Learn to Compose - Contemporary Classical, Pop Music, Theory Support

From 30.18 £ /h

This class is for aspiring composers, musicians, and anyone who wants to learn how to write your own music! After we determine your goals, I'll support you in developing your skills in melody, harmony, orchestration, and more. As a conservatory-trained composer and producer, I have written and worked in a variety of styles, including classical, film music, avant-garde, electronic, pop, and folk - no matter what your style is, I'll help you bring your music to the next level!

Extra information

Make sure you have a notation app that we can work in - MuseScore is a wonderful free option!

Location

Online from United States

About Me

I'm a recent graduate from the Royal College of Music in London, where I trained for four years as a contemporary classical composer. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I taught composition and songwriting workshops through the RCM's "Sparks" program to help children and young people express themselves through music.

I offer one-to-one tuition in theory, composition, and orchestration for students of any level, at any age. My lessons are tailored to the student's aims, whether that's passing AP Music, developing a musical portfolio, or writing pop songs - I would love to know more about you and how I can help you achieve your goals!

Education

Royal College of Music - Bachelor of Music with First-Class Honours in Composition
Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts - Master of Arts in Composition (expected 2027)

Experience / Qualifications

I spent two years as a teaching assistant and behavioral aide in choir classes for young children (age 4-7) and teenagers at a major London music hub. I additionally taught composition workshops for four years both through my university and as an independent composer, mainly to students ages 11 and up.

Age

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

90 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Music composition

Sound (music)

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

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.

Camille

4.87

(84)

Folk or classical acoustic guitar.

The teaching philosophy is adapted to the level of each individual, according to the pace of work and motivation.

For example, for beginners: Technique of the plectrum or fingers, coordination and correction of the right and left hand. Learning basic chords, simple themes, simple rhythms, reading tablatures (...).

For intermediaries: development of rhythm, construction of chords, writing of tablatures, basic notions of harmony (...).

Depending on your goals, you can learn, if you wish, to play 60 to 80% of current music from the first lessons, which often use the same chords and the same techniques. The objectives take into consideration the following points:

-Study of various playing techniques, chords, harmony, music of your choice, rhythm, with reading of tablature, teaching structured around the repertoire you like, technique of developing the musical ear
- Discovery of the neck, notes and basic positions of open chords
- Left / right hand coordination and rhythm exercises for the right hand
- Learning of different pieces of your choice
- Left hand control exercises, speed and precision
- Learning arpeggios
- Work around muscle memory
- Learning improvisation, musical play with others
- Ear training: use your ears to find chords, melodies, sounds and techniques used
-Spend a pleasant moment of exchange, without unnecessary institutional pressure, while obtaining concrete results
-Understand and discover the many facets of an exciting and user-friendly instrument
- Benefit from personalized advice on your posture and certain pitfalls to avoid when starting alone
-Adjust and clarify your self-taught knowledge
- Learn tablatures / tabs & in English.

Note :
- Possibility to use the guitar available on site, during the test phase.
- As our teacher is also a singing teacher, it is possible to combine the two disciplines: guitar + vocal instrument, and to work on synchronization, style and accuracy.
- Possibility of offering this course (birthday, party, Christmas, event ...) to the person of your choice.

THE TEACHER :
Trained in Grande Ecole post-preparatory classes & Ivy League university in the United States, our teacher has specialized and has worked for more than 15 years, in Europe and North America, in the field, in renowned international public and private establishments, with careful pedagogy and methodology as the watchwords.

PLACES :
- Locations: Geneva-Lausanne-Friborg-Neuchâtel-Montreux-Bâle-Sion-Sierre-Morges-Bienne. But currently, only by videoconference in accordance with national recommendations on Covid. These sessions also seem to be perfectly unanimous since they have the advantages of direct (example: quality of the interaction), without its disadvantages (ex: loss of travel time), with additional advantages (ex: of notes on the chat, which can be reread afterwards). In this context, these videoconference sessions for which you have requested me, seem to arouse a certain enthusiasm (and a certain enthusiasm). At your request, I therefore continue to offer them.

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.

Şule

4.87

(84)

Turkish reed flute is an essential instrument of Turkish Classcial Music. It has a deep and dense culture dating from 13. century around. If you want to learn about how to perform it you first need a teacher educated by masters on this field. As of many teachers you can find online but you make sure that not every tutor meets with traditional style.
Solfege and method are inseperable parts of the lessons. So for beginners and intermediate students must follow a compotent tutor to learn about the way of classic form.

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)

Shubha

4.87

(84)

Hii,
I’m a professional vocal coach specializing in Hindustani Classical Music Vocal and Bollywood singing with Thumri, Ghazal, etc. With a strong background in vocal training, I bring professional expertise and a love for Indian music to each of my lessons. I focus on building a strong foundation in the essential techniques of Hindustani classical music, helping students develop breath control, pitch accuracy, and voice modulation—all essential elements that also enhance Hindustani Classical Music with Bollywood singing.

In my classes, students can expect a mix of traditional and modern teaching methods. I incorporate voice exercises, rhythmic drills, and raga practice to strengthen your musical skills, whether you're just starting or looking to refine your style. I also enjoy making the lessons interactive and fun, using familiar Bollywood songs to illustrate classical techniques, so students can relate the skills they’re learning to their favorite music. Each lesson is tailored to fit the student’s unique goals, whether you aim to perform, deepen your musical knowledge, or simply enjoy singing with confidence.

My approach is relaxed and encouraging, creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable with their vocal journey.

I’m here to help you find your voice—let’s make some music together!

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.

Sofiia

4.87

(84)

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.

Eto

4.87

(84)

Piano Classes: From the first notes to advanced repertoire, I tailor lessons to your level and goals — classical, pop, or even improvisation.

Jazz Voice Classes: Discover the freedom of jazz singing! Learn vocal technique, phrasing, interpretation, and improvisation in a relaxed, expressive way.

🧒 All ages and levels welcome – children, teens, and adults!
💬 Lessons can be in English – and I'm happy to adapt to your pace and style.

Let’s explore music together and make learning both fun and inspiring!

Lucy

4.87

(84)

🎛️ Music Production Lessons & Creative Coaching 🎶

Want to learn how to create, record, and refine your own music in Logic Pro X? Whether you’re a complete beginner or already producing your own tracks, I offer online lessons and personalized production coaching to help you grow and elevate your sound.

If you’re just starting out, we’ll build a solid foundation:

- MIDI & audio basics
- Arrangement & structure
- Sound design & effects
- Vocal editing
- Mixing fundamentals
- Workflow tips & creative approaches

Already producing? Great — then I offer tailored production advice and feedback. You can bring in your tracks, questions, or challenges, and I’ll help you with:

- Song structure & dynamics
- Sound choices & layers
- Mix clarity & depth
- Artistic direction
- Developing your unique sonic identity

The sessions can be fully online or live, flexible, and built around your needs.

I combine my experience as a pop producer and artist with my background in classical music theory and a degree from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Pop).

Whether you're starting from scratch or fine-tuning a nearly finished track — I’m here to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and creativity.

Maria

4.87

(84)

This is not a technical DJ lecture. It is a creative lab.

In this workshop, we explore DJing as storytelling, cultural curation, and emotional architecture. Whether you are a beginner curious about mixing or a creative looking to refine your artistic identity.

We cover:

Software and hardware essentials

Track selection

How to build a narrative through sound

Reading the room and shaping energy

Developing your sonic identity

The relationship between DJing and community

Participants engage in listening exercises, mini curation challenges, and real-time feedback. Instead of rigid rules, we experiment. Instead of copying trends, we discover what we love.

This class is for DJs, music lovers, cultural organizers, and anyone who wants to understand how music moves people and spaces.

You will leave with practical tools, sharper ears, and a clearer sense of your creative voice behind the decks.

I have more than 6 years mixing in clubs, private parties and festivals. I have played in important stages in Mexico and Europe with names such as Solomun, Maceo Plex and Adriatique.