Music Theory Lessons for All Levels with a Composer-Conductor

From 51.8 £ /h

Let's learn music theory at your own pace! Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your existing knowledge, my Music Theory for All Levels course is designed to be flexible. I've taught many topics, from the basics of reading music, college level ear-training, Renaissance and Baroque counterpoint, Classical harmonic analysis, Jazz harmony, and 20th century techniques.

We’ll use your prefered music and instruments (or voice!) to make the learning process relevant and enjoyable. Whether you're a curious beginner, a performer looking to refine your knowledge, or a composer aiming for a deeper dive, this course is for everyone.

Location

Use Ctrl + wheel to zoom!

At student's location :

Around Berlin, Germany

At teacher's location :

Reinickendorfer Straße, Berlin, Germany

Online from Germany

About Me

American Conductor and Composer Stephen has served as Resident Conductor with the Cincinnati Opera, Associate Conductor with the Atlanta Symphony, and Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. 2024-25 season highlights include conducting debuts with Ensemble MusikFabrik, the Filarmonica Transilvania, Junges Sinfonie Orchester Wetzlar, and at the Momentum Festival Berlin, alongside return engagements as a guest conductor at the University of North Texas Opera and as an assistant conductor with the New York Philharmonic. As a composer, Stephen will present a new work with Ensemble MusikFabrik at their studio in Cologne and begin a collaboration with percussionist David Moliner and Universal Edition, culminating in the premiere of a new work at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg in January 2026.

A passionate advocate for contemporary music, Stephen debuted on the New York Philharmonic’s Sound ON Series in 2022 and their 65th Street Session Series in 2023. In demand as a guest conductor, Stephen has led performances with the Dallas Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Gulbenkian Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, National Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, San Antonio Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, and Virginia Symphony.

Stephen has assisted, prepared stage works, and served as second conductor for many of the world’s top conductors, including Marin Alsop, Karina Canellakis, Gustavo Dudamel, James Gaffigan, Edward Gardner, Manfred Honeck, Jakub Hrůša, Susanna Mälkki, Zubin Mehta, Ludovic Morlot, Peter Oundjian, Matthias Pintscher, David Robertson, Sir Donald Runnicles, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Leonard Slatkin, Robert Spano, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Jaap van Zweden.

As a Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Stephen stepped in for Gustavo Dudamel on short notice to conduct an all-Beethoven program and led other notable performances, including Stravinsky’s complete L’Histoire du Soldat and an All-Ravel Toyota Symphonies for Youth Concert. During his first season as Associate Conductor with the Atlanta Symphony, Stephen stepped in for three classical subscription programs over six weeks to critical acclaim.

A native of Baltimore, Stephen began his violin studies with his father, Gregory, and continued with Kyung Yu at Yale University. His conducting teachers include Gustav Meier at the Peabody Institute, Robert Spano at the Aspen Music Festival, and Arturo Tamayo at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana. He has a degree in composition under Jörg Widmann from the Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin.

Education

Yale University, Bachelor of the Arts, Violin and Conducting
Peabody Institute, Masters in Music, Orchestral Conducting
Barenboim-Said Akademie (Berlin), Artist Diploma in Composition

Experience / Qualifications

Los Angeles Philharmonic, Dudamel Fellow
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Assistant/Associate Conductor
Cincinnati Opera, Resident Conductor

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

60 minutes

90 minutes

120 minutes

The class is taught in

English

German

Skills

Music theory

Music theory lessons

Reviews

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

At teacher's location and via webcam

At student's home

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Musical Composition for all Levels with a Composer-Conductor

51.8 £ /h

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 :)

Private German Tutoring for Native English Speakers (for levels A1-C1)

51.8 £ /h

As an American with a C1 Goethe-Institut certificate in German, I understand the long journey of learning this difficult language! I can help you wherever you are on your German path, from the basics to complex grammar, from understanding everyday language to working on your pronunciation.

I have spent time carefully collecting resources that help native English speakers...for example, things that help with speech rhythm and accentuation...which not a lot of teachers teach, but which make a huge difference. In any case, I can custom-tailor our lessons based on your needs.

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)

This class is perfect for those who can already play the piano and want to improve their skills or add some jazzy elements to their music. This class focuses on the skills needed to understand and play jazz piano with confidence, looking at everything from scales to comping patterns and the necessary theory to help you develop an understanding of what and when to play.

Curragh

5.0

(10)

Hi everyone! My name is Curragh and I am a guitar teacher from the UK.

Learning an instrument is hugely rewarding and a great investment, one that I believe is accessible to anyone. Perhaps you're intrigued by the guitar and want to give it a go... maybe you are a parent looking to relax for an hour and have fun or enrich your child’s development and give them a skill they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.

I am a lifelong lover of music with a bachelor's degree in Jazz Guitar from Leeds Conservatoire and a BTEC diploma with distinction in Music Practice. I have played in many different ensembles and have attended the Bath International Guitar Festival in the UK, on a scholarship.

My teaching philosophy is that the ears are just as important to train as the hands and I integrate this into my lessons. It is also important to enjoy playing and feel excited by it, however, as this is the best motivator for students! It's how I learned after all...

I am happy to teach absolute beginners through to advanced students, ages 7 and up. If you have a particular style of music you are interested in or some favorite songs you've always wanted to learn, we can cover them!

If you are more advanced and want to bring your playing to the next level, I can coach you so you develop your unique 'voice' on the instrument and have a technique to burn.

Francisco

5.0

(10)

Hello!
Alright, I'll break it down into parts. If you look for a more "narrowed description" just scroll down to where I made a list :)

My name is Francisco, and I'm a guitar player from Argentina, currently living in Berlin.
I am very enthusiastic about teaching and sharing the energy to grow musically with my students.
I have taught music for 7 years in schools and privately at home. With private lessons, my aim is to adjust to the student's likes and abilities. I am attentive to the needs and the reasons why someone is wanting to play and learn music. And I try to encourage the curiosity and spirit of making music and not follow what is "considered" that you should learn.

What to expect from the first lesson with me?
To get to know each other. That way I see what you like and what you don't, what you already play, and your learning pace. Probably I can share with you something new already, and from there, we will build a "program" according to what you want your rhythm and time availability. I value singularity and I like to get to know who I teach, so that way I can help them better. It can be first chords and ways of learning new songs, improvisational tools, or pure harmony and theory stuff.
Because everyone is different, for example, if you like Rock I will go in that direction and teach you the elements that make Rock sound like it does and I won't teach you Jazz Harmony, if you like Classical music we will go over the abilities that you have to have to execute this kind of music, the same goes for the styles that I play.

My skills:
I play and have played mainly Fingerstyle Guitar, Jazz, Argentine Tango, Jazz Manouche, Rock, Rockabilly, and Experimental. I have worked a lot playing Bossa Nova at some point. I don't like teaching something that I don't know. So for example, oriental music I couldn't teach. And if we come to a point where I am not helpful anymore, I will say so. What I do like is learning with students, it is often the case that your students teach you new ways of thinking about music and I find that super exciting!

I was lucky to travel a bit of the world playing music with different projects and musicians that I admire, I always did this playing mainly Jazz music. I have played in bars and clubs and theaters in New York, Boston, Buenos Aires, and in different cities around Switzerland, Germany, France, Holland.
I was also part of several orchestras (Jazz, Tango, and Rock) in Argentina and the US.

I teach beginner - intermediate - advanced levels of different topics:
- how to improve technique (right hand and left hand)
- how to improvise (elements of improvisation, vocabulary, phrasing, etc.)
- how to visualize the fretboard
- how to learn songs by ear, and how to read music (or tab)
- how harmony and music theory work
- specific genres such as Jazz, Gypsy Jazz, Bossa Nova, Tango, Rock, and Fingerstyle.

The lessons can be also in German (basic, so you might need a bit of patience with me!), Spanish (that's my mother tongue), or English. They can be at my place (Wedding), all corona safe, or online via Zoom/Skype.

Shoot me a message if you are interested!
All the best,
Francisco

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

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

Haotian

5.0

(10)

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)

Aneta

5.0

(10)

Lessons from a highly qualified and experienced music teacher

let me help you in

*** Harmony and Ear Training ***
or
*** Preparation for the entrance exam for music college***

• Reading music, key systems
• time signatures
• Intervals
• scales
• Church modes,
• Tonality,
• Evasion and modulation,
• Function theory + stage theory
• Chords / Inversions / Position / Location
• Cadences
• basso continuo
• four-part composition (piano and chorale)
• Theory of forms
• Harmonic and form analysis,
• Rhythm dictation
• Melody dictations tonal/atonal
• Choral dictations

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,

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.

Cash

5.0

(10)

Looking for high-quality piano lessons at a great price? I offer professional, fully English-taught piano lessons right here in Berlin – perfect for anyone looking to improve both their piano and English skills!

My name is Cash, and I am from Colorado, USA. I bring over 20 years of music experience, including 5+ years of teaching. I studied both classical and jazz at the prestigious Idyllwild Arts Academy, earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Piano Studies, and have performed alongside top musicians.

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.