Composition Lessons (for beginners and intermediates)

From 106 C$ /h

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

Location

Use Ctrl + wheel to zoom!

At student's location :

Around Voorburg, Netherlands

At teacher's location :

Usselincxstraat, The Hague, Netherlands

Online from Netherlands

About Me

Hi, I’m Virág, a composer based in The Hague and Budapest.

With a diploma in composition from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and experience at the Institute of Sonology, I specialize in contemporary music.

I am a music theory teacher at the University of Pécs Music and Multimedia Department.

My teaching focuses on helping students find their own voice in composition, exploring various styles and techniques.

During my studies, I gained a solid foundation in classical theory and compositional techniques.

As a performing artist, I play piano, flute, and sing, having performed concerts in genres ranging from free improvised music to experimental performance art, pop, rock, classical, and early music.

As a composer, I have extensive experience working with musicians, organizing rehearsals, and collaborating with artists from various disciplines. Many of my compositions are performed regularly across different countries.

Education

Royal Conservatory of The Hague - Bachelor diploma in Composition (2021-2024)
Franz Liszt Academy of Music Budapest (2020-2021)
Sonology: One-year course (2022-2023)

Experience / Qualifications

Teaching Experience:

~Music theory teacher at the University of Pécs Music and Multimedia Department
~Yearly workshops in Transylvania, focusing on music composition and creative expression
~Private lessons in composition and music theory

Composition Experience:

~Extensive experience working with musicians to bring compositions to life, and organizing rehearsals
~Experience collaborating with artists from various fields, enhancing interdisciplinary approaches in composition and performance
~Many compositions, performed in different countries

Performance Experience:
~Experienced performing artist with concerts in diverse genres, including free improvised music, experimental performance art, pop, rock, classical, and early music

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

Duration

45 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Hungarian

Skills

Music composition

Music theory lessons

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

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

Piano Lessons from a Composer – For Beginners of All Ages

91 C$ /h

I offer piano lessons tailored to each student’s level, age, and interests — whether you're just starting or returning to the instrument.
We can focus on classical pieces, pop songs, or improvisation, depending on your goals.
I’m experienced, patient, and take a structured but flexible approach, supporting steady progress.

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!

Enrico

4.5

(2)

“Don't play the saxophone. Let it play you.” – Charlie Parker

Every person has their own musicality—we just need to let it come out.

My goal as a teacher is to help you discover how much fun, joy, and passion music can bring. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced player, I will guide you in developing both your technical skills and your personal voice on the saxophone.

I began my musical journey in Verona, Italy, where I graduated in Classical Saxophone in 2017. Soon after, I started teaching saxophone at the Lizard Music Academy in Garda and introducing music to children in primary and middle schools. Later, my passion for improvisation and creativity led me to continue my studies at Codarts Conservatory in Rotterdam, where I specialize in Jazz and Latin music.

I believe music has no age: you are never too young or too old to express yourself through an instrument. If you feel drawn to the warm, expressive sound of the saxophone, let’s begin this musical journey together.

“Whatever you think can’t be done, somebody will come along and do it.” – Thelonious Monk

SAXOPHONE LESSONS:
To truly express your musical ideas on the saxophone, you need a strong connection between body, mind, and instrument. That’s why every lesson begins with a focus on sound and technique—developing your tone, breath control, and body awareness.

You will learn how to shape your own saxophone sound and how to “sing” through the instrument. For beginners, this process may take a few weeks, but it quickly shows how musical practice can positively influence not only your playing but also your body, emotions, and creativity.

To make your learning experience enjoyable and personal, my lessons are always adapted to your goals and musical interests—whether that’s reading music, improvisation, or other areas you want to explore.

Together, we will also build your own personal repertoire of songs that reflect who you are. The second part of each lesson will be dedicated to working on these pieces, so that you develop not only technique but also musical expression.

HOW MY LESSONS WORK
In my lessons, the main focus is sound. A beautiful saxophone sound has the power to captivate an audience with just a single note. That’s why we always start by working on long tones across the full register of the instrument. The more natural and relaxed your embouchure and body are, the more easily the reed will vibrate—resulting in a warmer, personal sound.

We will then explore saxophone technique, including scales, arpeggios, vibrato, tonguing, dynamics, overtones, and playing in both the low and high registers. These exercises will give you the technical foundation to express yourself freely.

From there, we’ll connect technique with music:
1. Harmony & Improvisation – We’ll work directly on the songs you love. By transcribing, analyzing, and exploring harmony, you’ll learn how to improvise over chord progressions and develop your own repertoire.
2. Reading Music – An essential skill if you want to play in bands, ensembles, or orchestras. We’ll practice sight-reading and written repertoire to strengthen this ability.
3. Audition Preparation – If your goal is to enter a conservatory (classical or jazz), I have experience guiding students through auditions. We can focus on etudes, required repertoire, and exam preparation.

Above all, my approach is personalized to your goals and interests. Whether you want to play your favorite songs, learn to improvise, or prepare for advanced studies, I’ll guide you step by step.

I believe that music makes the mind free, and that everybody can play—it’s just a matter of practicing and listening in the right way.

If you feel that the saxophone is your instrument... what are you waiting for? 🎷 Let’s make music together!

FOR THE CURIOUS (and the Nerdy!):
For students who want to dive deeper into the world of the saxophone, I also offer special listening sessions dedicated to the instrument’s role in music history and across different styles.

We’ll explore the saxophone in classical repertoire (Gershwin, Bizet, Milhaud, Rota, Bernstein, Steve Reich, Michael Nyman...), and then follow its journey through popular music: Blues, Jazz (Stan Getz, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Rollins...), Latin, Rock & Roll, Pop, and beyond—right up to today’s music.

Together, we will listen to the milestones of great composers and performers who shaped the history of this fantastic instrument.

It’s a journey of discovery into the beauty of music through the saxophone—one that will inspire you, expand your listening, and deepen your passion for this amazing art form.

Alethea

4.5

(2)

I started taking violin lessons at the age of 7. After years of training, I am currently continuing my violin studies at Utrecht Conservatory. I have also attended music theory classes for 6 years because it is very useful to have some knowledge of it when playing any instrument. If you would like, I would be more than happy to share some knowledge of music theory along with the violin lessons. Lessons are private and not in groups.

Ruiqi

4.5

(2)

I'm a violinist who graduated from The Juilliard School. I teach both modern and baroque violin from beginner to advanced level. As a musician, I perform constantly in Europe, America, and Asia. I would love to provide the opportunity for my students to come to concerts as much as they can, and to learn music through playing, collaborating with others, and having fun.

I also teach music theory for beginners, as well as providing exercise on ear training( Aural skills)

Nikos

4.5

(2)

Guitar Technique – From scales, chords, arpeggios, sight-reading to fingerings, picking/plugging methods, speed, and accuracy.

Rhythm – Timing precision/freedom, polyrhythms, odd meters, and coordination.

Theory, Harmony, and Composition – Using examples from Classical to Pop and Jazz music to learn how to use harmony in a functional but yet free and creative way.

Improvisation – How to improvise melodically over different chord schemes but also broader aspects such as building and breaking tension waves and telling an artistic story.

Song Learning - Just learn how to play your favorite song and jam with your favorite bands.

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.

Cláudio

4.5

(2)

🎷 Saxophone Lessons with Cláudio 🎶

Discover the joy of music with personalized saxophone lessons!
My name is Cláudio, a passionate saxophonist, performer, and experienced teacher from Portugal. I hold a Master’s Degree from the Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag and have taught students of all ages and levels, both in music academies and privately.

🌟 What I offer:

Tailored lessons for beginners to advanced players

A fun, supportive, and inspiring learning environment

Focus on technique, musicality, and personal expression

Guidance for exams, auditions, or simply learning for pleasure

Mentorship for young students deciding on a professional music career

Proven experience helping students reach the level needed to be accepted into higher studies in music

As a performer, I bring real stage experience into my teaching. Alongside my work as a soloist and chamber musician, I share not only the technical aspects of playing but also the artistry and joy of making music.

Whether you dream of playing your first notes, refining your performance skills, or preparing for a professional path, I’m here to guide and support you every step of the way.

📩 Contact me today and let’s start your musical journey together!

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)

Have you always wanted to learn how to play the piano? Do you want to gain your confidence back after years of not playing? I have more than 10 years of experience teaching all levels and ages in a variety of different music genres. The lessons are tailor made to fit your level and goals, and can go beyond piano playing for those who want it (e.g. composition, songwriting, improvisation...)

Irene

4.5

(2)

Let’s create a safe and creative environment where I can help you to explore music at your own pace.

-If you want to join the viola lessons, my objective is to provide you the tools to improve your playing while enjoying the music and connecting with your instrument. We can play different genres: classical, jazz, pop...

-If you’re more interested on music theory, I’ll help you understanding different fields of music: harmony, ear training, analysis, history of music...

I finished my Bachelor in viola some time ago and now I’m busy with my studies in Music Theory. I have a lot of experience teaching music to people of all ages.

There’s a lot to learn, and I’m here to help you!

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.

Nick

4.5

(2)

Learn to make music – from idea to your own track

In my lessons, you will learn how to turn a simple idea into a complete track. We work practically and step-by-step on music production: from beatmaking and sound design to arrangement and mixing. The lessons are tailored to your level and musical taste, so you make rapid progress and, above all, learn by doing.

Whether you are just starting out or already making beats and want to upgrade your skills—you will learn how to develop and finish your own sound like a real producer.

Gabriel

4.5

(2)

This class is a one on one tutoring session for people looking to practice, improve, or learn music theory and/or music composition. I can help in guiding you to learn music theory through theoretical explanations, practical demonstrations and exercises to complete at your own pace.

This class can also be an individual composition lesson where I take a close look at your works and ideas and try to guide you to improving your technique and to stimulate your artistic intuition and your compositional voice.

Some topics we can cover together:
- Basic rhythm and solmization
- Staff notation reading and writing
- Dictations
- Basic ear training
- Functional harmony
- Counterpoint
- Harmonic analysis
- Advanced harmony (chromaticism, dodecaphony, etc.)
- Microtonality