Songwriting Coaching - Lessons on Lyrics, Composition and Melody

From 54.17 £ /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

Waldemar

5.0

(1)

Dear music and piano lover, welcome to my profile page!

My name is Waldemar and I am a classical piano teacher.
I teach young (from 8 years old) and old, individually or in groups.

I received my training from Fania Chapiro in Hilversum and later at the Amsterdam Conservatory with Danielle Dechenne.

Depending on your level, we will in principle cover all aspects of technique and interpretation. You can always make special requests known to me.
In addition, I think it is important to structure the lessons and focus on themes so that you really learn something.

In addition to being a piano teacher, I am also available as a composition, music theory or solfege teacher.

Would you like to take lessons with an experienced pianist? Contact me.

musical regards,
Waldemar

PS And my favorite composer? That's currently Franz Schubert ;-)

Natalia

5.0

(1)

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

5.0

(1)

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.

Yuv

5.0

(1)

The lessons will delve into both the technical and musical aspects of piano playing, theory, reading music, harmony, ear training, technique, pedagogy and more. My aim is to equip students to understand different music styles, build confidence, discover their unique voice and continue their musical journey independently. As Thelonious Monk said, the piano ain’t got no wrong notes.

I'm passionate about traversing genres since I have studied both jazz and classical to a high level, making this class perfect for creative pianists and composers who want to go beyond reading music off a piece of paper. Trinity/ABRSM curriculum upto Grade 8, can also be optionally included. Teaching effective practice methods is a priority, ensuring students progress confidently and without leaning on me. Please note, I only teach in person to maintain high standards of guidance in technique. This is not possible via video conferencing. Since everyone asks: yes, I did study at Berklee College of Music as an undergraduate for some time, and I do help students out with their audition preparation for various music colleges!

Currently, my students are between 14 and 74 years old— I believe that it’s never too late or too early to begin your musical journey. I look forward to your requests and have two vacant spots remaining in my roster for Winter 2025. Book now!

Iara

5.0

(1)

Hi there! Have you always wanted to learn the flute or do you feel like picking up this beautiful instrument again after a break?

As a teacher with more than 6 years of experience, I offer private lessons for all ages and all levels.
I learned my teaching skills from famous flute teachers of our time. I have experience teaching both children and adults and I think it is essential that we both have fun while learning something as wonderful as playing music! Lessons are adapted to your needs and we will develop your musicality and technical skills together. In addition to Classical music, we can also work on other music styles if necessary. For example, I am familiar with Brazilian folk music, Baroque music, Modern Music and Jazz.
It is also possible to request academic support with the instrument, music theory or history.

Lessons can be given in English and Dutch. If you don't have an instrument of your own yet, I can give some suggestions on where and how to find/rent one - don't hesitate to contact me if you're interested.

I hope to hear from you soon!
Iara

Stefano

5.0

(1)

Discover your inner musician and take your talent to the next level with my classes in songwriting, music theory, and arrangement! Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned musician, I'll provide you with the tools and guidance you need to unlock your full potential and unleash your creativity.

As a musician, singer, piano player, composer, and songwriter myself I am experienced in a variety of genres, including pop, jazz, soul, and classical music, so you can choose the style that speaks to you. With my personalized approach, I'll help you develop the skills and techniques you need to create your own unique sound.

In my songwriting classes, you'll learn how to craft compelling lyrics and melodies that truly resonate with your audience. In my music theory classes, you'll delve into the fundamentals of music and gain a deeper understanding of the building blocks of your favorite songs. And in my arrangement classes, you'll discover how to take your songs to the next level with intricate, thoughtful instrumentation.

Join me today and take the first step towards realizing your musical dreams! My classes are designed to be fun, engaging, and inspiring, so you'll never want to put down your instrument. Let's make some beautiful music together!

Eyal

5.0

(1)

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.

Stelios

5.0

(1)

Learn guitar with me! I'm an experienced educator and a musician that has struggled himself with learning music, and working on the field. We can work from any level that you might be and make music and guitar learning fun and interesting! As a working musician for many years I have experience in a lot of music genres and styles, so I think we can explore anything that you're interested in, in a very deep and detailed level!

Carolina

5.0

(1)

Graduate in Performing Arts from TAI University

Graduate in Psychology with a Master’s in Music Therapy from UNED

Specialized jazz studies at Berklee College of Music and Escuela de Música Creativa

Studies in singing styles and vocal physiology at Nina Academia

Vocal recovery training with LaxVox at Aurea Speech Therapy Clinic

I have been studying opera and classical singing since the age of 12, as well as jazz, choral, and musical theater singing. I have been performing in musicals since 2015.
These studies have given me a wealth of tools to adapt to what each student needs and wants, because the most important thing is that we never stop enjoying music.

My classes are based on three core principles. The first is having a clear method, rooted in the real functioning of the voice—its physiology (what science tells us about how we use the body to sing)—and applicable to anyone, step by step, with logic. I always prioritize the student’s vocal health and rely on scientifically proven methods. I use simple language, without unnecessary technicalities, so everything is easy to understand and makes sense.

The second is the emotional and psychological aspect. For me, connecting with the person in front of me is essential—understanding how they think, how they perceive themselves, what blocks them, and what motivates them. This way, I can adapt the classes to their personality and goals. I try to create a relaxed environment based on respect, trust, and a little humor, where everyone feels free and comfortable. We aren’t all born with the voice we wish we had, but we can all develop what we do have—and on that journey, singing becomes a way to know and accept yourself better.

And the third is the dedication and professionalism with which I approach this work, which I am truly passionate about.

All classes are divided into a warm-up and vocalization section, followed by work on a chosen piece suited to the student’s level and preferred style. Regardless of style or level, a foundation in classical singing will always be established.

Kinan

5.0

(1)

Arabic music, Turkish music and world music, also Makam, improvisation.
I can teach Saz, Baglama or any instrument in this family.
You will learn everything about orientel music.
If you want to be professional this is the right place to start.

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.

Efstratia

5.0

(1)

I’m a professional cellist and dedicated teacher offering cello lessons for children, teenagers, and adults in Amsterdam.

In my lessons, the student comes first. I listen carefully to what you (or your child) need, and I adapt the lesson to your level, personality, and goals. I can be calm and structured, or playful and exploratory – the important thing is that you feel safe, motivated, and taken seriously.

For whom?
- Complete beginners
- Advanced students
- Adults returning to the cello after a break
- Students preparing for music school or conservatory auditions

I also have experience teaching students with dyslexia and ADHD and I’m used to adjusting explanations, pacing, and exercises so they are clear and not overwhelming.

What I offer
- Cello and basic music theory
- Technique, sound, and musical expression
- Support with school or exam repertoire
- Flexible scheduling where possible

Lessons at my place in Amsterdam or at your home (depending on location)

My musical background
- Graduate of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam
- Performed with ensembles such as Rotterdam Philharmonic (internship) and Asko|Schönberg
- Experience in competitions and festivals (e.g. Cello Biënnale, Triomphe de l’Art, Wonderfeel Festival)

If you’re interested, feel free to contact me with any questions.

Jessy

5.0

(1)

Hi there,

I’ve been playing guitar since I was 12 and was immediately hooked. Within a year I started playing in youth bands and projects, and during high school I moved to a music school where I began performing with bands and teaching guitar to kids as my first job. I later completed two bachelor’s degrees, the second in jazz guitar, at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Since then I’ve been working full time as a session guitarist, songwriter, and musical director with artists like Karsu, Alain Clark, Ruth Jacott, Jennie Lena, and many others, as well as releasing my own music as an independent artist under my stage name Jessy Hay. I’m extremely passionate about music theory, ear training, and music history, and I try to combine all of these with practical approaches to create a complete package for guitar enthusiasts.

Over the years I’ve developed many methods and seen hundreds of students grow from being stuck on the instrument to becoming full-on improvisers and composers across many genres. I love to combine the theory and improvisation I’ve learned from jazz, together with the groove and rhythm from funk and soul, the attitude from rock, and the production and songwriting skills from pop music. I’m also very interested in Middle Eastern music, for students who want to explore other scales, Maqams, and musical languages. Lessons usually start by discussing the student’s goals and current level, followed by exercises and pieces tailored to their needs. I also provide guidance on instrument setup, tone, and technique, to ensure a solid foundation. My aim is to give students a full 360° view of music: understanding the language, knowing what you’re doing, and developing your own ways of improving by becoming more familiar with both the instrument and the musical language itself.
If this sounds like something for you, I would love to hear from you.

Tjaša

5.0

(1)

Hello! Are you interested in playing the flute or piano? Do you need help with music theory? Look no further!
I'm Tjaša and I'm a professional musician with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in flute performance.
I’ve had the joy of performing with orchestras in concert halls across Europe, working alongside talented musicians, and taking part in international competitions. These experiences have enriched my artistry and deepened my love for teaching and performing.

With years of teaching experience I help students of all levels grow, have fun, and achieve their musical goals whether it’s mastering a challenging piece, improving technique, or simply discovering the joy of playing. My lessons are personalised, engaging and designed to make learning music an exciting and rewarding journey.

In addition to flute I also teach piano and offer training in solfeggio (music theory, rhythm, and ear-training skills), giving students a well-rounded musical foundation.

I'm excited to meet you!

Oscar

5.0

(1)

Hi, my name is Oscar and I am a professional jazz pianist. I perform with the hot/swing band Roaring Cats, my own jazz trio (inspired by Ahmad Jamal, Oscar Peterson, and Brad Mehldau), and many other projects in styles such as modern jazz, soul, and pop.
These piano lessons are for all ages and all levels. You decide what you want to learn—from playing your favorite songs to improvising, composing, or gaining a deeper understanding of music. Lessons are fully tailored to your interests and goals.
We can explore different styles, with jazz as one possible approach alongside pop, classical, and others. Lessons may also include theory, composition, ear training, and technique, with a strong focus on creativity, enjoyment, and personal guidance.