Understanding Music Theory and Harmony for Composition

From 57.89 C$ /h

Are you an aspiring musician, writer or composer?

If you feel that there are certain concepts in Music Theory that you're unsure of, then this is the course for you.

An understanding to fundamental Music Theory is essential to developing as a musician, however it is often an area over looked and perceived to be daunting by many student.

You may not know anything! or you may be looking for ways to improve your writing? Modes? Understanding Chord Progressions?
Whatever your previous knowledge base I can help you to understand theory concepts from foundation to an advanced level and help you to apply them.

Classes will cover subjects such as Intervals, Chord structures, Scales, Harmonic Development, Chord Progressions, Modal writing, Secondary Dominants, Mediant Modulation and more.

Extra information

Due to current COVID 19 restrictions, only Web based video calls are available.

Location

Online from Germany

About Me

I am a multi- instrumentalist musician who has studied, learned and loved music for nearly 20 years.

I have recently moved to Berlin to focus on my own music composition and return to teaching after working within the busy Film & TV industry in London.

I studied Professional Musicianship at the British Institute of Modern Music in Brighton, UK before spending years performing and recording with various musical artists and bands.

From my experience in the UK's busy live performing circuits, I developed a strong understanding of the skill set required to be a working musician.

Now I offer friendly and well structured personal lessons designed to help YOU improve your playing, regardless of wether its just hobby or something you wish to pursue professionally.

Education

I have a BA(Hons) degree in Professional Musicianship from the British Institute of Modern Music where my main focus was on the Guitar. Since then I have continued my own personal development by studying Orchestration and arrangement.

Experience / Qualifications

Along side my Academic qualifications I have extensive live performance and industry experience, as part of contemporary Indie Guitar bands and Americana Folk style bands.

Before moving to Berlin I was Guitar tutor for the London Guitar Academy and now I am currently involved with the BIMM Berlin music institute.

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Music theory lessons

Music theory

Music composition

Reviews

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Learn Guitar & Musical Development in Berlin (Tempelhof)

57.89 C$ /h

Have you ever wanted to Learn Guitar?
Interested in learning more about how you can write music?
Maybe you already play an instrument, but want to Improve your understanding of Music Theory?

Whether you are completely new to music or have been playing for a few years I can help guide you to improve, with structured lessons built around your individual interests.

I’m Joseph, an English-speaking Multi-Instrumentalist from Brighton, UK who has been lucky enough to have been playing music for nearly 20 years.
Primarily as a guitarist, I have spent years writing, recording, and performing music with various bands at venues ranging from International music festivals to coffee shops!
Having studied Professional Musicianship at the British Institute of Modern Music, my understanding of music is both professional and practical, and this is the approach I take when teaching.
Previously I have taught at the London Guitar Academy and I am now involved with BIMM Berlin.

Music should always be enjoyable and fun, so if you just want to work on a few songs to strum out at a BBQ then we can work through them!

Lessons are built around students' needs, creating realistic and rewarding goals to measure progress regardless of where you want to end up.

Maybe you want to work on your technique? Rhythm playing? Learn to write songs? Improvisation?

I also offer dedicated music theory classes and Lessons via Skype/Zoom if required

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

Katie

4.87

(84)

Hi! I have over 7 years of teaching experience from young kids to adults of all levels and I love it! My goal is for my students to find joy in playing an instrument and have fun during the lessons. I also aim to make every student come out of the lesson feeling motivated to carry on learning, and tailor the lessons to what they want to learn and how to achieve their goal.
I can also help students prepare for their piano exams and theory exams.

Quentin

4.87

(84)

This course is primarily here to make you want to play the bass, so that it is a pleasure! It will be based on practicing the instrument, on understanding and the role of the bass.

Theory will be based on the progress of practice. Step by step, practice and theory will thus be complementary, and will necessarily be useful!

Have you always dreamed of being able to play bass? it's time to get started!
Let the magic of music take hold of you and become the accomplished bassist you always wanted to be!

Join my bass class and let music bring joy and serenity into your life. Sign up now and begin your musical adventure!

“Music gives soul to our hearts and wings to thought.” - Plato

I am also here to advise you on the equipment you might need.
Advice on choosing an amplifier that suits your needs and fits your budget.
Choosing your first guitar, bass or ukulele, according to the criteria you want.
Also for small equipment, jack cables, plectrum/pick, tuner or instrument stand.

Possibility of offering this course to one of your loved ones, a very appreciated gift for people who would like to embark on a musical adventure!

Frederic

4.87

(84)

A conservatory graduate and music theory teacher gives piano lessons.
All styles combined (classical, rock, accompaniment piano, etc.)
Method suitable for the little ones 4-5 years old
First course without obligation.

Nikola

4.87

(84)

In just 4 weeks, I will take you... yes, YOU, with zero experience, no “music talent”, no clue where to start, and show you exactly how to play the songs you love... step by step... Just like I’ve already done for over 200 students before you.

What If I Handed You The Exact Tools, Secrets, And Proven Methods To Finally Master The Accordion... And Made Sure You Actually Used Them?

Listen, you don’t need to be “born with talent.” You don’t need to start young. And you sure as heck don’t need to figure this out alone.

Here’s what you’ll get when you step inside the Accordion Joy Academy:

✔️ Private access to our inner circle community. The place where accordion lovers, from total beginners to seasoned players, share victories, swap tips, and lift each other up.
✔️ The secret techniques to play with virtuosity, even if your fingers feel like sausages right now.
✔️ Complete lesson recordings, sheet music, video breakdowns, playlists, and books, all at your fingertips, so you’ll never feel stuck or lost again.
✔️ A rich, exciting repertoire built around classical gems, but customized to your taste. Want tango? Folk? Movie themes? You got it.
✔️ Music theory made simple, practical, and 100% tied to what you’re actually playing. No fluff. No lectures.
✔️ Speed-learning strategies that help you tackle new pieces faster than you thought possible.
✔️ Clear, motivating goals and a roadmap to get you from where you are now to where you dream of being.
✔️ Study schemes and practice blueprints, designed to squeeze every drop of progress out of the time you have.
✔️ Performance coaching so you don’t just “play notes”... you tell stories through your instrument.
✔️ Weekly working schedules, study guides, to-do lists and action plans. No guesswork. Just follow the plan and watch yourself improve.

This is a rebellion against the idea that you have to be “born talented” or “start at age 5” to become a musician.
I’ll prove it to you.

Why Settle for One Style... When You Can Master Them All?

Most beginners stop at one song... one style... one small win. Not here. Not you.
Because once you learn the system I teach... You won’t just play music, you’ll travel the world without leaving your home...

🎻 Baroque – Music that once echoed in royal courts. You’ll command it like a master.
🎹 Classical – The greats. Mozart. Beethoven. You’ll whisper their language through your bellows.
💃 South American – Think tango, milonga, the kind of rhythms that seduce people off their seats. (Warning: May cause spontaneous dancing.)
🎬 Pop & Movie Music – Themes that make people cry, smile, and remember. Everyone knows these tunes... and now, they’ll know you can play them.
🎩 Musette – That dreamy, nostalgic sound from a smoky Paris café. You don’t just play Musette, you paint a picture.
🎺 Klezmer – Raw. Soulful. Sometimes sad, sometimes wild. Always unforgettable.
🎷 Jazz – This isn’t “just notes.” It’s attitude. It’s freedom. You’ll feel it in your bones.
🍀 Irish Folk – Fast, fun, and full of character. You’ll be grinning every time you squeeze out a reel or jig.
🏴‍☠️ Scottish Folk – Stirring. Bold. Warrior music with soul. You’ll feel it in your chest.
🥁 Balkan Folk – Offbeat rhythms and wild melodies that dare you to stay in your seat.
🧠 Contemporary Classical – Modern, expressive, and unlike anything you’ve heard before. It’s where the old world meets the new.

And when they hear you play... they’ll ask, “Where did you learn to do that?”

You’ll smile... because you’ll know.
It started right here.

Hi, I'm Nikola, Your Teacher.
I wasn’t born with a gift.
At five years old, I picked up an accordion that was almost bigger than me. I didn’t know it then, but that single moment would shape the rest of my life.

Since that day, I’ve dedicated over two decades to mastering this beautiful, misunderstood instrument. And along the way, I discovered something powerful, you don’t need to be born with talent, perfect timing, or a famous last name to make music. You just need a little courage to start... and the right guide to help you along the way.

In 2020, I graduated from the prestigious ArtEZ Conservatory in The Netherlands with a degree in accordion teaching. But truth be told, most of what makes me the teacher I am today didn’t come from a classroom. It came from the stage. From competitions. From the nerves before a performance and the applause that follows. I’ve been honored to win the Dutch National Accordion Competition. Twice. But what matters more is this:

I know exactly what it feels like to think something’s too difficult.
I’ve seen students who thought they were too old, too inexperienced, or too busy. People who believed music wasn’t for them, until they realized it was.

That’s why I created Accordion Joy Academy. Because whether you’re 5 or 75, whether you’ve played before or not, you can learn to play the accordion. And I’ll prove it to you.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I wish I could do that”, now’s your moment.
I’ll meet you where you are, and together, we’ll turn those old doubts into music.

30 Days from Now... You'll Be Playing Your First Song, Or You Get Every Cent Back.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never touched an accordion in your life... or if you haven’t learned something new in years... Because with my step by step method, you will play your first song in just 30 days, proudly, confidently, and with a smile on your face.

And if you don’t? If you try and it simply isn’t for you? Just let me know. I’ll refund every penny.

Because at this stage in life, you deserve more than empty promises. You deserve real joy, real results, and a risk-free way to experience both. Let’s make these next 30 days start of something beautiful.

Giorgia

4.87

(84)

I teach for all levels, from children starting from zero to students who want to prepare certifications at the Conservatories, passing through amateurs or simply curious of any age.

I firmly believe in the importance of knowing how to read music and this is exactly what I teach first, obviously adapting the method to the age of my students: knowing how to read music is knowing one more language, which, if learned well, won’t ever be forgotten (like riding a bicycle!) and it is an invaluable wealth. Starting from that point I teach the position of the hand, the arm and the whole body at the piano, the fundamentals of the piano technique (giving great importance to the percussive movement of the finger and the distribution of weight), the understanding of musical language, the expression of the personality through the keyboard, the search for touch and knowledge of piano repertoire.

Andrea

4.87

(84)

Hello! I've been teaching continuously for over 10 years, and I'd like to explain what you can expect from a class with me.

Personalized approach: The most important thing is to know what you want to achieve. I will tailor the lessons to your needs: playing for pleasure at home is not the same as preparing for entrance exams (although always with the same rigor). Your goals will influence the methodology, the organization of your studies, the repertoire, and so on.

Relaxed (but rigorous) environment: Once you've defined your goals, classes will be dynamic and pressure-free. Note! "Relaxed" doesn't mean undemanding; we'll just avoid military methods—especially given my personality and sense of humor.

Music, not just notes: My methods are very dynamic, with a special emphasis on hearing and musicality. No "read, play, and turn the page." I avoid approaches obsessed with reading sheet music without memorizing, listening, or understanding what is being played. I want you to own your performance and make artistic decisions. Warning! I might even make you sing.

No stylistic barriers: Thanks to my training in Jazz and Modern Music, I give equal importance to all genres. Adapting to your tastes, we'll go from baroque to blues, from Haydn to bebop... or even Michael Jackson. Why not?

If you identify with this approach, contact me! Learning the cello is a pleasure, and I'd love to share it with you!

Martin

4.87

(84)

In my class you learn how to play the guitar either finger style or with a pick (plectrum).
First, you learn the basics, if this is what you need. Then you learn about styles and ways of playing the guitar.
Consequently, you learn how to develop your own style in music and find ways of making yourself and others happy with the means of your guitar!

You also learn how purchase the right guitar and how to set it up for you to be comfortable with.

You save your money on a luthier's shop every month.

You learn the smartest fingerings for any chord changes and scales!

You get to learn the theory in detail so that you fully understand what you play.

You get best deals on guitars from local music stores.

You get to learn how to sightread music and more!

See you soon!
Martin

Shehab

4.87

(84)

Teaching different musical instruments: piano, guitar, oud, oriental singing and oriental maqamat, reading sheet music.

More than 5 years of experience teaching in music academies

Arabic singing: We will learn how to sing correctly, learn the exits of the letters, vocal exercises, and learn how to distinguish the Eastern Maqams in simple ways.

Oud: We will learn how to hold the oud in the correct way, speed exercises, oriental maqams and examples in songs for each maqam.

Piano: musical scales - and we learn about all kinds of chords (harmony) - famous pieces and songs by learning how to read musical notes - exercises to strengthen the fingers

Guitar: We will learn how to hold the guitar correctly, musical scales, chords and chords, technique exercises, pieces

David

4.87

(84)

I am a Spanish pianist and composer (MMus graduate from Codarts Rotterdam in both directions) with many years of teaching experience, and also very active in performing in various contexts.

I give private piano lessons for all levels and styles (classical, jazz, Latin, new age, pop...), as well as music theory, composition and improvisation lessons. My lessons are distinguished by their dynamics, practical approach and adaptation to the needs and interests of the student.

The lessons (live or online) take place in my studio next to the Maastunnel, where I have a premium stage piano and a top-quality webcam setup.

I speak Dutch at an intermediate level, which is improving every day.

Elías

4.87

(84)

🎸 Looking for an experienced, certified guitar teacher with a structured approach?

👨‍🏫 Qualified concert guitarist – Professional level
I offer individual lessons in classical and modern guitar for children, teenagers, and adults, from beginner to advanced levels.

✅ Over 25 years of guitar experience (started playing at age 6)
✅ Recognized diplomas:
• Graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Tangier (2007) – 8th year in Classical Guitar and Music Theory
• Graduate of the Jette Academy – Completed Music Theory program (2025) + 3rd year in Classical Guitar
✅ Author of 3 complete educational books + exercise workbooks (available in print and digital formats)
✅ Lessons tailored to each student: clear, musical, and motivating progress
✅ Preparation for auditions, exams, or simply for personal enjoyment
✅ Lessons available in French or Spanish

🎓 Rates:

- Children ages 4–6: 30 min – Special method “Croco and His Adventure”
- Children ages 7–12: 45 min – Progressive method from beginner to advanced
- Teens ages 13–17: 1 hour – Serious yet motivating and personalized approach
- Adults ages 18–59: 1 hour – Structured learning from intermediate to advanced
- Seniors 60+: 45 min – Relaxed and custom-tailored lessons →

📍 Location: Brussels – in-person lessons available at the student’s home or in the teacher’s studio
📚 All teaching materials and a guitar are provided during lessons
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.

Natia

4.87

(84)

In my piano lessons, you can expect a personalized and inspiring learning experience. I tailor each lesson to suit your individual goals, preferences, and pace, ensuring you get the most out of your musical journey. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an advanced player refining your skills, I will guide you every step of the way.

What You Can Expect:

Technical Foundations: We will work on finger technique, rhythm, and sight-reading to build a strong foundation.
Musical Expression: Alongside technique, we’ll focus on musical interpretation and expression. Music is not just about playing notes—it's about conveying emotions and telling stories.
Diverse Repertoire: Depending on your interests, we will explore a wide range of repertoire, from classical pieces to modern works, broadening your musical range.
Regular Progress Check-ins: I will ensure we continuously track your progress, focusing on strengthening your strengths and addressing areas for improvement.
Lesson Goals:
My goal is to ignite your passion for the piano and provide you with the tools to reach your musical aspirations—whether that’s playing for pleasure, preparing for competitions, or refining your technique. Each lesson will bring you closer to your musical dreams.

Pietro

4.87

(84)

Hey there! Do you want to start a new hobby? Do you already play the piano and you want to improve your skills with a creative approach to the instrument? Then I think I can help you!
I can teach you basic and advanced concepts of any style on the piano (classical, jazz, pop-rock...), and if you like improvisation and jazz then we get along even better!
I offer very personalized classes based on your level and interests. My approach to teaching strongly takes the student's CREATIVITY into account, but without forgetting that a good knowledge of MUSIC THEORY and PIANO TECHNIQUE are essential.

About my philosophy in teaching music:
In a creative field like music, education is a delicate matter. I firmly believe that a teacher must do everything possible to avoid suppressing the student’s personal voice. Each of us — regardless of age or skill level — has a unique approach to music, even before touching the instrument!
My goal is to help students discover their own musical identity at the piano, drawing on my experience and offering a solid theoretical foundation tailored to their interests and level.
That said, as in any discipline, there are no shortcuts in music. Passion and dedication are essential to achieving meaningful results. Furthermore, a solid technical and theoretical foundation is indispensable, no matter your musical interests.
I look forward to sharing my deep passion for music with you. Feel free to reach out for more information!

Elena

4.87

(84)

I offer fully online piano lessons in English for teenagers and adults who want thoughtful, structured and serious musical training.

My teaching is rooted in the Russian academic piano tradition, but the lessons are not limited to a narrow repertoire path. We can work with classical pieces or other music that is meaningful to the student — including modern, film, anime or jazz-oriented material — as long as the work remains serious, attentive and musically thoughtful.

In my lessons, technique, reading, coordination, sound, rhythm, phrasing, memory and expression are connected into one clear musical system. The aim is not only to learn pieces, but to understand how music works from inside: how the ear, mind, hands, body and musical intention come together.
I help students develop a deeper relationship with music as a living language — with direction, structure, breathing, sound, emotion and inner logic. The goal is for the student to play not mechanically, but with understanding, freedom, taste and personal expression.

I work best with motivated students: serious teenagers, advanced amateurs, returning adults, and learners preparing demanding repertoire, auditions or international exams, including ABRSM. In every case, the focus is on building a complete musical foundation: technique, sound, understanding, expression and confident independent practice.

I am a concert pianist and piano educator with more than 20 years of teaching experience. I studied at the Moscow Conservatory College and the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, taught at university level, performed internationally and recorded two CDs for Melodiya.

The lessons are structured, precise and demanding, but clear and respectful. My aim is to help each student not only play better, but understand music more deeply and gradually become more independent, intelligent and artistic at the piano.

André

4.87

(84)

My name is Andre. I'm a professional musician with more than 10 years living through music. Despite having Jazz as the main focus of my study and practice I've learned to love all genres and absorb each unique values and strengths. Having them integrated in the musical projects I've created or participated on. Projects which revolve around Jazz, Pop, Rock, Psychedelic, Electronic and Reggae.
Throughout my professional career I've worked with music schools and private students (+200). During this years I've encountered a plethora of different kinds of students, all levels ranging from kids to seniors and even a good quantity of autistic or down syndrome students, which always made me more and more interested in the art of teaching and helping people grow, by balancing challenge and empathy.

My lessons are characterized by a practical approach combined with a theoretical component, that always caters to the student's interests, stimulating their musical taste and creativity. For this, I like to go across the board with disciplines such as:
Musical Theory
Technique
Ear training
Performance
Composition
Improvisation
Band/project guidance
Study methodoly
Reportoire

My main objectives as a mentor are:

- To captivate students with music and their learning process

- To stimulate healthy learning methods based on their own goals

- To develop the spirit and discipline of self-learning.

Frequency, duration, and format depend on each student's goals.