Composition Lessons by experienced composer in a wide range of genres
From 79.98 C$ /h
I am a 32-year old composer, electric guitarist and songwriter based in Den Haag, teaching composition, music theory, and score writing. 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 6 years.
I offer lessons in all styles, to all age groups, and for any experience level (ranging from students who want to learn how to read and write music to create their first score, up to more experienced composers who are looking for fresh ideas and improving their skills to really make their music shine, or who are looking for help polishing their composition portfolio for entrance exams).
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 music, explore a breadth of musical ideas that can inform your work, 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 compositions have been performed in venues such as The Muziekgebouw (Amsterdam), TivoliVredenburg (Utrecht), Korzo Theatre (Den Haag), Casa de Musica (Porto), Onassis Stegi (Athens) and at music festivals including Music in PyeongChang (South Korea), Tectonics Athens (Greece), Gaudeamus Muziekweek (Netherlands). My experience as a performer range from classical guitar studies, to playing electric guitar in rock bands, as well as experience as an improviser, performer of notated contemporary classical compositions, creator and performer of ambient and electronic music. I also am very experienced in ambient and electronic-influenced guitar music, which has given me an in depth knowledge also of the guitar in combination with technology such as guitar effects, computer software and multichannel setups which expand the audio palette of the guitar. 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 even some experience in beat-making.
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 composer, and I build my lessons around that. My primary goal is help you develop your voice as a composer, so the starting point for our lessons will always be your music.
My aim is always to help you find what the heart of your composition 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, rehearsal leading and / or production to help flesh out your music, as well as music theory and using scores of other composers.
I offer lessons in all styles, to all age groups, and for any experience level (ranging from students who want to learn how to read and write music to create their first score, up to more experienced composers who are looking for fresh ideas and improving their skills to really make their music shine, or who are looking for help polishing their composition portfolio for entrance exams).
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 music, explore a breadth of musical ideas that can inform your work, 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 compositions have been performed in venues such as The Muziekgebouw (Amsterdam), TivoliVredenburg (Utrecht), Korzo Theatre (Den Haag), Casa de Musica (Porto), Onassis Stegi (Athens) and at music festivals including Music in PyeongChang (South Korea), Tectonics Athens (Greece), Gaudeamus Muziekweek (Netherlands). My experience as a performer range from classical guitar studies, to playing electric guitar in rock bands, as well as experience as an improviser, performer of notated contemporary classical compositions, creator and performer of ambient and electronic music. I also am very experienced in ambient and electronic-influenced guitar music, which has given me an in depth knowledge also of the guitar in combination with technology such as guitar effects, computer software and multichannel setups which expand the audio palette of the guitar. 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 even some experience in beat-making.
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 composer, and I build my lessons around that. My primary goal is help you develop your voice as a composer, so the starting point for our lessons will always be your music.
My aim is always to help you find what the heart of your composition 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, rehearsal leading and / or production to help flesh out your music, as well as music theory and using scores of other composers.
Extra information
Bring your own laptop and notation paper, and a desire to learn and explore music !
I can teach you at your home, or we can do lessons in studio space
-- a creative space that is made up of several artist ateliers spread across its large building. I have a space here where I work on my music and practise, and it is an environment that is surrounded by creative people and works of art that are being created here all the time.
I can teach you at your home, or we can do lessons in studio space
-- a creative space that is made up of several artist ateliers spread across its large building. I have a space here where I work on my music and practise, and it is an environment that is surrounded by creative people and works of art that are being created here all the time.
Location
At student's location :
- Around The Hague, Netherlands
At teacher's location :
- Annastate, Willem Dreespark, The Hague, Netherlands
Online from Netherlands
About Me
- I am a composer and guitar player currently based in Den Haag. I grew up in Greece to a Greek father and Scottish mother, and I have also lived in the UK and the U.S.A. (in the state of Vermont). I have been living in Holland for the last 4 years.
- My music covers a large range:
----- from playing in alt rock/punky bands such as Quaich --
----- and Trends&Revolts ------
---- to ambient / drone / experimental projects such as Flowers/Ghosts&Echoes ----
----- as well as contemporary classical compositions -----
---- and many more collaborations including with Squee!Collective ------
----- with violinist Laura Sophie ------
----- with Trompo ensemble -----
---- with percussionist Gabriele Segantini -----
- I currently have two albums out which I have co-released with the Polyscope music community, and my music has been featured in concerts and festivals in The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Greece, Korea, The U.S.A.
- Teaching allows me to explore music and the guitar through the eyes of my students. Learning to find a student's interests and teach through what they enjoy, while bringing my own experience and interests to the table as well, has always brought the best results and made the teaching experience the most beneficial for the students.
- I love when the student becomes excited and fascinated in the lessons, and I can see the student develop further this way and get joy from their exploration of music
- I have moved between several different countries and explored many different types of music-making. This allows me to bring a wide range of experiences to the lessons, outside of just teaching a single topic from a single perspective. As today's world is one where culture and music are made up of many influences from many different places, I find this to be the most healthy approach to teaching, and one which my most inspiring teachers always brought to me when I was a student.
- My music covers a large range:
----- from playing in alt rock/punky bands such as Quaich --
----- and Trends&Revolts ------
---- to ambient / drone / experimental projects such as Flowers/Ghosts&Echoes ----
----- as well as contemporary classical compositions -----
---- and many more collaborations including with Squee!Collective ------
----- with violinist Laura Sophie ------
----- with Trompo ensemble -----
---- with percussionist Gabriele Segantini -----
- I currently have two albums out which I have co-released with the Polyscope music community, and my music has been featured in concerts and festivals in The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Greece, Korea, The U.S.A.
- Teaching allows me to explore music and the guitar through the eyes of my students. Learning to find a student's interests and teach through what they enjoy, while bringing my own experience and interests to the table as well, has always brought the best results and made the teaching experience the most beneficial for the students.
- I love when the student becomes excited and fascinated in the lessons, and I can see the student develop further this way and get joy from their exploration of music
- I have moved between several different countries and explored many different types of music-making. This allows me to bring a wide range of experiences to the lessons, outside of just teaching a single topic from a single perspective. As today's world is one where culture and music are made up of many influences from many different places, I find this to be the most healthy approach to teaching, and one which my most inspiring teachers always brought to me when I was a student.
Education
Master of Music in Composition from The Hague Royal Conservatory - with distinction "for the development of a new musical praxis and relation with the audience through new techniques and technology"
Bachelor in Music in Composition from Birmingham Conservatoire (England) - graduated with First Class Honours.
International Baccalaureate (I.B.) at Psychico College (Greece).
High-Level Courses: English Literature, Visual Arts, 20th Century European History.
James was the first student at the Psychico College I.B. program to write the required Extended Essay on the subject of Music (as the music was not offered as a topic at this school). His topic was entitled “Erik Satie’s Use of Non-Traditional Harmony” for which he received the mark of “Excellent”.
Classical Guitar Degree from The Greek Ministry of Music
Music Theory and History Degree from The Greek Ministry of Music
Bachelor in Music in Composition from Birmingham Conservatoire (England) - graduated with First Class Honours.
International Baccalaureate (I.B.) at Psychico College (Greece).
High-Level Courses: English Literature, Visual Arts, 20th Century European History.
James was the first student at the Psychico College I.B. program to write the required Extended Essay on the subject of Music (as the music was not offered as a topic at this school). His topic was entitled “Erik Satie’s Use of Non-Traditional Harmony” for which he received the mark of “Excellent”.
Classical Guitar Degree from The Greek Ministry of Music
Music Theory and History Degree from The Greek Ministry of Music
Experience / Qualifications
I began my musical education studying the classical guitar, alongside performing and composing music in bands. I have wide-reaching experience in several genres and musical situations, ranging from performing in rock/indie/punk bands (I've also played in a funk/improv and also an electro setting), and then ranging to the creation of ambient and electronic music, to composing for classical musicians and performing contemporary classical music and performing as an improviser.
I also have experience as a bass player, drummer and keyboard player.
I also have experience as a bass player, drummer and keyboard player.
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
60 minutes
The class is taught in
English
Greek
Reviews
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -05:00)
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
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
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
I'm a 32-year old guitarist and composer based in Den Haag, teaching electric and acoustic guitar, in combination with music theory (if that is of interest to the student). 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 6 years.
I offer lessons in all styles, to all age groups, and for any experience level (ranging from students who have never touched a guitar before, up to advanced players who are looking for new challenges).
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 have fun with playing the guitar 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 guitarist ranges from classical guitar studies, to playing electric guitar in rock bands, as well as experience as an improviser, performer of notated contemporary classical compositions, creator and performer of ambient and electronic music. I also am very experienced in ambient and electronic-influenced guitar music, which has given me an in depth knowledge also of the guitar in combination with technology such as guitar effects, computer software and multichannel setups which expand the audio palette of the guitar. 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 even some experience in beat-making.
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 like and the things you want to learn, and I build my lessons around that.
I've taught students everything from post-rock, to metal, to K-Pop to Nepalese songs... This way the student gets to explore music on their terms, and not based on a pre-decided set of songs or exercises. Alongside this I bring exercises and other songs that help build around the skills we learn through your songs, and help you develop the techniques needed for you to learn to play the music you love. Whatever music excites you I encourage you to bring it to our lesson, as this also gives me a chance to discover some new music !
What's more, depending on your interest, we can also explore music theory, ideas on composition and songwriting, even the basics of how to record your own songs at home.
For experienced players:
If you are an experienced player looking for new challenges and new perspectives, my wide ranging knowledge of music in a large spectrum of music will help you push your playing and knowledge of music into new worlds !
Topics of our more advanced lessons could include: in depth exploration of the possibilities of guitar pedals, using Ableton live with the electric guitar, reading scores, writing scores, exploring extended guitar techniques, using multi-amp setups, recording your own songs, playing contemporary classical works that include the electric guitar, exploring finger picking, using alternative guitar tunings, going deeper into music theory, exploring genres you haven't heard of (ranging from classical, to experimental, to free jazz, to electronic music)
I offer lessons in all styles, to all age groups, and for any experience level (ranging from students who have never touched a guitar before, up to advanced players who are looking for new challenges).
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 have fun with playing the guitar 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 guitarist ranges from classical guitar studies, to playing electric guitar in rock bands, as well as experience as an improviser, performer of notated contemporary classical compositions, creator and performer of ambient and electronic music. I also am very experienced in ambient and electronic-influenced guitar music, which has given me an in depth knowledge also of the guitar in combination with technology such as guitar effects, computer software and multichannel setups which expand the audio palette of the guitar. 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 even some experience in beat-making.
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 like and the things you want to learn, and I build my lessons around that.
I've taught students everything from post-rock, to metal, to K-Pop to Nepalese songs... This way the student gets to explore music on their terms, and not based on a pre-decided set of songs or exercises. Alongside this I bring exercises and other songs that help build around the skills we learn through your songs, and help you develop the techniques needed for you to learn to play the music you love. Whatever music excites you I encourage you to bring it to our lesson, as this also gives me a chance to discover some new music !
What's more, depending on your interest, we can also explore music theory, ideas on composition and songwriting, even the basics of how to record your own songs at home.
For experienced players:
If you are an experienced player looking for new challenges and new perspectives, my wide ranging knowledge of music in a large spectrum of music will help you push your playing and knowledge of music into new worlds !
Topics of our more advanced lessons could include: in depth exploration of the possibilities of guitar pedals, using Ableton live with the electric guitar, reading scores, writing scores, exploring extended guitar techniques, using multi-amp setups, recording your own songs, playing contemporary classical works that include the electric guitar, exploring finger picking, using alternative guitar tunings, going deeper into music theory, exploring genres you haven't heard of (ranging from classical, to experimental, to free jazz, to electronic music)
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