Composition and music theory - all levels, all styles - Amsterdam

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Composition and music theory - all levels, all styles

From 68.1 C$ /h

Want to learn more about what's behind classical music? Do you want to learn to write music yourself? Or are you already writing music, and would you like guidance or feedback? Then I can help you with this!

I graduated as a composer at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Bachelor) and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (Master). I have a lot of experience writing for solo instruments, ensembles, choirs and orchestras, and electronics.

For music theory, I can take a general, broad approach, or we can focus on certain types of music and explore it, depending on your needs.

For composition, we can discuss the basics if you are just starting or planning to compose. If you've been doing it for a while, we'll focus more on the music you make and discuss it with each other.

Extra information

For composition: If you've already composed something, show it so we can talk about it. And especially pieces that are not yet finished / are still in the idea phase, because that is often very interesting!

Location

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At student's location :

Around Amsterdam, Netherlands

About Me

My name is Pepijn, and I am a composer. I completed my bachelor's degree at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and my master's degree at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Several of my works have been performed throughout the Netherlands, from Amsterdam and Utrecht to Eindhoven, and also outside the Netherlands in New York and in Portugal. I've been involved with music almost my entire life, but it remains an endlessly fascinating subject with an incredible amount to discover.

In my music I try not to commit too much to a certain style, because I think that capturing can come at the expense of your creativity. In addition, there is so much good music in all styles that you miss out on a lot of good if you focus on one style.
I do think it is good to have a basic understanding of harmony, rhythm, and instruments, acoustic or electronic, because it simply helps enormously in your creative process if you have something you can trust.

Education

Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Bachelor of Music, main subject Composition
The following subjects include General Music Theory, Harmony / Analysis (2 years), Solfege (2 years), Analysis and Solfege New Music (1 year), Music History (2 years), History of New Music, Orchestration (3 years), Piano Specialist (3 years) year) and Management (2 year)

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Master of Music Composition.

Experience / Qualifications

Full conservatory education (Bachelor + Master), strong theoretical background, long experience in composing, collaborating with musicians and the creative process.

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

45 minutes

60 minutes

The class is taught in

Dutch

English

Skills

Music composition

Music theory

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

At student's home

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Valeria

5.0

(1)

I am a classical and baroque bassist. Graduated from Amsterdam Conservatory (Bachelor and Master )
With more than 15 years playing my instrument and 3 years of teaching young kids and people from all ages and levels!

If you always wanted to learn the double bass is never to late to start!

Teis

5.0

(1)

My name is Teis. I am a Danish guitarist trained in Jazz music at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and USC Thornton School of Music (Los Angeles). I have played since age 7, studied since age 13, and played professionally since age 18.

I work professionally as a band leader, composer, and side person.

After around 25 years of experience on the guitar, I can confidently say that I am equipped to share the knowledge that I have accumulated over the years.

In all honesty: I have never found myself to be particularly "talented". But I am a hard worker. I truly believe that talent is not something you are born with, but something you can develop and grow.

Together we will explore secrets and tips for a healthy guitar routine. We will improve your technique and ear training abilities with direct and fun exercises.

Whether you are just a beginner or an intermediate/advanced guitarist, we can explore the instrument and all its possibilities.

Practicing and playing with a teacher in a one-on-one situation is the most effective way to get better faster, and I advise it to all the guitar and music lovers out there.

In my guitar course, we start from where you are at and set a goal fitting to what you want to achieve. For example, our focus could be a.o.:

Fingerpicking
Soloing
Accompanying yourself
Songwriting

Two ways to go about it;

Single lesson: We go from where you are at the moment, and I help you move forward.

5 or 10 lesson bundle: I will make a detailed plan for you and we will conclude the lessons with a performance of some sort. I will help you elevate and broaden your skill set, in your preferred style, but also ear training and theory. We will build a sustainable practice routine together, and you will get access to a library of practice play-alongs and manuals, that you can use to build a solid platform as a musician!

Looking forward to hearing from you :)

Keith

5.0

(1)

An instrument that combines musicality and strong groove?
An instrument that is easy from the first move?
Percussion is the spark that makes you behoove!
I am Keith, a Hong Kong percussionist based in Amsterdam and currently finishing my master degree in the Conservatory van Amsterdam. I have won several major international competitions and have great experience in performing. I have also taught privately and conducted masterclasses to inspire the next generation of percussionists.
The best thing of being a percussionist is that you can play and find music anytime anywhere! Whether if it's a timpani or your comb, you can produce so many different sounds and exciting rhythm. With one technique, you can almost play anything!
If you are a total beginner with music, percussion is one of the easiest way into it. Instruments sound nice already when you play them. Lessons start from knowing the pulse and developing your groove, to knowing the notes and establishing basic musicality. Then slowly you will explore the vast sound world of percussion, starting with drums, mallets instrument or any objects that you can think of!
If you are looking for more help in excelling in your craft, my professional experience can offer you great guidance and advice, no matter if it's technically or artistically, or even stage presence and healthy mindset.
My ultimate goal in teaching is to motivate my students to find joy and confidence through music. I will offer you a clear structure so that you will understand better how to reach your goal, and a supportive learning environment so that you can explore your potential!
Here are some Q&A to know more about myself!

Q: What other instruments except drumset can I learn from percussion?
A: With similar technique, you can play mallets instruments like marimba which has a warm healing sound, or orchestral instruments like triangle or tambourine. And with the rhythmic sense from learning drum set, you can literally play groove in the world, no matter if it is latin or asian or middle east! The sky is the limit!

Q: What do you value the most in your lesson?
A: Sincerity and curiosity. I hope we can have honest communication and I can offer you new inspiration every lessons.

Q: How do you keep your lessons engaging and fun?
A: It all starts with your own interest and passion. If you have a specific genre or instrument that you like, we will build your musical sense from there, even if it's death metal or jazz. I will offer you different kinds of exercises and ideas until you own the skill.

Q: What inspires you to become a musician?
A: I just love to perform!

Stefano

5.0

(1)

Are you ready to discover the magic of one of the most beautiful instruments ever created? Look no further! The piano has transformed my life and I'm confident it will do the same for you.

With my guidance, I'll equip you with all the tools you need to approach this majestic and stunning instrument. I'll take you on a personal journey, step by step, showing you how to master the Piano in a way that suits your individual style. Whether it's Jazz, Classical, or Pop, you'll fall in love with playing the Piano!

But that's not all - I'm also thrilled to offer you the opportunity to explore:
- Music theory
- Songwriting and Composition skills

With my expert guidance, you'll develop a well-rounded musical education that will take your talent to new heights.

So why wait? Get in touch with me today and let's embark on this wonderful journey together!

Antek

5.0

(1)

Hello there!

My name is Antek and i'm a cellist and composer who graduated from Conservatorium van Amsterdam. As a cellist I've had the pleasure and honour of collaborating with renowned artists such as Hans Zimmer, being part of his 2022 European Tour Orchestra, touring over 15 countries and playing in locations such as London's O2 Arena or Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. I am now mainly active as a performer of contemporary/experimental music, as well as classical music, freelancing in various orchestras in the Netherlands, having played in venues such as Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, Concertgebouw or TivoliVredenburg. I offer cello lessons, regardless of the level - whether you are a curious beginner or more advanced player, i'm happy to collaborate and share my knowledge and experience with you, as well as inspire your creativity regarding both playing the right notes, and making artistic choices.

I can also help you prepare for conservatory entrance exams by providing Solfege, Ear-training and General Music Theory lessons.

As a composer, I'm currently pursuing a degree at Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp. I can help you work on your ideas, and how to write them down, to sound exactly how you want them to sound. That includes tutorials on engraving rules, orchestration, working in DAWs (Ableton) and using sheet music software (Sibelius, MuseScore), as well as building your craft and workflow. I'm experienced in writing both instrumental and electronic music, as well as performance art, live electronics and multidisciplinary projects. I have also collaborated with institutions like National Polish Radio or CelloWercken Festival Zutphen.

I hope to hear back from you soon and I'm looking forward to start working on your musical journey!
Peace and Love
Antek

Stijn

5.0

(1)

Guitar lessons in Amsterdam Center from a certified guitar teacher with more than 20 years of teaching experience!

Pop, Rock, Blues, Funk, Jazz: I am familiar with many styles and can help you discover the guitar and your musical development!

Accompany yourself on guitar while you sing? Do you want to write songs yourself? With my tips, lessons and coaching you will go further and get even more pleasure and satisfaction from music and your guitar

Samuel

5.0

(1)

Hello

I'm a professional bass player living in Amsterdam. I have a passion for teaching and passing on some of the knowledge that I have acquired during my studies at several schools and heard from the musicians I look up to. I've done my bachelor degree at The Royal Academy of Music in Denmark, and I finished my Masters at Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2024.

I teach double bass, electric bass and composition.

Musically I try to be as open as I can. For me it doesn't matter if it's free jazz, traditional jazz, pop or metal as long as it feels good.

I'm a leader of my own group where we combine jazz and indie rock. we will release our debut album this fall.

I'm also a sideman in several groups.

As for composition I have experience with composing for regular jazz groups, big band, string quartet and irregular constellations such as my band with three guitars and three horns.

Some thoughts about teaching:

I believe that the most important thing when teaching is having a good relation to one another and generally just having a good time. If we don't enjoy the process we don't learn.
You should feel comfortable saying how you feel and what you want to learn/don't want to learn. With that transparency I will be able to customize the teaching and balance the curriculum so that I meet your needs while pushing you into unknown territory.

If you're reading this I'm happy that you took your time to read through it all, and hopefully we'll get to meet and talk about music!

Davide

5.0

(1)

Join Davide, a professional jazz vocalist and master's student at the Conservatorium Van Amsterdam, for an engaging and enriching vocal jazz/pop class. With years of performing experience across Europe and a deep understanding of voice techniques, Davide offers personalized coaching to help you unlock your vocal potential.

What You’ll Learn:

Fundamentals of Jazz/Pop Singing: Explore jazz and pop phrasing, rhythm, and improvisation to bring your performance to life.

Voice Technique: Strengthen breath control, tone, and pitch with targeted exercises.

Repertoire Building: Learn to interpret and perform classic jazz standards and pop songs while developing your own unique style.

Stage Presence: Tips on engaging audiences and developing confidence through live performance techniques.

Multilingual Singing: Benefit from Davide's expertise in Italian, English, and Spanish to master songs in multiple languages.

This class is perfect for singers of all levels looking to refine their vocal technique, enhance their jazz/pop repertoire, and explore improvisation.

Markas

5.0

(1)

Lesson in Ableton Live, preparing for live performances, sound engineering, piano and composition.

- classical music
- electronic music with Ableton live and other DAW’s
- composition with traditional methods and notation
- orchestral writing and part preparations
- sight reading, scales
- harmonic theory and chord progressions
- elements of jazz harmony and voicing

Sofiia

5.0

(1)

Lessons are specifically tailored to the needs of each student, with a focus on their personal requests. I offer various approaches — teaching, coaching, mentoring. My lesson style ranges from diving into music theory and analysing great music works of the past, to developing a musical concept for your compositions and working on your personal style.

I am proficient in jazz arranging and composing, classical orchestration and composition, jazz and classical theory, solfege, rhythmics, as well as working within interdisciplinary fields — combining different art forms with music.

I offer a wide range of possibilities — writing your own compositions/songs; arranging for a big band (or any other ensemble); songwriting; working with strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion.
Your motivation is the limit:)

I am also working with Sibelius as a software, so I can teach you to use it.

Nicolás

5.0

(1)

If you're someone looking for entertaining, dynamic and useful piano lessons, without them being too serious, this is the right place for you!

It doesn't matter if you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced pianist, these lessons will make you improve as a musician and enjoy making music.

See you in the lessons!

Deniz

5.0

(1)

In this class, we use Ableton Live as a creative tool to explore music production, composition, and sound design. Whether you're a beginner or already producing, the lessons are tailored to your goals. whether that’s making beats, writing songs, or designing experimental soundscapes. You'll learn how to turn your musical ideas into finished tracks, while gaining practical knowledge of arrangement, audio effects, MIDI, sampling, and more. Theory is introduced in a simple, intuitive way to support your creativity, and improvisation is encouraged to help you find your own sound. My goal is to give you the tools—and the confidence—to create music that feels truly yours.

Efstratia

5.0

(1)

I’m a professional cellist and dedicated teacher offering cello lessons for children, teenagers, and adults in Amsterdam.

In my lessons, the student comes first. I listen carefully to what you (or your child) need, and I adapt the lesson to your level, personality, and goals. I can be calm and structured, or playful and exploratory – the important thing is that you feel safe, motivated, and taken seriously.

For whom?
- Complete beginners
- Advanced students
- Adults returning to the cello after a break
- Students preparing for music school or conservatory auditions

I also have experience teaching students with dyslexia and ADHD and I’m used to adjusting explanations, pacing, and exercises so they are clear and not overwhelming.

What I offer
- Cello and basic music theory
- Technique, sound, and musical expression
- Support with school or exam repertoire
- Flexible scheduling where possible

Lessons at my place in Amsterdam or at your home (depending on location)

My musical background
- Graduate of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam
- Performed with ensembles such as Rotterdam Philharmonic (internship) and Asko|Schönberg
- Experience in competitions and festivals (e.g. Cello Biënnale, Triomphe de l’Art, Wonderfeel Festival)

If you’re interested, feel free to contact me with any questions.

Simon

5.0

(1)

Have you always wanted to impress your friends and family by playing the guitar for them? You've come to the right place!

I propose that we learn your favorite pieces together over a few weeks and help you feel confident with the instrument. Whatever your level, I will be there to support you with kindness in your personal development.

Being both a self-taught guitarist and a conservatory graduate, I will be able to adapt to you so that you feel most comfortable in your learning process.

Having extensive experience with students, particularly in conservatories, they are all very happy with my teaching methods!

Pietro

5.0

(1)

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!