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Music Composition and Music Theory Lessons with a PhD Graduate

From 35.74 £ /h

Hello!

My name is Jacques, and I hold a Ph.D. in Composition from the University of California, San Diego. I offer online courses in composition and music theory for learners of all ages and levels.

Additionally, I can assist with preparation for entrance exams at music conservatories.

**Sample Topics for Beginners:**

- Introduction to Western Music Theory Concepts
- Modal Scales
- Harmony
- Modulation
- Counterpoint (Species, Canon, Invention, Fugue)
- Figured Bass
- Material Development
- Twelve-Tone Technique
- Form Analysis
- Historical Styles
- Post-Tonal Harmony
- Polytonality

**Sample Topics for Advanced Students:**

- Advanced Techniques vs. Technique Expansion
- Harmonic Spectrum and Spectralism
- Hybrid Notation Methods
- Timbre
- Orchestration
- Polyphonic Structures
- Microtonality
- Contemporary Approaches to Form
- Complex Rhythms

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine advanced techniques, I tailor each lesson to meet your individual goals and interests. Feel free to reach out for more information or to schedule a lesson!

Extra information

Jacques (*1986) is a Mexican composer based in Berlin, a member of the Sistema Nacional de Creadores Arte de México (National System of Art Creators), and chairman of the Contemporary Insights initiative. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), working with Roger Reynolds. Before that, Jacques earned a Master’s degree and completed a post-master's program (Meisterklasse) at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Leipzig, studying under Claus-Steffen Mahnkopf and receiving private lessons from Johannes Kreidler.

Earlier in his career, Jacques studied composition and music theory at the CIEM in Mexico with Victor Rasgado and Enrico Chapela. He also holds a Music Diploma in guitar performance from the Royal School of Music, London (2012).

He is the creator of the channels Mexican Scores, where he publishes video-scores of contemporary Mexican composers, and Musica Teórica Online, focused on educational content about music theory. His works have been performed in countries like Mexico, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, the U.S., the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Portugal, and Germany, and have been featured in festivals such as Darmstadt, Gaudeamus, and Wittener Tage für Neue Kammermusik.

Jacques earned second place in the "New Recorder Music" competition in 2016, held in Lausanne. His piece "Xochitepec desde mi cuarto" was chosen to represent Mexico at the UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers in 2012. He has been awarded several scholarships, including the Deutschlandstipendium and the Mexican grants Estudios en el Extranjero (2013) and Jóvenes Creadores (2016, 2021). In 2019, he was selected by the ULYSSES Network for the ULYSSES Journeys program.

Location

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At teacher's location :

Berlin, Germany

Online from Germany

About Me

Lessons available in English, German and Spanish.

Jacques (*1986) is a Mexican composer based in Berlin, a member of the Sistema Nacional de Creadores Arte de México, and chairman of the Contemporary Insights initiative.

He completed his Ph.D. at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), working with Roger Reynolds. Before that, earned a Master's degree and completed a post-master's program (Meisterklasse) at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Leipzig, studying under Claus-Steffen Mahnkopf and receiving private lessons from Johannes Kreidler.

Earlier in his career, studied composition and music theory at the CIEM in Mexico with Victor Rasgado and Enrico Chapela. He also holds a Music Diploma in guitar performance from the Royal School of Music, London (2012).

His works have been performed in countries such as Mexico, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, the US, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Portugal, and Germany, and have been featured in festivals such as Darmstadt, Gaudeamus, and Wittener Tage für Neue Kammermusik.

Education

PhD in Music Composition - University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Master class (post-masters) in composition, Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Leipzig, Germany
Master in Composition in Composition - Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Leipzig, Germany
Bachelor in Music Theory, CIEM | London College of Music, Mexico City
Bachelor in composition - CIEM, Mexico City

Experience / Qualifications

Music Theory at UCSD, USA (from 2018)
Assistant composition teacher, HMT, Leipzig (2013-2015)
Private music instructor (composition, music theory and guitar (from 2008)

Age

Preschool children (4-6 years old)

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

30 minutes

45 minutes

60 minutes

The class is taught in

German

English

Spanish

Skills

Music theory lessons

Music composition

Music theory

Reviews

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

George

5.0

(10)

I am an experienced and enthusiastic guitar tutor from Leeds, England, living in Berlin. I have a bachelor’s degree in jazz guitar from Leeds College of Music although I also play and teach rock, pop, funk, folk, and indie music.

In lessons, I aim to get students to play something they know as soon as possible in order to get excited about progress early on. We balance this with paying attention to proper technique and having one eye on the theory behind what we are playing to broaden your understanding of how music works.

I am actively engaged in playing within the music scene and have a real excitement for all types of music, whether it’s learning your first chords on guitar or working on improvisation or music theory. We'll go at the right pace for you and achieve your goals together.

I have experience teaching all ages and abilities of students, having taught in primary and secondary schools as well as private tuition for adults. From complete beginners to preparing a student for their college auditions.

Lessons are tailored to suit the needs of the student, in order to have lessons that push you to learn to the best of your ability whilst still being fun and musical.

Joshua

5.0

(10)

Want to take learn piano but not keen on the classical music part? No worries! I offer piano lessons focusing on popular music styles that will help you build your confidence and have you performing in front of others in no time.

This is perfect for teenagers or adults who want to learn but aren't interested in learning classical pieces. I only offer 1 / 1,5 / 2-hour sessions to give us plenty of time to work on the techniques, and, ideally, play a whole song during a single session.

Sarah

5.0

(10)

Hello! my name is Sarah. I have a certificate in Classical Piano Performance. I have years of experience in teaching music in different languages (Arabic, English, German and French).
In 2020 I finished my master's in Music Therapy in Germany. At the end of my studies, I did my research on online music playing and wrote my thesis on music interaction through online platforms which gave me a great deal of experience when it comes to online teaching. In my online lesson, I use several cameras from several angles to give the student the chance to see what I am doing.
My lessons (Live and Online) are fun and very beneficial, and all my students showed fast progress

Gustavo

5.0

(10)

The hours are designed according to your musical interests. Since each person has his or her own individual approach to music, it is logical and, in my experience, more effective to work with this in a specific way. So, instead of a rigid curriculum in which you lose interest in a short time, I would like to support you in achieving your personal plans and discovering musical possibilities!

Depending on your interests, motivation, previous knowledge and musical taste, the following focal points are coordinated:
Technique (tone formation, breathing, approach, intonation, finger technique, etc.), ear training, sense of rhythm, improvisation, note reading, music theory.

The focus is all about enjoying the music. Its naver late to learn.

Ella

5.0

(10)

Piano, music theory, chamber music lessons, accompaniment.
Experienced piano teacher who is available for private lessons in person or online.
All levels students age 12 and above are welcome, as well as students with special needs (any age)
Familiar with ABRSM, TRINITY, NZMEB, IB exams requirements. Spoken languages: English, Bulgarian

Stephen

5.0

(10)

Are you stuck? I can help!

In our composition lessons, we’ll both learn how to get more from basic elements, like pitch and rhythm, and also the things we can do to help make a composition more poetic. We can work on how to get more music from fewer ideas to create a consistent musical language, and also explore the idea of opposites in your compositions, blending and smearing contrasting elements to add depth and complexity to your work.

Through the analysis of great music, the composition of miniatures, and feedback on your current projects, you’ll both increase your technical fluency and simultaneously learn to love and develop your unique voice. This class is for any level of composer, whether you're a beginner or an experienced composer seeking to enhance your creative skills. Don't wait any longer :)

Nuno

5.0

(10)

Hi everyone! 🎶

I’m excited to offer bass guitar lessons, sharing my passion and over 20 years of experience playing a wide range of styles—from jazz and rock, blues to funk and more.

Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player, I can help you take your skills to the next level!

✔ Lessons available in person or online via video conference
✔ Languages: German, English, Spanish, or Portuguese—depending on your preference and language practice goals.

Let’s groove and make some music together! 🎸

Navid

5.0

(10)

Hi!
My Name is Navid. I'm a Cellist. I have been playing the Cello professionally for more than 15 years now. I have studied music and cello performance in music school and universities including Tehran University and Daniel Barenboim's music Akademie in Berlin.
I have won several national competitions in solo and also in chamber music. I have participated in many masterclasses with top cellist and cello pedagogues.
I was a full-time cellist at Tehran Symphony Orchestra for 5 years and was member of several chamber music ensembles. I have also years of experience in teaching cello in music schools.

Looking forward to get to know you and help you to develop your potentials in music and specialy in Cello!

All the best,

James

5.0

(10)

GERMAN BELOW

Professional musician and teacher for 15 years.
Lessons in Berlin (Neukölln, Tempelhof, your location) and also available online internationally.

I offer in-person and online lessons in double bass and electric bass, improvisation (all instruments, from general ideas to specific concepts) and composition, specializing in Western and experimental notated music and creatively using Ableton as a composition tool. I am based in Berlin-Neukölln and Tempelhof or can come to your location.

I am active throughout Europe as a composer, performer and improviser, and also perform regularly in Berlin. As well as being a full-time professional musician, I was a senior lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire, UK, from 2018-2023, developing and delivering courses and curriculums, and have been a private teacher for 15 years. I hold Bachelor and Master's degrees in music, double bass and composition and have studied at schools in Birmingham, Paris and Berlin.

Our lessons are based around the areas you are most interested in developing, and together we come up with a plan to help you move closer to your goals and goals, whether that be learning specific songs or repertoire, being able to improvise basslines or solos, improving techniques etc. I am open to all ways of learning at all levels, from beginners to professionals. I also offer free optional audio or video feedback between lessons which can serve as useful reminders of ideas, techniques, exercises etc. or just to check in.

Instrumental lessons are relaxed and can include theory, composition and improvisation from the beginning to help develop well-rounded musical skills. Improvisation lessons are suitable for all instruments/vocals and can cover specific musical contexts such as jazz, free improvisation, interpretation of new music (contemporary music) etc.

In my teaching career I have also had the opportunity to develop specialist music projects with children and young adults, using interesting, fun and creative starting points. At the same time my current students range from age 16-50+ and my practice as a professional improviser allows me to be flexible and keep things interesting across all ages, ability levels and genres. Ultimately, it is about developing a personal relationship with the instrument or music, that keeps you engaged and having fun!

English (mother tongue), German and some French as possible teaching languages. Regular, irregular, spontaneous appointments (eg individual lessons) are possible.

GERMAN

Professional musician and teacher for 15 years.
Lessons in Berlin (Neukölln, Tempelhof, your location) and also online internationally.

Hello everybody!

I offer in-person and online lessons in double bass and electric bass, improvisation (all instruments, from general ideas to specific concepts), and composition, specializing in Western European and experimental notated music and the creative use of Ableton as a compositional tool. I'm based in Berlin-Neukölln and Tempelhof, or I can come to your studio, home, etc.

I work throughout Europe as a composer, performer, and improviser, and also perform regularly in Berlin. In addition to my full-time professional career, I was a lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire in the UK from 2018 to 2023, where I developed and delivered courses and curricula, and I have been a private teacher for 15 years. I hold bachelor's and master's degrees in music, double bass, and composition and have studied at schools in Birmingham, Paris, and Berlin.

Our lessons are tailored to the areas that interest you most, and together we'll develop a plan to help you achieve your goals, whether that's learning specific songs or repertoire, being able to improvise bass lines or solos, improving technique, and more. Some people enjoy learning using a method or songbook, others prefer to learn by ear or simply by doing. I'm open to all styles of learning at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Additionally, I offer optional free audio or video feedback between lessons, which can serve as a useful reminder of ideas, techniques, exercises, etc., or simply to check progress.

Instrumental lessons are relaxed and may include theory, composition, and improvisation from the outset to promote the development of comprehensive musical skills. Improvisation lessons are suitable for all instruments/vocals and can cover specific musical contexts such as jazz, free improvisation, interpretation of new music (contemporary music), etc.

In my teaching career, I've also had the opportunity to develop special music projects with children and young adults that have interesting, fun, and creative starting points. At the same time, my current students range in age from 16 to 50+, and my practice as a professional improviser allows me to be flexible and keep things interesting across all age groups, skill levels, and genres. Ultimately, it's about developing a personal relationship with an instrument or music that keeps you engaged and having fun!

English (native speaker), German, and some French are possible teaching languages. Regular, irregular, and spontaneous appointments (e.g., individual lessons) are possible.

Mateo

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(10)

Hello!
My name is Mateo. I offer violin lessons in English, Spanish or French. I have 7 years of teaching experience and 23 years of musical experience, including working in orchestras, organizing chamber music recitals, and attending numerous masterclasses with professors from around the world.
I graduated with a violin specialization from the Strasbourg Conservatory in June 2024.

Alejandra

5.0

(10)

I greet you, I thank you!
°Spanish:
Are you interested in learning or finally getting back to playing your favorite songs and pieces on the piano?
I will teach you: how to study without repeating, how to understand coordination processes, and how to integrate the rhythmic and melodic aspects of the pieces you are playing and learning!
I also teach music theory, solfeggio, coordinated rhythms and, most importantly: fun learning!
CONTACT ME AND LET'S GO FOR IT!
°German:
Möchtest Du das klavierspielen lernen oder wieder beleben, deine Lieblingsstücke endlich mal spielen?
Ich werde dir deine Stücke ohne Wiederholungsmacken ans Ziel bringen beibringen.
Falls du Interesse oder es notwendig until, bringe ich Dir Grundelemente der Musiklehre, Solfège, Koordinierte Rhythmen und vor allem: lernen kann echt Spaß machen!
SEND IT AND SEE YOU BACK!!

Yaniv

5.0

(10)

I’m Yaniv, a classical guitarist and guitar teacher with over 12 years of playing experience and 7 years of teaching experience.

In my lessons, we focus on enjoying the guitar — building skills, confidence, and a love for the music you play.
We can work together on proper technique, reading notation and tabs, playing songs or classical pieces, improvisation, ear training, rhythm, and music theory — all tailored to your personal goals and level.

I understand every student’s journey, because I’ve been there myself. I started learning on my own, and only when I found great teachers did I realize how much professional guidance can make a real difference.

That’s why I design a personalized learning plan for each student, helping them progress in the best and most enjoyable way possible.

I truly love teaching and guiding students through their musical journeys.
For me, it feels like a calling — a way to pass on the rich traditions and knowledge I’ve received from the great teachers I’ve studied with closely over the years.

Each student is a whole world to me. I believe that every person has a unique musical voice, and my goal is to help them discover and develop it.
Teaching is always a two-way process — I keep learning and growing from every student I work with.

Valentini

5.0

(10)

Berlin-based pianist, composer, and experienced teacher Valentini brings over 10 years of piano instruction to students of all ages and levels. Known for her deeply emotional and lyrical musical voice, shaped by her Greek-Cypriot heritage and classical training, she creates lessons that are both fun and inspiring, helping students develop technical skills, musicality, and confidence.

Valentini is also trained in performance psychology, supporting students not only in mastering the piano but in developing a strong mindset, emotional resilience, and overall wellbeing—tools essential for performing with ease and joy.

A graduate of Charles University in Prague, Valentini has performed as a soloist and ensemble musician and released three albums: Reflections (2022), Belonging (2023), and Metamorphosis (2025), blending soulful piano with evocative textures. Her teaching combines professional expertise with a playful, supportive approach, making each lesson engaging, meaningful, and tailored to the student’s goals.

Glenn

5.0

(10)

Learn to produce, arrange, and mix like a pro with personalized lessons from a seasoned producer featured in Mixmag and charted in the Beatport Deep House Top 100. With over 12 years of experience and releases on respected labels including Nordic Trax, Digital Grooves, and Berlin House Music, Glenn brings real-world insight from the studio to the stage.

Whether you're into House, Techno, Trance, Rock, or Dub, lessons cover everything from sound design and synthesis to guitar recording, creative arrangement, and professional finishing techniques.

Ideal for beginners and intermediate producers looking to elevate their sound and develop a unique artistic identity.

Matias

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(10)

This class introduces the core concepts of film scoring and how music shapes story, emotion, and narrative in film and television. Students will learn how to support and move images through music, exploring timing, mood, theme, and structure. Lessons are tailored to each student’s interests and level, from complete beginners to advanced composers, and can focus on electronic, orchestral, or hybrid approaches.

The course also includes analysis and deconstruction of existing film scores to understand compositional techniques and storytelling strategies. Students will learn how to set up and optimize their digital audio workstation for film scoring, define personal creative goals, and work with industry-standard orchestral sample libraries and synthesizers such as Spitfire Audio, Orchestral Tools, and Cinematic Studio Series. Films with sound design and no music can be provided for hands-on scoring exercises, enabling practical experience working directly to picture.