Composition and Songwriting Lessons with a Professional Composer

From 111 C$ /h

This course is for students, musicians, singers, songwriters, and composers who want to develop their own musical ideas with the guidance of a professional composer. I can help you write, organize, revise, and develop your music, whether you are working on a song, a piano piece, a chamber piece, a vocal work, a composition exercise, or a larger creative project. My approach is practical, analytical, and personalized. I will not impose one single style on you. Instead, I will help you understand your own musical language, identify what your piece needs, and build the technical tools to make your ideas clearer, stronger, and more coherent.

We can work on:

• Composition technique
• Songwriting
• Melody writing
• Harmony and chord progressions
• Form and structure
• Arranging
• Counterpoint basics
• Text setting
• Writing for voice
• Writing for instruments
• Developing musical ideas
• Finishing unfinished pieces
• Score review
• Creative process and artistic direction

The first session works as a diagnosis. We review your current level, musical background, goals, references, and any material you already have. From there, we create a focused plan. You may also book 2 sessions (diagnosis and follow-up) to receive general commentary and a review on your song or music piece.

Extra information

Please bring any musical material you already have: sketches, lyrics, chord progressions, recordings, scores, MIDI files, references, or unfinished pieces.

If you are starting from zero, that is also fine. In that case, please bring a few songs or pieces you like so we can use them as references.

The first session is diagnostic and will help us define your level, goals, style, and work plan.

Location

Online from Colombia

About Me

I am a professional composer, singer, music educator, author, and academic consultant with more than 10 years of experience in music education, composition, artistic research, and one-to-one mentoring.

I teach because I believe music is not only a technical discipline, but also a way of developing attention, memory, creativity, cultural understanding, and self-knowledge. My work combines rigorous musical training with a clear, practical, and human approach to learning.

As a teacher, I work especially well with students who need structure. I have plenty of experience with students preparing for university or conservatory admission, self-taught musicians who want to organize their knowledge, composers who need feedback, and university students working on essays, thesis projects, music analysis, or interdisciplinary research.

My lessons are not generic. In the first session, I assess the student’s current level, objectives, deadlines, strengths, and gaps. From there, I design a focused plan. Depending on the student’s needs, we may work on music theory, harmony, ear training, sight-reading, composition, songwriting, music analysis, research structure, academic writing, portfolio preparation, or admission-test preparation.

We may also work with a 2-session plan to adress one specific problem or to provide feedback on your research text, music piece or artistic portfolio.

My method is based on diagnosis, conceptual clarity, guided practice, and concrete feedback. I explain complex ideas in a clear way, but I also expect students to engage seriously with their own learning process. My goal is to help each student understand what they are doing, why it matters, and how to keep improving independently.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Universidad Central, Bogotá, Colombia.

Diploma in Professional Voice, Vocology Center, 2022.

Diploma in Creation and Pedagogy of Musical Artistic Practices in the Regions of Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2023.

Additional training in composition, contemporary music, vocal practice, music pedagogy, artistic research, cultural management, and interdisciplinary creative processes through workshops, festivals, and academic programs in Colombia and abroad.

Experience / Qualifications

I have more than 10 years of experience as a music educator and more than 8 years of professional experience as a composer for solo instruments, chamber ensembles, theatre, film, animation, and interdisciplinary artistic projects.

I am the author of the music pedagogy book I Got Music, and my work has been performed, commissioned, cited, or consulted in academic and artistic contexts in Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Ireland, Spain, and the United States.

As a composer, I have written for solo instruments, chamber ensembles, experimental formats, voice, theatre, musical theatre, film, animation, and electroacoustic media. My work includes traditional formats such as string quartet, woodwind quintet, and solo pieces, as well as less common formats such as accordion and cello, accordion and clarinet, toy piano and fixed media, and open experimental ensembles.

As an educator and consultant, I have supported students and researchers in music theory, composition, music analysis, academic writing, research structure, music pedagogy, portfolio development, and interdisciplinary projects involving music, education, psychology, sociology, design, archive documentation, and cultural studies.

I have collaborated with institutions and organizations such as Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Círculo Colombiano de Música Contemporánea, Ensamble Vasto, Taller Sonoro, and other artistic and academic projects. I am also associated with the Círculo Colombiano de Música Contemporánea, adn I am the current Treasurer, accumulating experience as a cultural manager, music festival curator and organizer, and academic speaker.

My professional profile combines composition, pedagogy, research, and cultural management, which allows me to support students not only as a music tutor, but also as a mentor for artistic, academic, and professional development.

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

90 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Spanish

Skills

Music composition

Song writing

Music theory

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

Academic Music Research Consultancy for Thesis, Essays, and Artistic Projects

111 C$ /h

This course is for students, artists, musicians, educators, and researchers who need expert guidance for a thesis, essay, article, research project, artistic portfolio, or interdisciplinary academic work related to music, arts, education, humanities, or culture. I can help you clarify your research question, structure your argument, organize your sources, improve your writing, review your theoretical framework, analyze musical or artistic material, and help you prepare your project for academic presentation or thesis disertation.

What we can work on:

• Defining or refining your research question
• Organizing your thesis, essay, or article structure
• Reviewing your argument and theoretical framework
• Improving clarity, coherence, and terminology
• Connecting musical examples with theoretical ideas
• Reviewing sources and bibliography direction
• Preparing presentations or defense materials
• Developing a writing, revision, or research plan

Important: I do not write your thesis or assignment for you. This is an academic support and consultancy service. I help you think, organize, revise, and strengthen your own work.

Pre-College Music Admission Preparation or Autidion review

83 C$ /h

This course is designed for students preparing for admission to a music university, conservatory, pre-college program, or undergraduate music program. I help students prepare the theoretical, practical, creative, and portfolio-related components of the admission process. The goal is not only to study more, but to identify the exact gaps that could affect your admission and build a focused preparation plan. My approach is structured, clear, and adapted to the student’s real objective. This course is especially useful for students who feel overwhelmed before admission exams, students with uneven theoretical foundations, self-taught musicians, singers, composers, songwriters, and applicants who need help organizing their musical knowledge before entering formal music studies.

We can work on:

• Music theory
• Harmony
• Ear training
• Sight-reading
• Rhythm
• Melodic dictation
• Basic music analysis
• Composition
• Songwriting
• Portfolio preparation
• Interview preparation
• Repertoire organization
• Study habits and practice planning

In the first session, I assess your current level, your target program, your timeline, and the type of admission test, interview, or portfolio you need to prepare. From there, we create a practical plan. I recommend a minium of 5 to 10 sessions to prepare the admission in depth, but I can also provide a 2-session programm to provide general commentary and review the admission or auditions.

Lydia

4.97

(35)

Welcome to my piano teaching studio! I am a professional pianist offering private piano and theory lessons for students of all levels. As a pianist with over 14 years of teaching experience in Europe and the USA, as well as over 23 years of playing/performing, I enjoy motivating my students with music of their own preferred style and interest, whether that be classical or contemporary. My main goal is to promote a positive experience and love for music-making during the learning process. If the student is interested in a more structured approach, I guide preparation for grades 1-8 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) piano and music theory exams where my students consistently receive highest marks. I also have successful experience preparing students for conservatory entrance auditions, masterclasses, and competitions in the Europe, the USA, India, and Canada. We have class concerts at Pianos Maene for interested students twice per year. I am happy to provide either a more relaxed or a serious approach to learning piano, we simply need to discuss the personal goals and preferences of each student.

My own studies are as follows: I have obtained two postgraduate performance degrees at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp: "Concertsoloist" in Piano Performance and "Chamber Music” (under the guidance of esteemed professor Sergei Edelmann). Prior to this, I received my Bachelor and Masters degrees in Piano Performance/Music from the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis (with Prof. Lydia Artymiw) and Texas Christian University, Fort Worth (with Dr. Tamas Ungar). My experience includes collaboration with many different instrumentalists and singers, performing as a soloist and collaborative member in several orchestras, and receiving top prizes in several competitions. While maintaining my performance and recording career in Belgium at present, I am developing my private music studio in central Antwerp and look forward to meeting new students.

Maria

4.97

(35)

Welcome to my online Piano Class.
I am Maria Papadatou, and I will happily help you achieve your musical goals, from zero to the top.
I love all student levels, but only towards the classical piano, of any eras' works and composers.
Don't be afraid, my lesson is human-friendly 😊
Everything goes step by step!
Outside the lesson time, I send you short videos when needed, to support your practice through the week.

As each student is different, I focus on each ones' needs and I am always creative in helping you learn through the simplest ways - "if it's easy, it's correct", that's my motto!
My greatest happiness is to watch my students grow, overcome any limit and expand in full potential!

As a result, many of my students have won top prizes at major international competitions, as the IBLA Grand Prize, the Spoleto International Piano Competition, the Bach au Jazz (Lilia Boyadjieva) International Piano Competition and many others. And also, at renown online competitions, as The Royal, the IYMC, the Forte Academy, and many-many others.

As a Certified teacher on the official RSL Awards Teacher Registry (MusicTeacher.com), I can now offer the RSL Classical Piano programme - a well-established international piano qualification, equivalent in level to ABRSM but with more flexibility.

So, in case you need a competition or exam preparation, here you are at the right place!
I will help you discover the advanced piano technique, and the ways to achieve your best musical interpretation.
Also, I'll help you understand and approach each composers' unique style, and secure your concert / stage presence, with simple and effective solutions for memorisation and control.

I am a very proud piano teacher too, as, except all other distinctions, on Jan 11 2026 four young students of mine were awarded and invited to performed at the winners Gala at the Carnegie Hall in New York City! They also participated to the Juilliard School festival, with masterclass and lessons, a fabulous chance and experience that I wish all young pianists could have!

I wish I can always bring such great opportunities and successes to all of my "piano kids"!

Giorgia

4.97

(35)

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.

Jeremy

4.97

(35)

Hi, my name is Jeremy and I've played music for 19 years, having performed over 200 concerts and composed with a wide variety of groups and ensembles across England and Belgium in many genres (Funk, R&B, Soul, Jazz, Rock, Alternative, Punk and more). I have completed 3 years of intensive bass study at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and am currently playing bass plus backing-vocals and song arrangement for Kids of the Elephant and Arrubio.

In these lessons, I will help you reach your goals while having fun in the process, keeping the lessons structured and tailored to your personal needs. I have 5 years of experience helping students improve as well as specialist knowledge in a multitude of styles. Some examples of what you might learn include:

- Correct hand positioning & posture for best performance and faster learning.
- Learning your favorite songs quickly and easily.
- Breaking down rhythms & dynamics
- Understanding the role of bass playing in a band.
- Understanding what makes a good bassline and composing your own.
- Essential music theory for bass & more advanced techniques (eg: melodic techniques, rhythmic, slap bass, etc)
- How to improvise, jam and play with other musicians.

Appropriate homework/exercises and recordings are provided during lessons. I also like to give advice and direction for people with musical aspirations. I'm also an empathetic person that loves teaching, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Andrea

4.97

(35)

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!

Natalia

4.97

(35)

I am Natalia, a pianist, composer, and music teacher. Music plays a central role in my life and forms the basis of everything I do: playing, creating, and teaching.

At the piano, I constantly discover and develop new musical ideas. Composing music is a natural way for me to express feelings, atmosphere, and stories. Sometimes a composition originates from a small motif or a simple melody that slowly develops into a complete piece of music. My inspiration comes from various sources: life, emotions, nature, films, stories, and moments of silence in which music can arise spontaneously.

My music moves between various styles, with a strong emphasis on melody, atmosphere, and emotion. The foundation often lies in the piano sound, but the musical language I use can contain classical influences as well as modern, cinematic, or popular elements. I love music that evokes images and tells a story, as if the listener can feel a scene or a world simply by listening.

In addition to composing, I also share my musical experience as a music teacher. In my piano lessons, I want to teach students not only how to play notes, but also how to understand, interpret, and experience music. For me, learning music is a process in which technique, listening, creativity, and expression come together. Therefore, in my lessons, I pay attention to musicality, interpretation, and developing a personal musical voice.

My experience as a composer also influences my teaching style. I help students not only to perform music, but also to understand how music is structured and how a melody, harmony, or rhythm is created. In this way, they not only learn to play the piano but also develop deeper musical insight and creativity.

To me, music is a living art form that is constantly growing. As a pianist, composer, and teacher, I want to continue creating, sharing, and passing on music to

I write and play music for a variety of projects where powerful and meaningful music is needed. For example:

• films and short films
• television programs and documentaries
• theatre and stage productions
• commercials and advertising campaigns
• original songs and musical projects
• live piano music for events and special occasions

As mentioned earlier, in addition to composing and performing, I also share my passion for music with others through piano lessons. In my lessons, I guide students—from beginners to advanced—not only to learn to play the piano, but also to truly understand, feel, and create music.

For me, music is more than sounds – it is a way to tell stories, share emotions, and connect people.

Welcome to my musical world.

Martin

4.97

(35)

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

Steve

4.97

(35)

The theory of everything tends to be really scary and music theory can be too. I am very keen to make music theory easy for everyone. For some people there is only one way to tackle the unmentionable but I believe there are many different approaches and one of them will click with you. It is simply finding out what is best for each person. Once we find the key we can unlock the problems that have puzzled you for ages.

Music theory needs to be more than a requirement, it needs to be the way to really appreciate the music you are playing. Certain aspects can also lead to additional practical skills such as improvisation which can be very useful as well as very enjoyable.

Whether you want to understand a particular aspect of music theory or If you struggle with music theory in general, then this is the class for you - why not give it a try?

David

4.97

(35)

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.

4.97

(35)

The rule is simple: don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself! Students are encouraged to try, fail, and overall be proactive in learning new information in bite-sized chunks: all of that in a warm and comforting environment.

Depending on the personal goal of the student, we will learn/refine/explore the following topics:
- Fundamental techniques of playing electric bass
- Understanding and coming up with a bassline
- What makes it groove?
- How to improvise: soloing and walking bass
- How to change the underlying harmonies of a song to make it sound cooler (or weirder!)
- Understanding how the musical elements are glued in a song, and if you dare, how to write one yourself
- How to learn music or play music by ear

Languages: English (fluent), German (B1 and improving), Korean (native)

Brent

4.97

(35)

Do you have trouble reading music? Do you love listening to music, but don't understand time signatures, keys or chords? Music theory often sounds abstract, but with the right explanation and concrete examples it suddenly becomes a lot more logical, and even fun :)

For whom?
- Beginner or advanced musicians who want to better understand what they are doing.
- Students preparing for music theory exams (e.g. music school, entrance exams).
- Independent artists/producers who want to deepen their musical knowledge.
- Anyone who is curious about the language behind music.

What can you expect?
- Clear explanation, at your own pace.
- Theory made immediately applicable with examples on the piano.
- Extra attention to insight instead of learning dry rules by heart.
- Tutoring fully tailored to your level and goal (classical, pop, songwriting, production, ...).

About me
I obtained a Grade 8 diploma in Music Theory and also a Grade 8 Piano from the Royal Schools of Music. In addition, I hold a diploma in Audio Engineering from Hofa College. I am active as a music artist and producer myself. Thanks to this combination of classical training and practical experience, I know how important it is to make theory understandable, concrete, and musical. I use my own piano during lessons to clarify everything visually and audibly.

Possible topics:
- Learn to read music.
- Scales, chords & harmony.
- Form and analysis (classical, jazz or pop).
- Rhythm, time signatures & tempo.
- Music theory for producers/songwriters.
- Songwriting.
- Preparation for exams or entrance tests.

Practical
- 1-on-1 lessons, online or live (if you don't live too far away).
- I provide materials, or we work with what you need.
- No prior knowledge required. Lessons adapted to your level.

🎶 Feel free to send me a message with your questions or goals. We'll see how I can best help you.

Giuseppe

4.97

(35)

Classical music has evolved over more than a thousand years into a rich and complex art — one that requires not only passion, but also trained listening and understanding.

In these personalised one‐on‐one lessons, you will develop your ear through:

- Ear training based on integrated solfège and musical harmony

- Essential music theory

- Writing exercises and dictations, with clear guidance on techniques to master them

- Harmonic analysis of your repertoire and other universal or personally relevant pieces

These foundations will help you:

- Grasp the function of musical elements

- Gain a clearer and fuller understanding of music

- Improve your playing and musical memory

- Improve musical reading

- Express music with clarity and confidence

Whether you are:

- An amateur with an intermediate or high level

Or

- A musician aiming to go professional

...these lessons will help you connect more deeply with music, perform with greater accuracy, and enjoy it more than ever.

According to your musical level, I will guide you through short and basic daily exercises using a clear step‐by‐step method:

- Each exercise lasts from 5 to 15 minutes

- Essential to practise regularly for maximum efficiency

- Not overly difficult, but requires a bit of perseverance (just 10 minutes a day) to obtain the best results

📍 Available online and in‐person in Paris (preferable). But a mix of both is also possible.
🎯 Contact me today to book your first lesson and start your personalised programme.

Those who reach a high level of harmony will be able to unlock the next level: Musical form. Analysis tools for advanced students.

Enrico

4.97

(35)

My lessons are friendly, relaxed and interactive. We start from the music you enjoy and build your skills step by step.
In class we work on songs, chords, rhythm, technique and improvisation, always in a practical and musical way. Lessons are adapted to your level and goals, whether you are a beginner or already have some experience.
My goal is simple: help you understand the piano, enjoy music and feel confident playing.
Feel free to send me a message and tell me what music you love!

Andrej

4.97

(35)

### 🎸 Learn Guitar with Confidence and Enjoyment!

Want to learn guitar, improve your technique, or finally play the songs you love? I’m a passionate guitar teacher offering personalized lessons for beginners and intermediate players.

My lessons are adapted to your goals, musical taste, and level. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time, want to improve your chords and rhythm, or would like to develop your soloing and improvisation skills, I’ll help you make steady progress while keeping lessons enjoyable and motivating.

**In our lessons, we can work on:**

* 🎵 Chords, rhythm, and strumming
* 🎸 Scales, riffs, and guitar techniques
* 🎶 Learning your favorite songs
* 🎼 Music theory and understanding the fretboard
* 🔥 Improvisation and soloing
* 💪 Building confidence and good practice habits

I believe the best way to learn guitar is by playing music you actually enjoy. My goal is to make every lesson practical, encouraging, and tailored specifically to you.

**No matter your age or experience level, you’re welcome!** Let’s pick up the guitar and start making music.

Marta

4.97

(35)

In this course, you will learn to play the violin or viola in an enjoyable, practical way tailored 100% to your personal goals and learning style. Whether you are picking up an instrument for the very first time or looking to refine your technique and expand your repertoire, every lesson is designed so you can enjoy making music from day one.