Music Composition Lessons:Develop Your Creative Voice & learn how to turn your musical ideas into structured, expressive compositions.

From 123.91 C$ /h

These lessons are designed for students and musicians who want to explore composition in classical, jazz, contemporary, or hybrid styles. Whether you are just starting or already writing music, I will help you develop your ideas with clarity and confidence.

Lessons may include:
• Developing musical ideas and themes
• Developing melody and harmony
• Chord progressions and form
• Writing for different instruments or ensembles
• Notation and score preparation
• Improvisation as a compositional tool
• Structuring longer works
• Preparing compositions for school, exams, concerts, or portfolio submissions

I work with children, teenagers, university students, and adult learners. Lessons are tailored to your level, interests, and goals — from creative exploration to structured exam preparation.

Location

Online from Switzerland

About Me

Hello! I’m Rafael, an experienced music educator and professional saxophonist with over 15 years of teaching experience.

I offer personalised, one-to-one lessons in saxophone, jazz and improvisation, music theory, and English language support. I have worked with children, teenagers, and adults in schools, universities, and private lessons, and I always adapt my teaching style to each student’s goals and level.

My lessons are structured, supportive, and encouraging. Whether you are a complete beginner, preparing for an exam, or looking to develop advanced musical skills, I focus on building confidence, clear understanding, and steady progress.

I believe learning should be motivating and enjoyable, and I create a positive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their creativity.

Lessons are available online.

I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

Education

PhD in Music – Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University (2024)
Master of Arts in Music – University of York (2012)
Bachelor of Music in Performance – Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University (2004)

Experience / Qualifications

PhD-trained music educator with extensive experience in one-to-one tutoring, ensemble direction, and structured music education across primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions, youth and community programs, and private lessons.

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

30 minutes

45 minutes

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Music composition

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Jazz & Improvisation Coaching: Develop confidence and creativity with improvisation.

123.91 C$ /h

Develop confidence and creativity in improvisation.
These lessons focus on:
• Understanding harmony and chord progressions
• Developing improvisational vocabulary
• Ear training
• Stylistic awareness
• Ensemble skills

Ideal for intermediate and advanced students who want to expand their musical expression and confidence.

English Conversation & Academic Support: Improve your English with structured and supportive guidance.

123.91 C$ /h

As a PhD-trained and native English speaker, I offer:
• Conversation practice
• Academic writing guidance
• Pronunciation support
• Grammar and punctuation advice
• Confidence building

Suitable for students, professionals, and anyone looking to improve fluency.

Lou-Indigo

4.87

(84)

The course that I propose is BILINGUAL FRENCH / ENGLISH, as well as 2 BOOKS.

Age and musical taste are not restrictive when in the program, you can with qualitative daily work (not quantitative) quickly observe your progress.

Here the pleasure of playing music is put forward.

The kind of music you love most will be the focus of the course, their codes and secrets will be the focus of our study, that's what I want to share with you.

We can do technical lessons and simply learn together how to play one or more songs of your choice or mine, enrich your game with this approach and your repertoire!

(For example, We can re-arrange the pieces and make them more original by approaching the system (CAGED), and enriching their chords, resulting in new positions, new techniques and new sounds, using arpeggio techniques rather than strumming for 4-chord pieces, voicing and fingerstyle techniques, in short, expanding the instrument's playing fields and playing skills to keep progressing in your game and improve your rehearsals ...)

If you make a request, this program is obviously accompanied by the pleasure of learning more in theory and being able to directly apply new knowledge on its instrument and identify its common or rare use in the pieces discussed in class.

In this case, the theory is translated to be accessible to anyone, both for those who are connoisseurs and for those who discover everything from absolute zero.
The exercises, songs, and theoretical explanations offered throughout the program are organized in an order of progressive difficulty.

I wrote and produced 2 books of my method to learn the guitar and the music, that I sell to accompany my course and your apprenticeship in the best conditions and so that you can continue the course even at home and to review etc ... .
There is ONE BOOK OF COURSES containing all the theoretical and practical program of the year, as well as a BOOK OF EXERCISE on the ranges and the modes that you can obtain directly.

You can find here an indicative list of objectives that I propose in my theoretical program, which can of course adapt to your request.

The general theoretical objectives of the course:

--- Tuning / tuning and knowing his guitar:
* Standard Tuning
* Drop Tuning
* Open Tuning
* Adjust the optimal tension of the strings
* Adjust the shaft axis
* Adjust the action of the strings
* Choose the strings adapted to the style of play / tuning
* Change his strings

-Know his chords:
* Triads: Fundamental State & Inversions
* Tetrads: Fundamental State & Inversions
* The chord progressions of the Range
* Arpeggio techniques (tapping, sweep, 1/2/4 fing.shape, etc ...)

--- Know his scales and his modes

* The Mode of the Major scale
* 3 Modes of the Minor scale: Natural / Melodic / Harmonic
* Modes of the Pentatonic range: 5 positions
* Modes of the Blues range: 5 positions
Etc ...

--- Technique to the Pick / Plectrum / Tab / Pick (Electric Guitar):
* Alternate Picking
* Fast Picking / Tremolo Picking
* Hybrid Picking
* Palm Mute
* Natural Harmonics
* Pinch Harmonics
* Artificial Harmonics
* Shredding
* Tapping
* Sweep Picking
* Legato Picking

--- Strumming / Hand Picking (Acoustic Guitar)
* "SnareDrum" percussion on the guitar
* Arpeggios pinched with 4 fingers + thumb
* Rasgueado (Flamenco Technique)
* Generic Strumming
* Fingerstyle Picking
* Two-finger picking + Legato for fast melodies (eg a solo)

-Play the metronome
* exercises on click
* practice on song riffs

-Learn his favorite songs
* without thinking about the difficulty, nothing is impossible with the right methodology

-Improvise
* choose ranges and positions
* to place oneself rhythmically, to finish on the judicious notes

-Theory of Harmony
* Understand harmonization and its practice

-Theory on the Melody

-Theory of Rhythm

Ryo

4.87

(84)

Hello,

Electric & Acoustic Guitar tuition from complete beginners to advanced.
(Also Ukulele lessons would be available if fancy)

If anyone considers taking up the guitar exams and becoming a qualified guitarist, I can back you up.

Any styles,
pop/rock/blues/jazz/funk/classical guitar, etc.
Whatever songs/riffs/comps/(16th note) strumming patterns (lead guitar/rhythm guitar) harmony and music theory, solfeggio(aural), and so on.

Lessons will be tailored to you.
it's not brain surgery. it's going to be a lot of fun!

I can travel to your house or you come to my place.
Also, Skype lessons would be available.

Lessons are always for students.
So enjoy playing the guitar and lessons to move up to the next level.

Any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Thanks for reading and look forward to working with you.
You can't afford to miss it!!

Cheers,
Ryo

Daniel

4.87

(84)

I am a multi-instrumentalist (saxophone, transverse flute, keyboard), composer and arranger (SACEM member since 2012), excellent improviser. This course will allow you quickly, whatever your instrument and your technical level, to understand and master the chord sequences and the articulation of musical language according to these sequences. In addition, you will learn the most frequent or rare harmonic structures used by composers. And, theory notwithstanding, you will learn to develop your ear to identify harmonic structures. This course also includes an introduction to the history of jazz.

App

4.87

(84)

< Learning Piano is not merely about playing the piano >

Before starting to learn the piano, it’s essential to recognize that :

'' What we are actually learning is "Music", but not only "Piano". ''

The goal of learning any instrument is to acquire the language of music, enabling us to express ourselves and enjoy music with others. Playing the piano is for creating beautiful sounds, not really for developing finger speed or strength. That’s the function of gym.

< Music is like cooking >

When we cook, to make roast beef tender, of course, it’s nice to have a tender heart, but without knowing how to control the temperature, the roast beef won’t become tender merely by our tender heart.

By only adding salt, the dish won’t be sweet. Similarly, simply playing or writing a C major triad chord won’t convey a sorrowful feeling.

To create the feeling we want, no matter how much sentiment we have in our hearts, to convey it via music, it needs to be translated into the language which the piano can understand, which means, how we press and lift the keys and pedals. Similarly, when we compose, it needs to be transferred into chords, and notes we write.

< Difference between an audience and a musician >

There is a common belief that a musician can make music with sentiment or feeling. While it’s partially true, the most essential thing is knowing ‘’How’’ to create the sound that conveys the feeling we want, rather than merely knowing ‘’What’' feeling we want to convey.

The understanding of the mechanism behind music is essential, as cooking, and that is the difference between an audience and a musician. As an audience, one can simply feel the music. Like a chief who knows how to create a specific flavor to convey, a musician knows how to create the sound which can convey the feeling we want. While knowing which feeling we want is great, it’s merely the first step. Your emotions are not too different from Chopin, Beethoven, Adele or Taylor Swift, otherwise, they can’t resonate with you. But they know how to create the sound that conveys the feeling they want to their audience.

< Course Content >

I consider my course to be a form of "Music Consultation" because it contains a wide range of subjects that are essential to a professional musician. While we focus on piano playing, there are also music theory, music history, instrument construction, ergonomics for performers, analysis of composer styles, composition, arrangement, recording, MIDI, computer music, the physics of sound, and more.
In avoid of confusion, let’s still call my course as "Piano Course”.

< Duration >

For each course, I will reserve at least 70 minutes in my schedule for you, including 60 minutes of class time and an additional 10 minutes for discussion and any questions you may have. This will ensure that your courses are not rushed by the next student. This ensures that there is enough time for you to solve your piano and music problems.

< Recording >

I highly encourage my students to record their progress. This can provide an objective standard for comparison and help you analyze your playing precisely. In my nine years of experience teaching music, I've found many students, including those advanced, already play certain sections very well, while other sections may not be not well enough. But they still try to improving those fine sections, while not aware of those weak sections.
Without an objective reference, it’s hard to distribute our effort precisely. This can lead to not only unstable performance, but also practicing without a precise goal can easily reduce enthusiasm. Recording your results and comparing them with those recordings you like on YouTube or Spotify can be an effective way to analyze your playing and set precise goals.

If you have a digital piano, I can help you produce a video of your performance for each session. This can be a tangible record of your efforts and you can share it with your friends and family via YouTube or other platforms.

Gema

4.87

(84)

The most important matter that I could write here about is my passion to teach. I've been teaching already for more than 10 years, from kids to adults. I'm a classical pianist, but I am opened to other musical styles. What I want you to get from your lessons with me, is not only a huge knowledge of theorical stuff or a great technique, I would like to show you my musical world, the imagination and inner exploration that is required to understand and to love music in a whole new level. Once you have found them, it will be very hard to quit playing!

The class duration: You can choose!
20 minutes (Great for the youngest : 3 years old)
30 minutes (Ideal for young beginners from 4 years old)
45 minutes (Intermediate+ adult beginners)
1 hour (Intermediate and combined with some Music Theory)

I use different methods depending on:
1) The goals of my student
2) The language that we will use on class
3) Age and musical preferences: I start to teach children from 3 years old, we make games and they learn to play through musical stories that I have created throughout my pedagogical career.

Guido

4.87

(84)

I teach students of every level, I work privately, in person and online. I teach all ages, from children to adults, from level “zero” to students who want to prepare for exams in Conservatories, but also amateurs or people who just want to try some piano lessons.

My teaching method is changing with time. The more I teach, the more I learn from my students. I see teaching as a dynamic experience, and I welcome the students to give feedbacks and set their own goals, in order to give them my best advices and guidance. I am usually focusing on generating independence in the approach to music, with slow but steady learning of music reading, understanding of rhythm and all the fundamentals needed by every one, adapting of course to the students' goals.
If you want to contact me, I will be happy to answer all the questions. I usually answer in short time.

(Do not consider the booking timetable you see on my page. I prefer to write the student and find a day that works for both of us.)

ITA

Insegno a studenti di ogni livello, privatamente, sia di persona che online. Insegno a persone di tutte le età, dai bambini agli adulti, da principianti assoluti a chi si prepara per gli esami di Conservatorio, ma anche ad amatori o a chi desidera semplicemente provare qualche lezione di pianoforte.

Il mio metodo di insegnamento si evolve nel tempo. Più insegno, più imparo dai miei studenti. Considero l'insegnamento un'esperienza dinamica e incoraggio gli studenti a fornire feedback e a definire i propri obiettivi, in modo da poter offrire loro i migliori consigli e la migliore guida. Mi concentro principalmente sullo sviluppo dell'autonomia nell'approccio alla musica, con un apprendimento graduale ma costante della lettura musicale, della comprensione del ritmo e di tutti i fondamenti necessari a ciascuno, adattandomi ovviamente agli obiettivi dello studente.

Se desiderate contattarmi, sarò lieto di rispondere a tutte le vostre domande. Di solito rispondo in breve tempo.

(Non fate riferimento al calendario delle prenotazioni che trovate sulla mia pagina. Preferisco contattare direttamente lo studente e concordare un giorno che vada bene per entrambi.)

Gábor

4.87

(84)

I offer advanced private studies in jazz composition, improvisation, arranging, and related musical practices for dedicated musicians, composers, and advanced students. My teaching draws equally from long-term professional experience as a performer, composer, and producer, as well as formal studies with Kálmán Oláh and Béla Faragó at the Liszt Academy in Budapest, and with Darcy James Argue and Chris Zuar at the Manhattan School of Music in New York.

Alongside over two decades of touring, recording, and ensemble work, I have also maintained a long-standing teaching practice focused on helping musicians develop a deeper understanding of musical language, form, rhythm, orchestration, and artistic individuality. While rooted in jazz, my approach is open to contemporary hybrid practices, including groove-based music production and acoustic-electronic environments when relevant to the student’s interests.

Lessons are primarily aimed at advanced students, semi-professional and professional musicians, composers, and international students based in Budapest who are looking for a more individual and experience-based approach to contemporary jazz and composition studies.

Jazz composition and form, orchestration, voicings, unifying elements
Contemporary jazz arranging and orchestration
Improvisation and rhythmic language
Harmonic concepts and ear training
Ensemble writing and score preparation
Personal artistic development
Hybrid acoustic-electronic workflows

Andrea

4.87

(84)

Hello! I've been teaching nonstop for over 10 years, and I'd love to tell you what a class with me offers:

100% personalized approach: The first step is to define your goals. Learning for pleasure? Preparing for entrance exams? Or taking the professional leap? I'll adapt the methodology, curriculum, and even the repertoire to your goals.

Dynamic environment (without losing rigor): Relaxed but demanding classes, where practical methods (and my irremediable sense of humor) prevail.

Hearing + Musicality + Analysis: We'll work on listening, understanding, and analyzing your musical references. The goal: for you to make artistic decisions with confidence and feel music as your own.

No stylistic biases: For me, all music is valid. We'll explore everything from classical to electronic, using each style to work on key aspects: melody, harmony, production... We'll even explore genres you're unfamiliar with together!

Important! I balance classes with concerts and projects. Although you're my priority, I appreciate the occasional flexibility to reschedule (only when strictly necessary).

If you like this approach, write to me! Learning music is an exciting journey, and I'd love to be your guide.

Lucy

4.87

(84)

🎛️ Music Production Lessons & Creative Coaching 🎶

Want to learn how to create, record, and refine your own music in Logic Pro X? Whether you’re a complete beginner or already producing your own tracks, I offer online lessons and personalized production coaching to help you grow and elevate your sound.

If you’re just starting out, we’ll build a solid foundation:

- MIDI & audio basics
- Arrangement & structure
- Sound design & effects
- Vocal editing
- Mixing fundamentals
- Workflow tips & creative approaches

Already producing? Great — then I offer tailored production advice and feedback. You can bring in your tracks, questions, or challenges, and I’ll help you with:

- Song structure & dynamics
- Sound choices & layers
- Mix clarity & depth
- Artistic direction
- Developing your unique sonic identity

The sessions can be fully online or live, flexible, and built around your needs.

I combine my experience as a pop producer and artist with my background in classical music theory and a degree from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Pop).

Whether you're starting from scratch or fine-tuning a nearly finished track — I’m here to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and creativity.

André

4.87

(84)

My name is Andre. I'm a professional musician with more than 10 years in the field. Despite Jazz being the main focus of my study and practice I've learned to love all genres and absorb each unique values and strengths. Having them integrated in the musical projects I've created or participated on. Projects which revolve around Jazz, Pop, Rock, Psychedelic, Electronic and Reggae.
Throughout my professional career I've worked with music schools and private students (+200). During this years I've encountered a plethora of different kinds of students, all levels ranging from kids to seniors and even a good quantity of autistic or down syndrome students, which always made me more and more interested in the art of teaching and helping people grow, by balancing challenge and empathy.

My lessons are characterized by a practical approach combined with a theoretical component, that always caters to the student's interests, stimulating their musical taste and creativity. For this, I like to go across the board with disciplines such as:
Musical Theory
Technique
Ear training
Performance
Composition
Improvisation
Band/project guidance
Study methodoly
Reportoire

My main objectives as a mentor are:

- To captivate students with music and their learning process

- To stimulate healthy learning methods based on their own goals

- To develop the spirit and discipline of self-learning.

Frequency, duration, and format depend on each student's goals.

Sam

4.87

(84)

Piano lessons in French or English – all levels
Qualified music teacher, native English speaker, professional musician in the United States.
30+ students accompanied, from 3 to 87 years old.
Classical and contemporary repertoire.
A clear, structured approach tailored to each student.

Lessons at home or online.
Piano, guitar, composition, music theory, songwriting.

Dominic

4.87

(84)

Hey there!

My name is Dominic, and I'll be providing you with everything you need to reach your musical goals, whichever those may be.

These lessons consist of piano tutoring, in which we can go over any style you may be interested in. I'll also be providing any sheet music and exercises you may need or I may think are necessary.

I'm currently a piano and music theory teacher at AMT, which is an institution near my hometown. I've got a full 8 year music course (mostly focused on classical piano), which I successfully completed in 2025. I've also got a year of music teaching experience on my shoulders, as well as plenty of experience helping younglings and less experienced musicians with any difficulties they may have had over the years.

I'm currently offering online lessons and lessons at your location, as I'm going to be moving soon. Once things have settled better, other options may open up.

Michael

4.87

(84)

Do you want to produce your own music or take your productions to the next level? In my individual online lessons, you'll learn practically and step by step how to turn an idea into a finished song.

The lessons are suitable for both beginners and advanced students and are individually tailored to your goals. Together, we will work directly on your projects or develop new productions from scratch.

Possible topics:

• Introduction to the music software (DAW) Logic Pro or GarageBand
• Recording of vocals and instruments
• MIDI programming and virtual instruments
• Electronic beat production and arrangement
• Harmony and songwriting
• Sound design and creative sound design
• Editing and audio processing
• Mixing and use of effects (EQ, compression, reverb, delay, etc.)
• Workflow optimization and project organization

With my background as an audio engineer, music producer and graduate of the Master's program in Sound Studies at the Berlin University of the Arts, I combine technical know-how with musical creativity and a deep understanding of sound.

The lessons take place online and are tailored to your individual learning pace – practical, easy to understand, and directly applicable. Whether you want to produce your first songs, mix more professionally, or expand your creative skills: together we'll develop the path that suits your musical goals.

Jairo

4.87

(84)

The classes are geared towards a solid, practical, and creative musical learning experience, where electric bass technique is developed alongside musical sensitivity and a deep understanding of the language of groove. My background as a professional musician includes work in diverse contexts of performance, composition, recording, and ensemble, in genres such as funk, jazz, rock, experimental music, and contemporary fusions, allowing me to offer a realistic perspective on the musical craft from multiple settings.
The methodology is adapted to each student's level and objectives. It covers essential fundamentals such as posture, technique, timing, and sound, progressing to more advanced concepts like applied harmony, bass line construction, improvisation, and developing feel. Each class integrates technical exercises, ear training, and immediate musical application to real repertoire, with a practical and progressive approach.
The content is organized in a structured yet flexible way, respecting the student's pace without losing pedagogical focus. The goal is for the student to understand music from within: how it is constructed, how it breathes, and how it communicates through the instrument.
The approach is engaging, clear, and demanding, fostering discipline, active listening, and creativity. The goal is for students to gain confidence, musical independence, and the ability to express themselves.
Rather than simply transmitting information, the process focuses on developing musical and artistic judgment. Each class guides the student in their technical and expressive evolution, helping them build a conscious and personal relationship with the electric bass.

Manuel

4.87

(84)

A graduate in musical composition offers music composition classes: creating songs, music for video games, film, and concert music. Using my personalized methodology, one of my students gained admission to the Master's program in Composition for Audiovisual Media at Katarina Gurska in Madrid.