Making songs - the basics of composition & music production - Leiden

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Making songs - the basics of composition & music production

From 29.45 £ /h

Music lovers!

My name is Daniël, I am a music technologist at the Hogeschool van De Kunsten in Utrecht, with experience in studio work, composition for film and music production from raw hip hop to meditative ambient. I am also the lead singer of a band, for which I have been writing the songs for a number of years now.

I can teach you how to produce music from your attic, from the first notes on the screen to the fully mixed end product. All levels are welcome! Do you have no experience at all with music but would you like to learn it all? No problem! We start with the basics and work our way up step by step. How do you write a catchy melody? What role can you let the bassline play? How do you keep enough space for the lyrics and how can you get the drums pumping?

Together we will find out where your greatest strengths lie and where you can grow the most. I can teach you the basics of composition, production, music theory and lyrics and how you can playfully learn to make music with the right tools. Together we will stimulate you creatively, so that you can make music on your own later!

Extra information

Bring your laptop!

Location

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At teacher's location :

Guido Gezellestraat, Leiden, Nederland

About Me

I graduated as a music technologist at the Hogeschool van de Kunsten in Utrecht.

I am looking for enthusiastic students of all levels, who dare to embark on the wonderful process of making music, and who are willing to broaden their own horizons.

I am someone who teaches in a playful way. I want to challenge my students to think for themselves, and above all to let their own interests flourish.

Education

Education enjoyed: Music & Technology, majoring in Composition & Music Production at the Hogeschool van de Kunsten in Utrecht. Graduated in 2021.

Experience / Qualifications

- 1.5 years of experience in autonomous music production in the ambient music (3 million total streams)
- 4 years experience in live music as lead singer of a band, with an EP and a studio produced album to the name.

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

Dutch

English

Skills

Sound (music)

Music composition

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

At teacher's location

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Vladimir

4.5

(2)

I am a professional guitarist, guitar teacher and composer. I have more than 10 years of experience in teaching music. Skillful in many styles, such as classical, flamenco, bossa nova, blues, jazz. Proficient in music theory, music composition and music software such as Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Max MSP. If you want to learn how to play guitar, to compose your own music using instruments or a computer, I can help you. If you have a question, do not hesitate to call or write!

Gonçalo

4.5

(2)

I specialize in teaching about Music and how to play the Guitar.
In class, I always make an effort to understand what are the goals and interests of all students, as well as their skills. This way we can address the issues at hand more effectively and make sure the student never loses his/her interest and focus in music and his/her instrument. I believe that an honest and friendly relationship between teacher and student is essential for this exchange of ideas to happen more clearly and fluently, so I do my best to make everyone feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts freely.
I offer good and personalized classes. This means that there will be special care with your interest in music and guitar, all basic skills will be worked upon and strengthened, all specific requests and ideas will be addressed, both improvisation and interpretation can be developed, and exploring potential, achieving goals and having fun are main priorities.
Come and enjoy learning more about Music and Guitar!

Joel

4.5

(2)

Start the new course learning to play piano!

I am a professional classical pianist, accompanist, creator, and composer with a Bachelor's Degree from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and a Master's Degree from the Royal Conservatorium in the Hague. For 7 years now, I have been teaching students of all levels between 5 and 60 years old.

Lessons are based on your level, interests, and goals. Together we can find out if you are keener on classical repertoire, or if you want to play your favorite pop music, some beautiful soundtrack from a movie you like or compose/improvise new pieces. With my experience in teaching diverse genres, I will help you explore the music that you like.

The central pillars I always work with are technique and creativity, which are much more connected than you would expect! While we advance, I also introduce the basics (or more deeply, if you are interested) of music theory to learn to communicate with each other in musical terms (chords, keys, score reading, etc.). And above all, the goal is to enjoy and have fun!

James

4.5

(2)

I am a 32-year old guitarist, songwriter and composer based in Den Haag, songwriting, composition, electric and acoustic guitar, in combination with music theory. I teach in English or in Greek. I am half Greek and half Scottish and I have been living in the Netherlands for the last 4 years.

I offer lessons in all styles, to all age groups, and for any experience level (ranging from students who have never written a song before, up to experienced songwriters who are looking for fresh ideas and improving their skills to really make their songs shine).

Face to face lessons are preferable, but I also teach online.

I am a patient and open minded teacher, and my desire is to help you learn what you want to learn, and make sure you enjoy and take pride in your songs, learn to express your musical ideas as best as possible and nurture your curiosity and excitement about the world of music creation !

My Credentials:
I hold a Bachelors of Music degree from Birmingham Conservatoire (UK), and a Masters of Music from The Hague Royal Conservatory. My experience as a songwriter and composer ranges from writing songs and singing in indie / off-beat rock bands, solo guitar and vocal performances, home-production of my own songs, creation of instrumental post-rock music, collaborative songwriting in bands, composition of works for classical players, creation of ambient, experimental and electronic music, creation of music for film, and I even some experience in beat-making.

I have written songs, I have written orchestra pieces, I have worked as a DIY home producer, I have released albums, and I've performed in concert halls, rock venues, squats and festivals. I

My music has been performed in and has taken me to several countries, including Portugal, The Czech Republic, The U.S.A., Canada, Korea, Greece, The U.K., The Netherlands.

My Teaching style:
My emphasis is to teach you based on your interests and your needs. The lessons are based around each individual student. You bring me the music you are creating and the skills you want to develop as a songwriter, and I build my lessons around that. My primary goal is help you develop your voice as a songwriter, so the starting point for our lessons will always be your music, and then I build our lessons around that.
My aim is always to help you find what the heart of the song is about, and help you to bring this out and really make it shine. To help illustrate ideas about topics we discuss I will bring examples that can help inform the music you are creating, we will explore ideas of arrangement, orchestration, band leading and / or production to help flesh out your songs, and we will explore music theory too when that is helpful for us and / or if that is interesting to you.

For more experienced songwriters we can explore how to write parts for other players, how to notate and orchestrate songs for acoustic instruments, how to record songs, or how to get the best playing out of your bandmates to help your song shine

Ivan

4.5

(2)

The class is for:
- beginners who want to start their journey in music
- intermediary musicians who wish to improve their skills
- for highly educated musicians who want to perfect their knowledge.
The class includes songwriting skills in POP, ROCK, JAZZ and many other styles of popular music as well as compositional skills in writing CLASSICAL, FILM, THEATER music.
I specialize in both popular music and classical music. The class includes both theoretic knowledge and its practical application with students instrument of choice. The class also includes skills in guitar, piano and percussion playing.

Nikos

4.5

(2)

Understanding how music theory works through scale and chords. Using examples from Classical to Pop and Jazz music to learn how to use harmony in a functional but yet free and creative way. Eventually, we can write our own material together.

Virág

4.5

(2)

Hi!
I’m Virág, a composer and teacher based in Den Haag and Budapest.

IF YOU:
~have ideas for pieces but lack the tools to notate them
~are considering studying composition at a conservatory and need some preparation
~have always wanted to learn the basics of music theory and counterpoint, but found it too challenging
~just want to have fun and write music

Then you’re in the right place!

FOR BEGINNERS:
~Getting acquainted with basic music theory and history
~Learning about different instruments and how to write for them.
~Receiving feedback on your own work
~Listening to and analyzing pieces from various periods of music history together
~Developing increasingly complex compositions

FOR INTERMEDIATES:
~Exploring various compositional techniques from early music to contemporary styles
~Studying instrumentation, music history, counterpoint, jazz, and classical theory (as preferred)
~Analyzing pieces from all periods of music history, focusing on form, instrumentation, and social contexts
~Assisting in creating original pieces and providing feedback on existing compositions

Enrico

4.5

(2)

Hello everyone, I'm Enrico and I come from Italy. Right now I am in Utrecht where I am doing a master's degree in cello under the guidance of Timora Rosler.
During my years of studies I always had the possibility to teach music, in fact while I was doing my Bachelor in Italy at the Conservatory of Turin, I taught cello and music theory in a private music school called "Isla de Musiqueros", in this school I had the opportunity to teach people of all ages, including children under 4 years old.
When I moved to the Netherlands little by little I started to find students and many many concerts.

I believe that playing is the best way to have fun and express your emotions, the work I want to do is work on tensions and try to help you melt away while playing, in this way you can have more sound and feel more free.
Technique is also very important in the everyday life of a musician, together we can see the best exercises for you, to help you improve and have more confidence with the instrument.

Mikołaj

4.5

(2)

If you want to learn all your favorite guitar tunes with possible in-depth explanation of theory behind it, improve your composition and improvisation skills or just start learning from scratch and begin to understand basic musical concepts, look no further!
I offer private lessons with individual approach towards every student. If you are just starting out your journey with guitar feel cordially invited! Same goes for intermediate and advanced players who want to become better at guitar (classical, acoustic and electric as well!)
Everyone is welcome (both children and adults)!

Things you can learn:
- playing chords, their extensions and inversions
- playing different songs of your own choice!
- ability to recognise how to play songs by ear
- understanding fretboard
- writing tablature
- fingerstyle playing
- recognising chord progressions
- playing and singing at the same time
- performance preparation
- music theory adequate for your current level
- composition and improvisation
- doing your own recordings
- music production
- professional musical vocabulary
- and more!

Julien

4.5

(2)

Max for Live is a tool bundled with Ableton Live that lets you program your own instruments and effects without writing a single line of code. With this course you will get a better understanding of the components of a synthesizer, learn the fundamentals of some of the most known and recognizable effects and learn some basic notions of programming.

Max uses a visual approach to programming, meaning you do not have to right codes to make your own plugins, instead you connect blocks that each have a specific function into an interconnected network that make a functioning instrument or effect.

By learning how to make your own plugin you will also gain a better understanding of how digital audio works, making you more aware of what your are doing in Ableton and more efficient.

Carlo

4.5

(2)

👋 Hello! I'm Carlo, a professional saxophonist, composer, and certified music teacher for public schools. I teach saxophone at various primary schools in South Holland and also work with children, teenagers, and adults—from beginners to advanced.

🎵 What I offer:

Saxophone lessons (classical, jazz, improvisation)
Composition & music theory
Ear training
Preparing for entrance exams
Personal guidance, tailored to your needs

📘 About the lessons:
My lessons usually last between half an hour (for young children) and 1 to 1.5 hours for older or advanced students. Depending on the level, we cover music theory (solfège), music theory, technical exercises, and repertoire.

Thanks to my extensive musical background, I tailor my lessons completely to the needs of each student. I use recognized teaching methods such as Kodály, Orff, and other pedagogical approaches that stimulate creativity, listening, and play – especially effective for children.

📍 Location: The Hague (at my home or at yours) or online
🗣️ Languages: Dutch, English, Italian
🎓 Experience with young children, schoolchildren and conservatory students

Lessons are playful and interactive for children, and more in-depth for advanced students. Feel free to contact me for a trial lesson!

🔹 Diplomas and Trainings

Master Classical Saxophone – Fontys University of the Arts, Tilburg (2023)
Master Classical Saxophone – Conservatorio L. Cherubini, Florence (Italy) (2020)
Pre-bachelor Courses in Composition – Conservatorio L. Cherubini, Florence (Italy) (2022)
Qualified Music Teacher for Italian Secondary Education – Florence (Italy) (2023)

More information about me, my music and projects can be found on my website:
🌐 www.carlorossimusic.com

✅ Save up to 10% with a 10-lesson package – available online, at my home, or at your location!
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👋 Hello! My name is Carlo Rossi. I'm a professional saxophonist, composer and qualified music teacher based in The Hague. I teach saxophone at various elementary schools in South-Holland region and also work with children, teenagers, and adults—from beginners to advanced players.

Currently, I teach saxophone at some elementary schools, as well as private lessons in saxophone, composition, music theory, and ear training. My approach is creative, flexible and tailored to each student's goals.

🎓 What I offer:

Saxophone lessons (classical, jazz, improvisation)
Composition & songwriting
Music theory & ear training
Audition and entrance exam preparation
Guidance for young learners, including primary school students

📘 Lesson structure:
My lessons generally last between 30 minutes (for young children) and 1 to 1.5 hours for older or more advanced students. Depending on the student's level, lessons include solfeggio, music theory, technical exercises, and saxophone repertoire.

With my wide musical background, I design each lesson to meet the individual needs of the student. I apply established teaching methods such as Kodály, Orff, and others that encourage creativity, active listening, and playful learning — especially effective for younger students.

📍 Location: The Hague (my place, your place, or online)
🗣️ Languages: Dutch, English, Italian
🎓 Experienced with children, school students, and professionals

🔹 Degrees & Education

Master's in Classical Saxophone – Fontys Academy of the Arts, Tilburg (2023)
Master's in Classical Saxophone – Conservatorio L. Cherubini, Florence (IT) (2020)
Pre-Bachelor's Courses in Composition – Conservatorio L. Cherubini, Florence (IT) (2022)
Qualified Music Teacher for Italian Middle Schools – Florence (IT) (2023)

Lessons are creative, flexible and always adapted to the student's goals.

Brendan

4.5

(2)

Dive into the essentials of music theory, whether you're just starting or looking to deepen your knowledge. This class covers everything from basic notation and scales to advanced harmony and form. Tailored to your goals, you'll develop a strong foundation to enhance your musicality and creativity. Perfect for students preparing for exams or personal growth.

Deniz

4.5

(2)

I completed my 5-year conservatory education in the Composition Department. During this time, I received comprehensive training in harmony, composition, and piano. Currently, I am pursuing my master’s degree in Codarts Rotterdam. I offer piano and solfège lessons for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Additionally, I provide classical harmony and composition training to help you create your own pieces. Furthermore, I offer solfège and ear training tailored to the requirements of the conservatory you wish to enter.

Carlotta

4.5

(2)

Anything that is part of a fundamental understanding of music, e.g. music theory, solfège, rhythm and piano will be taught. For me it is very important that the lessons is specifically made for the students regarding content and length. If asked violin and ballett can be taught as well. In that way the necessary aspects of a well rounded musician can be built up.

Athina

4.5

(2)

Guitar is a very versatile instrument, used in many different genres, including classical music. For me, my journey with it started somewhere in my early childhood, primarily with listening to my mum's playing of folk songs. What amazed me is the power that music has to make people come together and communicate. So at 10, I formally started my individual relationship with the instrument, studying classical guitar, which has given me some of the greatest pleasures in this life, and I hope it will be my source of joy until my dying day. Currently, I am studying Makam music at the Global Music Department of Codarts, Rotterdam. Be it classical, Rebetiko, or any other genre, it is this warmth that I would like to convey to my students, and introduce them to a lifelong friend and companion, who is going to take them to the most interesting places.