Fundamentals of music: Composition lessons for beginners

From 53.58 £ /h

Writing music is an expression of your musical identity.

In composition lessons, we will build your musical identity through a combination of listening, writing, and making music on your primary instrument.

You will start recording your musical thoughts on paper or on audio. Together we will search for music, art, and ideas that inspire you and discuss your intuitive reactions to what you come across.

Through the exploration of your musical identity, we will discover what music wants to be said by you.

Extra information

Bring your voice/instrument to class. Reading music an asset but not required. All styles welcome.

Location

Online from France

About Me

My highly individualized approach will help you find your unique way of expressing yourself through music.

In voice lessons, we will bring together music, movement, vocalizations, and mental images that will free your voice.

In composition lessons, we will build your musical identity through a combination of listening, writing, and making music on your primary instrument.

In-ear training, we will study music that you like to not only understand how this music is made but also what about it speaks to you.

I also teach improvisation and piano and am open to teaching two subjects in one lesson.

Music has the potential to express each person’s special way of being in the world. Finding mine has been affirming and transformative for me. I would like to guide others in their journey to do the same.

Education

M.A. Music Composition, University of California, Berkeley
B.Mus. Composition, Rice University

Voice studies with Nicholas Isherwood, Cecilia Engelhart, Lisa Harris, and Karol Bennett

Experience / Qualifications

I am a composer of contemporary music with a Master’s in composition from UC Berkeley.

I perform as a classically trained experimental vocalist with experience in many vocal styles, including jazz, world music, and early music.

I have two years of experience teaching musicianship and coaching singers, and I have been a piano accompanist for 13 years.

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Duration

30 minutes

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

French

Italian

Skills

Music composition

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

Fundamentals of music: Voice lessons for beginners

53.58 £ /h

Your voice is a unique expression of who you are. In beginning voice, we will begin to discover your voice and work on exercises to free the voice and body.

In voice lessons, you will learn fundamentals of resonance, breath support, and stage presence. You will bring songs to sing that are personally meaningful to you, and I will suggest additional songs for you to learn based on the style of music you like and your vocal goals.

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

Ryo

4.87

(84)

Hello,

Electric & Acoustic Guitar tuition from complete beginners to advanced.
(Also Ukulele lessons would be available if fancy)

If anyone considers taking up the guitar exams and becoming a qualified guitarist, I can back you up.

Any styles,
pop/rock/blues/jazz/funk/classical guitar, etc.
Whatever songs/riffs/comps/(16th note) strumming patterns (lead guitar/rhythm guitar) harmony and music theory, solfeggio(aural), and so on.

Lessons will be tailored to you.
it's not brain surgery. it's going to be a lot of fun!

I can travel to your house or you come to my place.
Also, Skype lessons would be available.

Lessons are always for students.
So enjoy playing the guitar and lessons to move up to the next level.

Any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Thanks for reading and look forward to working with you.
You can't afford to miss it!!

Cheers,
Ryo

App

4.87

(84)

< Learning Piano is not merely about playing the piano >

Before starting to learn the piano, it’s essential to recognize that :

'' What we are actually learning is "Music", but not only "Piano". ''

The goal of learning any instrument is to acquire the language of music, enabling us to express ourselves and enjoy music with others. Playing the piano is for creating beautiful sounds, not really for developing finger speed or strength. That’s the function of gym.

< Music is like cooking >

When we cook, to make roast beef tender, of course, it’s nice to have a tender heart, but without knowing how to control the temperature, the roast beef won’t become tender merely by our tender heart.

By only adding salt, the dish won’t be sweet. Similarly, simply playing or writing a C major triad chord won’t convey a sorrowful feeling.

To create the feeling we want, no matter how much sentiment we have in our hearts, to convey it via music, it needs to be translated into the language which the piano can understand, which means, how we press and lift the keys and pedals. Similarly, when we compose, it needs to be transferred into chords, and notes we write.

< Difference between an audience and a musician >

There is a common belief that a musician can make music with sentiment or feeling. While it’s partially true, the most essential thing is knowing ‘’How’’ to create the sound that conveys the feeling we want, rather than merely knowing ‘’What’' feeling we want to convey.

The understanding of the mechanism behind music is essential, as cooking, and that is the difference between an audience and a musician. As an audience, one can simply feel the music. Like a chief who knows how to create a specific flavor to convey, a musician knows how to create the sound which can convey the feeling we want. While knowing which feeling we want is great, it’s merely the first step. Your emotions are not too different from Chopin, Beethoven, Adele or Taylor Swift, otherwise, they can’t resonate with you. But they know how to create the sound that conveys the feeling they want to their audience.

< Course Content >

I consider my course to be a form of "Music Consultation" because it contains a wide range of subjects that are essential to a professional musician. While we focus on piano playing, there are also music theory, music history, instrument construction, ergonomics for performers, analysis of composer styles, composition, arrangement, recording, MIDI, computer music, the physics of sound, and more.
In avoid of confusion, let’s still call my course as "Piano Course”.

< Duration >

For each course, I will reserve at least 70 minutes in my schedule for you, including 60 minutes of class time and an additional 10 minutes for discussion and any questions you may have. This will ensure that your courses are not rushed by the next student. This ensures that there is enough time for you to solve your piano and music problems.

< Recording >

I highly encourage my students to record their progress. This can provide an objective standard for comparison and help you analyze your playing precisely. In my nine years of experience teaching music, I've found many students, including those advanced, already play certain sections very well, while other sections may not be not well enough. But they still try to improving those fine sections, while not aware of those weak sections.
Without an objective reference, it’s hard to distribute our effort precisely. This can lead to not only unstable performance, but also practicing without a precise goal can easily reduce enthusiasm. Recording your results and comparing them with those recordings you like on YouTube or Spotify can be an effective way to analyze your playing and set precise goals.

If you have a digital piano, I can help you produce a video of your performance for each session. This can be a tangible record of your efforts and you can share it with your friends and family via YouTube or other platforms.

Gema

4.87

(84)

The most important matter that I could write here about is my passion to teach. I've been teaching already for more than 10 years, from kids to adults. I'm a classical pianist, but I am opened to other musical styles. What I want you to get from your lessons with me, is not only a huge knowledge of theorical stuff or a great technique, I would like to show you my musical world, the imagination and inner exploration that is required to understand and to love music in a whole new level. Once you have found them, it will be very hard to quit playing!

The class duration: You can choose!
20 minutes (Great for the youngest : 3 years old)
30 minutes (Ideal for young beginners from 4 years old)
45 minutes (Intermediate+ adult beginners)
1 hour (Intermediate and combined with some Music Theory)

I use different methods depending on:
1) The goals of my student
2) The language that we will use on class
3) Age and musical preferences: I start to teach children from 3 years old, we make games and they learn to play through musical stories that I have created throughout my pedagogical career.

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.

Giulio

4.87

(84)

Music is just about doing it, what makes it fun and easy is the route you take to reach whatever your goal is.

15 years experience in teaching Piano, Theory and Composition, gathering and selecting pedagogical approaches from the thoughtful experience of my two MA Degrees in Piano and Experimental Composition at "G.Verdi" Conservatory in Milan and beyond, in the field, exploring different methods of aural skills acquisition, piano technique, compositional perspectives in both classical and modern music.

I have experience with both entry level and advanced students.

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.

Stefano

4.87

(84)

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!

Haotian

4.87

(84)

Internationally active composer and music theorist (M.Mus) currently accepting students for the following subjects (online sessions):
-Music theory (basic to college level), including harmony, counterpoint, analysis
-Western music history (medieval to contemporary), music appreciation
-Composition, music notation (software + score preparation), electronic music, university application portfolio feedback and general application advising
-English (for academic writing)

Steve

4.87

(84)

Sometimes you can sit in a music lesson with your class mates and feel completely baffled as to why others are 'getting it' and you are not! If you are wanting some extra help in preparing for a music exam or even wanting to feel more comfortable with the rest of the class then this class is right up your street. Alternatively, if you would like some extra advice on performance techniques then I can help. Perhaps you are struggling with your composition tasks - that is my speciality. Then there is the analysis of a piece of music that can be so confusing that we could spend some valuable one-to-one time on. I am here to help and below are some reasons why I am well suited to give you the appropriate advice that you need.

I worked in a comprehensive school teaching music for over 35 years. In that time I engaged with many different exam boards at GCSE and A level delivering a range of different courses. This experience and my passion for all aspects of music, whether it be performing, composing or listening and analysis enables me to give you the right advice. Whatever you need help with, I am very keen to be able to offer my expertise in any or all of these areas. Each of the three disciplines is intrinsically connected with the other two and having a good grasp of all three will enable you to improve your ability overall.

Andrea

4.87

(84)

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.

Mayssa

4.87

(84)

Do you dream of turning your words into a song, or of your ideas becoming your signature? I'm here to provide you with a complete composing and writing service for Eastern songs, tailored entirely to your artistic taste and preferred style. Whether you're looking for a personal song, an artistic project, or a major release, I'll work with you every step of the way to achieve your goal.
What I offer you in this service:
🔹Textual wordplay: Transforming your words into a powerful and harmonious tone that reflects your feelings and style, whether in an authentic Eastern or modern Western approach.
🔹 Composing a song from scratch: I write you original lyrics and a melody to suit your vocal personality and the message you want to convey.
🔹He lost in: Autumn and Winter between Eastern melodies and Western-Eastern rhythms, or the innovative and distinctive integration of photographers.
🔹 Working with details: I pay attention to the sound, the rhythm of the music, the musical expression, and the song only, and it can be listened to or performed live.
🔹Options available: I can provide you with the melody in an audio format, or a ready-to-use musical score, depending on your needs.
I believe that every song tells a story, and every melody from the Poverty Era is unique. Therefore, I put passion and a reasonable attention to detail into simple yet truly meaningful songs that resonate with love and leave a lasting impression on the listener.
We started working, transforming your ideas into an Eastern or Western song that captivates hearts and showcases your artistic identity.

Sebastian

4.87

(84)

Personalized bass lessons for all levels, focused on building a solid musical foundation from day one.

We work with fundamental exercises to develop technique, instrument control and rhythmic sense, integrating music theory, ear training and improvisation in a practical and applied way.

The technique is not approached mechanically, but from the real interpretation, the groove and improvisation, so that what you study translates directly into the music.

The classes are adapted to the styles, techniques and contexts in which you want to improve: jazz, popular music, funk, rock, folklore, accompaniment, reading, improvisation or music production.

Online mode
• Individual classes in
• Customized materials and exercises
• Spanish or English

---

Personalized bass lessons for all levels, focused on building strong musical foundations and real-world skills.

We will work with fundamental exercises to develop technique, time feel and control of the instrument, integrating music theory, ear training and improvisation with a practical and musical intent.

Technique is approached through interpretation, groove and improvisation, rather than isolated mechanical drills.

Lessons are fully adapted to the styles, techniques and musical contexts you want to improve in: jazz, popular music, funk, rock, Latin music, accompaniment, sight-reading, improvisation or music production.

Online classes
• One-on-one
• Customized material and exercises
• Lessons in Spanish or English

Vivek

4.87

(84)

This Music Theory class is designed to help students truly understand how music works, not just memorise rules. The course is practical, applied, and directly connected to playing music, especially at the piano.

Students learn music theory in a clear and structured way, covering harmony, rhythm, form, and listening skills, while immediately applying these concepts to real music. The class supports pianists, singers, composers, and instrumentalists at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Alongside Western classical and contemporary theory, students also explore Bollywood music, popular harmony, and stylistic elements from modern genres. The aim is to build strong musical awareness, confidence, and independence.

How the Class Is Conducted

1. One-to-one online sessions
2. Concepts explained clearly using examples at the piano
3. Regular listening and analysis of real musical works
4. Exercises adapted to the student’s level and goals
5. Theory is always connected to sound, practice, and musical meaning, not taught in isolation.

What Students Learn
1. Reading and understanding notation
2. Scales, intervals, chords, and harmony
3. Rhythm, meter, and time organisation
4. Functional harmony and chord progressions
5. Analysis of classical, contemporary, and Bollywood music
6. Applied theory for performance and composition
7. Advanced students also work on analysis, arrangement, and original music.

Who This Class Is For
1. Beginners who want a clear foundation
2. Pianists and instrumentalists who want to understand what they play
3. Students preparing for exams or higher studies
4. Songwriters and composers
5. Young teachers seeking stronger theoretical clarity

Matteo

4.87

(84)

Il Beatbox è una disciplina che affascina tutte le fasce d'età, bisogna avere talento? E' una dote innata? Assolutamente no. Impara a fare beatbox col campione italiano e internazionale degli ultimi anni. Matteo, in arte Dynamatt, si occupa di spettacoli in tutto il mondo, programmi tv in prima serata, trasmissioni radiofoniche e workshop in italiano e inglese. Tutti sono in grado di fare beatbox, vuoi scoprire come? Organizziamo delle lezioni!