Music Theories - How we make music and how we understand it to make it better

From 80.22 C$ /h

What is music theory? Is it just one theory? What do we do with it? How come so many of the greatest musicians didn't even know the name of the notes?

Let's dispel the myth. They may, in fact, have lacked the names, but "knowing" in music means something else than a dusty stockpile of information and labels. Their ears, their voice, and their hands "know" very well.

We can conceive music theory as a way to bring order into the endless realm of sound possibilities. Naming and conceptualizing these possibilities is useful in many ways. I like to think of it in two directions: on the one hand, theory provides us with an overarching understanding of what we have done with music, allowing us to generalize and repeat certain principles in other contexts (reflective element); on the other hand, it can also open us up to new sound combinations as we theorize and create concepts we haven't yet heard in music (generative element). One point remains crucial: music theories come from musical practice and return to musical practice. Theories are most useful when they serve music-making, but remain empty speculation without it.

In these lessons, I will help you navigate music theories and what to do with them. I will show you a plurality of approaches to systematizing sound relationships that will best serve the music you love to play or want to compose.

The lessons will be custom made for each student. Whether you are a beginner who simply wants a little help getting the basics right, or a cultivated musician fond of music theory who wants to explore advanced and complex concepts out of the box, I will provide you with ideas, materials, and exercises. I will adapt to your learning rhythm while keeping you challenged. You will receive regular feedback, advice, and guidance.

Extra information

Contact me before the first lesson for all practical details.

Location

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At teacher's location :

Smiley's Barbershop, Stille Veerkade, The Hague, Netherlands

Online from Netherlands

About Me

Hello! My name is Cristiano, and I am an Italian multi-instrumentalist, composer, music theorist, and educator based in The Hague.

I specialize in jazz and improvised music, but throughout my musical journey I have embraced and performed many different styles including Blues, Folk, Classical, Contemporary, Fusion, Prog, Rock, Pop, and World Music. Over the years, I have studied violin, guitar, singing, composition, and improvisation with internationally renowned musicians across Europe and abroad. After several years of artistic development, I specialized in Music Education at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, where I later taught for ten years.

Since 2009, I have worked with students of different ages, levels, and musical backgrounds, helping them develop their creativity, musical awareness, skills, and confidence.

My teaching approach combines technical development with aural training, embodiment, musical sensitivity, interaction, and ear–instrument connection. Rather than focusing only on mechanical repetition, I aim to help students understand music deeply while developing their own artistic voice in a creative and supportive environment.

Whether you are a beginner, an advanced musician, or simply curious about improvisation and creativity in music, I look forward to sharing my passion with you in one of my classes!

Education

- Master Degree in Music Education – Royal Conservatoire of The Hague
(specialization in Jazz Guitar and ensemble-leading)
- Master Degree in Jazz Violin & Improvised Music – C.M.D.L. Paris
- Bachelor Degree in Philosophy – La Sapienza University of Rome

Experience / Qualifications

I have been teaching since 2009 through private lessons, workshops, ensemble coaching, and masterclasses for both instrumentalists and singers.

From 2015 to 2025, I taught in several departments at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague as a primary instrument teacher, ensemble coach, researcher, and lecturer. I have also collaborated with institutions including CODARTS Rotterdam, and the Academy of the Concertgebouworkest Amsterdam.

My teaching experience ranges from beginners to professional musicians, with a particular focus on improvisation, ensemble interaction, ear training, composition, and creative music-making.

As a performer, I have been active since 2007, leading and collaborating on a wide range of musical projects in different genres and settings, from intimate violin-guitar duos to large ensemble productions across Italy, France, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands.

Currently, I am mostly engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations that merge music and dance, as I am focusing my artistic development on the interplay between sound and movement in improvised performances.

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

45 minutes

60 minutes

90 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Italian

French

Skills

Music theory

Reviews

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

At teacher's location and via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Be(at) the Rhythm - A comprehensive approach to rhythmic training through voice and body-based exercises

80.22 C$ /h

While rhythm is a core element of strong musicianship, developing a solid rhythmic foundation through voice and body is sometimes completely overlooked. In particular, the use of voice and body — key to embodiment — is neither automatic nor self-evident as a way to internalize rhythm, and too often reading rhythmic solfège is the only path explored.

In these lessons, we will practice rhythm through the understanding and application of Konnakol (South Indian Carnatic rhythmic solfège) alongside other techniques and approaches, in order to conceive of rhythm in different ways and integrate it into performance.

We will work on rhythmic freedom and embodiment, internal pulse and timing, subdivisions and grouping, phrasing and patterns displacement, cross-rhythms, odd meters, and different feels. You will come away with new ideas, improve your timing, greater independence in your playing, and obtain a set of tools to practice self-sufficiently.

Be(at) the Rhythm is designed for both singers and instrumentalists who want to better embody rhythm, enlarge their vocabulary of rhythmic concepts, and improve overall rhythmic awareness.

The lessons will be tailored to each student.
I will adapt to your learning pace while keeping you challenged at the same time. You will receive regular feedback, advice, and guidance.
[For instrumentalists: I will support you in translating and applying these techniques to your instrument.]

A new approach to Mandolin and Ukulele - Accompanying, improvising and understanding music in a practical way

90.25 C$ /h

Big music from small instruments!

Mandolin and Ukulele have been increasingly popular in the past 10 years. Nevertheless, these two instruments are rarely used to their full potential. Have you ever thought that you could become truly proficient on one of these instruments, play across many different styles, and be as versatile as a violinist or guitarist?

Aside from learning the basics, I will show alternative tunings that can provide greater sonic possibilities and an extended range, I will help you develop more comfortable positions for your hand, richer voicings, and clear visual maps of chords, scales, and harmonic movement. I will help you rethink the mandolin and ukulele as complete and professional instruments and show you how to play them across a broad variety of styles such as Folk, Blues, Pop, Rock, and Jazz. [According to the style and instrumental possibilities - electro-acoustic instruments - we can also work with loops and effects.]

This class is meant to guide you from your very first steps on the instrument towards greater musical understanding and autonomy. Designed for both beginners and advanced musicians who want to challenge themselves and broaden their perspective on music and the instrument.

The lessons will be custom made for each student. I will adapt to your learning rhythm while keeping you challenged at the same time. You will receive regular feedback, advice, guidance, and materials.

Gonçalo

4.83

(12)

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!

Akane

4.83

(12)

There are two grand pianos at the location in Den Haag.

For children, it is important to develop basic musical skills through Singing, Rythmique, and Ear training besides piano playing. I use one technical exercise book, the main textbook, and a theory book. Through these 3 books, students learn different aspects of music and they naturally get ready for exams and grades.

After acquiring basic skills, students study Harmony and Chord exercises too. These are useful for playing pops and jazz, and they obtain a deeper understanding of classical pieces too.

Private Piano lesson, from age 4 and above. Children can start the lesson after being able to read the numbers from 1 to 5 and the alphabet from A to G.

Advanced students who want to prepare for competitions, auditions, ABRSM, GCSE, IB exams, or the entrance exam of the conservatory.

The concert is held annually together with students of flute, violin, and composition teachers.

For the ages 1-7 years, I have group Rhythmique lessons.

Carlota

4.83

(12)

Hello! I am a classically trained pianist with a Master's Degree from the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague.
I have 9 years of teaching experience, with students from all ages and levels. My teaching methodology is focused on adapting to the student's needs and motivations while passing on my knowledge to help the student develop musical independence and create a personal connection with music.

I organize 2 class concerts per year in a beautiful venue, so that the pupils perform their favourite pieces and showcase their progress to family, friends, and classmates.

During the lessons, there are several aspects of piano playing that I can help with, according to the student's aims and musical level:
- learning how to read scores
- basics of music theory
- develop technical capabilities
- learning how to play by heart
- finding your musical taste
- preparing for piano exams (ABRSM)

And the most important aspect is to have fun and enjoy the journey!

Norica

4.83

(12)

Hi there! My name is Norica. I am a pianist and a piano teacher from Tokyo.

Just quickly to the point: My approach is holistic and systematic. It uses lots of fun exercises and nice educational materials from Japan in addition to the Internationally recognized standard books. (Don't worry, you don't have to understand Japanese!) You learn not only how to play piano but also how music works- music theory.

I know what my students are good at and not so good at right off the bat. That's why I can tailor the lesson plans to their goals and needs.

Also, if you like to take an ABRSM exam, the syllables will be tailored accordingly. So what will be tested on the day of the exam is integrated into the lessons and my class/lesson offers all-round preparation for the exam. I have helped my students pass G1, 3, 5 and 6 with a good score.

Another important aspect of my lesson is to focus on improving cognitive skills - increasing memory, right-hand-left-hand-coordination, sustained attention, nonverbal communication, and a feeling of independence and freedom.

I do so with unique materials from Japan and fun training.

Currently students from 4 to 76 years old are taking my lessons. As an educator, I am committed to the process of learning while making lessons enjoyable and constructive.

Please drop me a line if you're interested. If you have any questions about the lesson, feel free to ask.

I will be happy to answer all your questions!

Thank you

Maria

4.83

(12)

Hello, my dear future student!

My name is Maria. I am a singing coach who currently lives in The Hague. I have a passion for music and I would like to share this passion with you! Let's sing together! ;)

In my singing lessons we will work on:

✅ Singing technique (breathing technique, increasing your singing range);
✅ Repertoire (singing in different styles and looking for your own style);
✅ Rhythm (developing a sense of rhythm);
✅ Improvisation;
✅ Telling a story in a song;

In addition to the most important aspects of singing, we will also pay attention to:

✅ Theory for vocalists;
✅ Acting on stage;
✅ Motivation for musicians;

At the end of working on a song we will record it in my home studio.

Rosie

4.83

(12)

I have been teaching both the pedal and lever harp for the past 5 years to students ranging from 7 years old to 50! I am very passionate about teaching and hope to inspire my students to love music just as much as I do! I take a patient approach to each student and after a short period of time I am always happy to see great progress in my students playing. Several of my students have won international competitions in 'The Feis Ceoil' in Dublin and have also gone onto study music in university. A lot of my students also learn to play the harp as a beautiful hobby!

Julien

4.83

(12)

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...)

Carlo

4.83

(12)

👋 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.

Nikos

4.83

(12)

Are you interested in learning how to play the guitar and exploring the captivating world of music? Would you like to be able to express yourself through guitar?

Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate or an advanced player, I am here to guide you through your own musical journey and help you reach the level that you aim for. I am a classically trained guitarist with several years of experience and through professional guidance and lessons adapted to your own personality, we can discover your creative side.

My aim is to help students acquire a correct technique and deep understanding of music and expression, which will help them perform important pieces of the classical guitar repertoire, as well as songs and pieces of different genres.

About me:
I am Nikos and I am a classical guitarist with 15 years of experience. I started playing classical guitar at the age of 10 and from the age of 14, with the supervision of my teacher, I have been helping and guiding younger guitar students, giving me a hands-on experience in teaching from an early age. In 2019, I obtained my soloist diploma from the Hellenic Conservatory of Music and Arts, giving me the right to teach and since then I have been teaching privately. Currently, I am studying with professor Pavel Steidl, at the Royal Conservatoire of the Hague and I have been attending a Music Pedagogy course, as well as courses in Early Music.

Since 2014, I have been attending guitar festivals and academies, giving me the opportunity to learn from some of the most important classical guitarists of our era and also be awarded prizes in national and international competitions, such as the 1st prize in Palaio Faliro guitar festival in Athens in 2020 and the 3rd prize in the 1st International Nikita Koshkin competition in Russia in 2021. In 2024, I was honored to receive a scholarship given each year to two European guitarists, giving me the opportunity to attend the Volterra Project Summer Guitar Institute 2024 in Volterra, Italy.

Music Theory:
In 2020 and 2021, I graduated from the music theory departments of the Hellenic Conservatory with a degree in Music Harmony and a degree in Counterpoint.

Irene

4.83

(12)

Do you like classical music but feel a little intimidate by it? Or maybe you’ve been listening for a while but now you’d like to dig a little deeper in the music of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms?

During these listening sessions I will offer you some context about the piece, and some tools to listen to it more carefully, so you can learn and enjoy the music with a new perspective.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re just starting your journey or you already have musical training. You can propose the repertoire you would like to explore, or I can make a suggestion to start with.

Héloïse

4.83

(12)

Hi !

I am Héloïse, a french cellist and singer who lives in The Netherlands since two years. I finished to study at HKU Utrecht Conservatorium in june and am now a professional musician and, among other a cello teacher at the Lindenberg Center in Nijmegen.

After teaching music theory for two years in a french conservatory, I realised how much teaching is very important for me and helps me to grow as a musician. I like to adapt to the student and try to find a solution in any pedagogical situation.
I can teach all cello and singing levels, and all ages. I can also give some music theory lessons.
The lessons can be at my place in The hague or online but also at the student place, in english or french.

Thank you!

4.83

(12)

I hope to share the joy of playing the double bass and the piano through teaching. It is so pleasant to make music and I wish to let more people know about it.
The classes are very flexible. You can expect leisure music playing but also intensive trainings. Lessons will be designed according to students’ intentions. I am able to teach in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Feel free to reach out :)

I have been playing the double bass for more than 10 years and have recently obtained my master degree in double bass from Royal Conservatory of The Hague.
I started playing the piano when I was 10. On top of classical, I also play a lot of Christian and pop music on the piano, which I am also happy to teach.

Chrysostomos

4.83

(12)

Learn to play the drums and/or percussion with solid technique, rhythm, and creativity. Whether you’re starting from zero or want to refine your groove, I’ll guide you step by step with exercises, songs, and personalized coaching. For me, it’s essential to understand what each student wants from the lessons. Whether your goal is to play just for fun or to develop professionally, I’ll adapt the lessons to your needs, helping you level up your skills while keeping the process enjoyable and creative. With experience as a classical percussionist in orchestras, a drummer in bands, and through my jazz vibraphone studies, I’m able to cover a wide range of styles and adapt the lessons to each student’s musical taste and interests.

Nuno

4.83

(12)

(For English scroll down)

Practical and creative piano lessons. Whether you are a beginner or already advanced: in my lessons, the joy of playing and your musical preferences always come first! Together, we determine the direction we take.

For the basics, we use, among other things, the well-known Microjazz method, which focuses on R&B, pop, and harmony. This method includes handy online play-along audio, allowing you to practice flexibly at home with professional guidance.

Harmony at the Piano & Keyboard Voicings. Do you want to dive deeper into music? Then there is the opportunity to learn about functional harmony and keyboard voicings (chords and chord melodies). We put this directly into practice with harmonic progressions, which you can also apply to your own favorite songs or compositions. This way, you truly discover how music is logically structured.

Age & Level: For all ages and levels.

Languages: The lessons can be taught in English, Dutch, Spanish, Catalan, or Portuguese.

Location: In my classroom, at your home (+ travel expenses), or online via Google Meet/Zoom.

English:

Practical & Creative Piano Music Lessons. Whether you are an absolute beginner or an advanced player, your musical preferences and the joy of playing always come first. Together, we will map out a path tailored entirely to your goals. For our core foundation, we use dynamic methods like Microjazz (focusing on R&B, Pop, and Harmony). This method includes high-quality online play-along audio, making practice at home highly engaging and interactive.

Harmony at the Piano & Keyboard Voicings. For students wanting to go deeper, we explore Keyboard Voicings (chords, harmony, and chord-melody). We put these concepts straight into practice using harmonic progressions, which you can apply directly to your own favorite tunes, songs, or original compositions. You will discover exactly how music works through the lens of Functional Harmony and beyond.

Ages & Levels: Welcoming all ages and skill levels.

Languages: Lessons can be taught in English, Dutch, Spanish, Catalan, or Portuguese.

Location: At my home, at your home (+ travel costs), or online via Google Meet/Zoom.

Nick

4.83

(12)

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.