype, Viber or Messenger. I prepared my lessons in advance and prepared them for you in a clear and structured way, so that you learn the piano step by step. to master.

Online piano lessons

At Online piano I also focus specifically on technique, learning notes, playing exercises and much more. For this I developed a teaching method based on years of experience with teaching fortepiano. So I am a piano teacher of online piano lessons that offers multiple lessons.

It is the combination of the varied program of theory and practice together, why Piano Lessons with Natalia say that “Everyone can learn to play the piano”. At Online Piano Lessons I make playing the piano accessible, easy and fun.

Persist
In this Corona crisis, force yourself to sit behind the piano every day. I do everything I can to make the lessons as fun and easy as possible. This way you can easily repeat the exercises and melody pieces with the help of my online piano lessons. You also learn to play a new practice tune in every lesson that you can play to your heart's content.
You will discover that the motivation and discipline to learn to play the piano well is much more important than your capacity and experience. To get really good you will have to help yourself through difficult exercises. Fortunately, at the Online Piano Lessons you are not just there, but I give you Live advice, tips and intensive effort in your handover assignments.

Alain

4.94

(17)

I am Alain, married and have two daughters and have lived in the Netherlands since 2017. Before this I lived in China for 15 years where I worked as a professional musician. I am originally from Mauritius where I also worked as a musician. I have years of experience teaching acoustic guitar and bass guitar to both children and adults.
Are you already advanced and do you want to improve yourself or have you never played and are you looking for someone who will teach you the basics first and then help you get better? Then you've come to the right place.
I can read music but prefer to play without sheet music to really feel the music and to express my own creativity in the music.

Hernan

4.94

(17)

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.

Lucy

4.94

(17)

[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.

Eyal

4.94

(17)

Eyal has taught hundreds of students over the past 15 years, both guitar and piano next to music theory and composition. Besides his formal music education (a bachelor's in composition, a teaching degree from the music academy in Jerusalem, and a master's in composition from Codarts, Rotterdam), Eyal has acquired experience in a wide range of various musical styles, including Rock, Blues, Jazz, classical music, electronic music, and contemporary music, on which he bases his rich approach which can be adjusted to every student separately.

Solos, chords, improvisations, heavy distortion or acoustic guitar, playing at a party or jumping on stages, reading notes, or playing by ear. Maybe you know exactly what you want, and maybe you are not sure. In Eyal's view, the job of the teacher is to help you find that out, and guide you through your process.

Johann Sebastian Bach or John Lennon? Sergei Rachmaninoff or Freddie Mercury? Regina Spektor? Nina Simone? Maybe Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart? Complex harmonies or simple melodies? Classical pieces or modern tunes? The only right answer is what you find interesting.

George

4.94

(17)

If you are interested in composition, music production, songwriting and performance but feel like you need some technical or creative motivation, this is the lesson for you. If you feel discouraged or overwhelmed by the technical aspects of a creative process, this is the lesson for you.

In these lessons, we will work on making the most of what we have through creative-problem solving and inspiration-hunting. You bring your ideas and we develop them together, have challenging conversations and explore alternative approaches to composition, production and songwriting to get you closer to your vision. We will also explore the many possibilities of working with a live band, ensemble or orchestra and how to encourage a healthy but focused work process.

Some more things covered in the process:

- Logic Pro X (mixing, producing, sampling, midi, audio recording)

- Composition (score writing / editing, notation software, orchestration / arrangement, music theory, composing for film / video)

- Songwriting (arranging, alternative score-writing, band communication, demo-making)

- Experimental production (eg. no-input mixing, prepared instruments, effect-pedals)
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Do not let your ambition be hindered by limitations, but allow it to be inspired by them!

Elias

4.94

(17)

Guitar lessons with Elias (In person, Virtual or Hybrid) are tailored to your goals, experiences and musical interests. Whether you are a complete beginner, returning to the guitar, or are looking to develop your skills further, lessons are designed to be practical, enjoyable, and encouraging.

We can develop your technique, sight reading, chords/harmony, scales, repertoire, improvisation, ear training, music theory and performance skills.

I welcome students who want to develop serious ability and freedom on the instrument as well as students interested primarily in learning their favorite songs. Each lesson is adapted to your level and pace, with clear guidance and achievable goals to help you build confidence and make steady progress. My aim is to help you become a more confident, creative, and independent guitarist while, most importantly, enjoying the process of learning.

Rubén

4.94

(17)

Every student's musical journey is different, and your lessons should be too.

With more than 5 years of experience teaching piano to students of all levels (from complete beginners to advancing conservatory-track students and retired adults rediscovering music) lessons are built around your goals, pace and interests. Whether you're picking up the piano for the first time, preparing for conservatory entrance exams, or returning to the instrument after years away, each student finds a plan tailored to where they are and where they want to go.

The first lesson is about getting to know each other: understanding your current level, your goals, and what excites you musically, so a clear and realistic plan can be built from day one. From there, practice is kept structured and achievable; with concrete, doable goals between lessons, as well as different tools and materials provided along the way. Lessons can take place at my home or, if preferred, at your own address.

As a teacher, I try to stay flexible to what my students want to explore: I find pupils are often passionate about all kinds of genres, and while my own training is classical, I'm just as happy helping a student work on jazz standards and improvisation if that's what excites them, alongside more traditional repertoire.

References from former students available on request (already on other platforms)

Laurine

4.94

(17)

Hi there ! If you are looking for a versatile teacher, that can help you learn or improve on the oboe, or on its baroque cousin, you are at the right place.

The lessons will focus on your own need, according to your level. Beginners to very advanced players are welcome! From your basic technique to learning your favorite piece, with the guidance of musical theory along the way, you will find a friendly space to develop your knowledge, and most important, connect and have fun on the oboe :)

I can also help you with the reeds ; by showing you the general technique as well as all my little secrets... ;)

I am also specialised in the historically informed practice field, and I would be more than happy to share this part of my education with you.

Aleksandra

4.94

(17)

I help students and musicians deepen their theoretical knowledge, prepare for entrance exams (e.g. conservatory), and improve their theoretical skills.

My lessons are structured, clear, and tailored to the level and goals of a student – from basic to advanced concepts.
In the lessons we can work on: ear training, solfege, general music theory, harmony, harmony at the piano, musical analysis.

Arshia

4.94

(17)

Rather than a fixed curriculum, I build a custom syllabus for each student based on their needs, goals, and current level. In designing lessons, I draw on my own experience both as a self-taught musician and as an academically trained one — combining structured, conservatory-level methods with the flexibility that comes from having found my own way into this field first.

Lessons are shaped in pace and format to what actually works for the student in front of me — whether that means working note-by-note through an audition piece, or building broader theoretical fluency over a longer stretch of time.

Justin

4.94

(17)

Learning to play the piano is challenging - but also a lot of fun! I make sure that my students learn quickly, in order to achieve their goals and play their favorite pieces. In my bachelor and master studies, I specialized in Jazz and improvised music but I also have experience with teaching and playing classical repertoire and all in between. Depending on your goals and your favorite musical genres, I will make a personalized teaching plan that focuses on the music you actually want to play and the exercises that you need to get there.

Jen-Hong

4.94

(17)

Discover the Joy of Playing the Saxophone!

Welcome! Whether you are picking up the saxophone for the very first time, returning to the instrument after a break, or looking to refine your technique, my lessons are tailored to suit your personal goals and learning pace.

Music should be fun and fulfilling. I believe in creating a supportive, relaxed, and inspiring space where you can learn at your own pace without pressure.

What we can work on together:

For Beginners: Getting started with proper breathing, producing a beautiful sound, reading music, and playing your favorite melodies from day one!

For Intermediate Players: Improving tone quality, finger technique, rhythm, and exploring classical or contemporary music pieces.

For Advanced Students / Audition Prep: Fine-tuning musical expressiveness, advanced techniques, competition prep, or conservatory entrance exams.

About Me:
I am a professional classical saxophonist with extensive performance and teaching experience in the Netherlands and Taiwan. I love working with students of all ages and levels—from children to adults.

Let's make music together! Feel free to reach out with any questions before booking your first lesson.

Ege

4.94

(17)

I like to have a structured approach to my lessons, while also adapting them to each student’s level and interests.

Some of the subjects we can cover include:

• Building a repertoire: Blues, Pop, Rock, Country, Jazz, R&B & Soul
• Guitar technique
• Music theory: Chords & Scales
• Rhythm and rhythmic studies
• Guitar accompaniment and comping techniques
• Improvisation and guitar solos
• Sight reading
• Ear training
• Songwriting and composition
• Guitar recording and basic home recording techniques

For beginners, we can start with the basics and gradually build a strong foundation\. If you already play guitar, we can focus on developing your technique, expanding your repertoire, or working on specific areas you’d like to improve.

The lessons are practical and focused on actually making music, so we can always use songs and music that you enjoy as part of the process.

Manolis

4.94

(17)

Athens-born guitarist and educator Manolis Matthaiakis creates music through improvisation, looping resonances, and evolving ambient soundscapes. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz and Pop from the ArtEZ Conservatory, he is currently pursuing his Master’s degree at the same institution—deepening his research into guitar experimentation, extended acoustic sound design, and discovering new sonic perspectives using unconventional tools like bows and super rub mallets.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to deepen your musical expression, Manolis offers personalized guitar lessons designed to fit your goals, style, and pace. Covering a broad spectrum—from traditional jazz standards, modern improvisation, and blues/funk grooves to sound design and atmospheric texture—his lessons encourage you to view the instrument from a fresh angle.

What to expect:

Tailored Guidance: Lessons shaped around your unique creative vision, whether you want to jam, master the fretboard, or explore sound.

Genre & Style Versatility: Dive into Jazz, Pop, Blues, Funk, or free-form ambient exploration on electric and acoustic guitar.

Soundscapes & Extended Techniques: Learn how to build audio paintings using effects, pedals, or acoustic manipulation (bowing, mallets, and prepared guitar).

Inclusive Environment: All levels are welcome—from beginners to advanced players. Lessons are available in English or Greek.

Let's shape a unique musical journey together. Get in touch to book a trial lesson!