Music composition - learn techniques and get feedback to develop your unique musical writing style

From 103.4 C$ /h

These classes are designed to equip students of composition with the confidence they need to develop their own unique musical voice. Technical exercises are set to nurture a deeper understanding of instrumentation/texture, harmony, melody, rhythm and structure. The classes also encourage the student to consider the connection between musical and extra-musical ideas and to explore different approaches and starting points.

Work is set and feedback is given on all work sent before the day of a lesson.

Location

Online from United Kingdom

About Me

I love helping my students find their voice as composers. I understand the challenges composers face and can offer guidance on process, helping composers to structure their music convincingly.

I offer expertise in orchestration, harmony, melody and rhythm and am diligent in listening to my students' scores to provide detailed feedback with concrete suggestions for next steps.

I found my musical voice in Trinidad and Tobago when I began blending the sounds of local styles with my training and early career in Western Classical Music. I therefore have many years of experience assisting composers writing in diverse styles.

Education

Royal Holloway, University of London (PhD in Music Composition)
Royal College of Music (postgraduate degree in Music Performance)
Cambridge University (undergraduate degree in Music)

Experience / Qualifications

I taught composition at the University of Trinidad of Tobago for nine years before moving back to the UK to continue teaching and to write music to commission.

As a professional performer on French horn, I am immersed in orchestral music - this has helped me develop my instincts in writing for different instruments and I bring this experience to my composition teaching.

My original pieces and arrangements have been performed by ensembles including Sinfonia Smith Square (BBC Proms), the Orchestra of Opera North (Huddersfield Town Hall) and Chineke! (Purcell Room). Many performances of my work have been given throughout the Caribbean and the US.

Age

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

45 minutes

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Music composition

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

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

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.

Elisa

4.87

(84)

I offer private music theory tutoring lessons to students of beginner level of different ages Depending on the student's final goal we adjust the knowledge and skills that we focus on with the student. I mostly focus on classical music theory, but can also provide an introduction to jazz and pop music theory.

My goal as a teacher is to keep and increase the students' love for music as well as to offer necessary and appropriate knowledge/skills to keep the student challenged and of course enjoy the fun of music!

Stefano

4.87

(84)

Discover your inner musician and take your talent to the next level with my classes in songwriting, music theory, and arrangement! Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned musician, I'll provide you with the tools and guidance you need to unlock your full potential and unleash your creativity.

As a musician, singer, piano player, composer, and songwriter myself I am experienced in a variety of genres, including pop, jazz, soul, and classical music, so you can choose the style that speaks to you. With my personalized approach, I'll help you develop the skills and techniques you need to create your own unique sound.

In my songwriting classes, you'll learn how to craft compelling lyrics and melodies that truly resonate with your audience. In my music theory classes, you'll delve into the fundamentals of music and gain a deeper understanding of the building blocks of your favorite songs. And in my arrangement classes, you'll discover how to take your songs to the next level with intricate, thoughtful instrumentation.

Join me today and take the first step towards realizing your musical dreams! My classes are designed to be fun, engaging, and inspiring, so you'll never want to put down your instrument. Let's make some beautiful music together!

Haotian

4.87

(84)

Internationally active composer and music theorist (M.Mus) currently accepting students for the following subjects (online sessions):
-Music theory (basic to college level), including harmony, counterpoint, analysis
-Western music history (medieval to contemporary), music appreciation
-Composition, music notation (software + score preparation), electronic music, university application portfolio feedback and general application advising
-English (for academic writing)

Steve

4.87

(84)

Sometimes you can sit in a music lesson with your class mates and feel completely baffled as to why others are 'getting it' and you are not! If you are wanting some extra help in preparing for a music exam or even wanting to feel more comfortable with the rest of the class then this class is right up your street. Alternatively, if you would like some extra advice on performance techniques then I can help. Perhaps you are struggling with your composition tasks - that is my speciality. Then there is the analysis of a piece of music that can be so confusing that we could spend some valuable one-to-one time on. I am here to help and below are some reasons why I am well suited to give you the appropriate advice that you need.

I worked in a comprehensive school teaching music for over 35 years. In that time I engaged with many different exam boards at GCSE and A level delivering a range of different courses. This experience and my passion for all aspects of music, whether it be performing, composing or listening and analysis enables me to give you the right advice. Whatever you need help with, I am very keen to be able to offer my expertise in any or all of these areas. Each of the three disciplines is intrinsically connected with the other two and having a good grasp of all three will enable you to improve your ability overall.

Jermaine

4.87

(84)

Welcome to my song writing session, within these sessions you will learn

1. How to structure a song
2. How to think of topics to write a song
3. Finding and creating music to match song ideas
4. How to put words and rhymes together

My tutoring sessions are very relaxed and easy going my first approach when starting out in the sessions is finding out about my students personality and what topics they like and means the most to them, after that we will write down all the ideas they come up with and build from there until we have a finished song.I can teach a various genres of song writing techniques for example Hip Hop, Grime R&B Gospel, Soul and many more

Looking forward to teaching you
Jermaine

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.

Eto

4.87

(84)

Piano Classes: From the first notes to advanced repertoire, I tailor lessons to your level and goals — classical, pop, or even improvisation.

Jazz Voice Classes: Discover the freedom of jazz singing! Learn vocal technique, phrasing, interpretation, and improvisation in a relaxed, expressive way.

🧒 All ages and levels welcome – children, teens, and adults!
💬 Lessons can be in English – and I'm happy to adapt to your pace and style.

Let’s explore music together and make learning both fun and inspiring!

Matea

4.87

(84)

I am eager to work with you and share my biggest passion with you, and hopefully reveal new and interesting aspects of music for your own practice.

After many years of studying in ZHdK, and having students of all levels attending the entrance exams in Zürich, Luzern, and Basel, I am looking forward to prepare you to your upcoming exam or without regards to it.

Topics will include different aspects of music theory: analysis, ear training, sight reading, rhythm, score-reading, music history, etc.

Lucio

4.87

(84)

This class is designed for conservatory students, private candidates and advanced musicians who need solid guidance in harmony, counterpoint and fugue, especially in preparation for exams and auditions.

We work on written exercises, stylistic correction and analytical understanding, with a clear method and step-by-step feedback. Particular attention is given to Renaissance and Baroque practices (modal counterpoint, species, tonal counterpoint, fugue), helping students understand why rules exist, not just how to apply them.

I have many years of experience teaching harmony and counterpoint, and several of my students have successfully passed conservatory composition exams thanks to this guided approach.

Lessons are adapted to the student’s level and goals, with a strong focus on clarity, consistency and practical results.

Athos

4.87

(84)

I will give you all the tips and tricks you will not be taught anywhere else, give you more insight into the details of music and make you grow in to your field of personality

Through years of experience on and off stage I know what you need

Nicolas

4.87

(84)

In my lessons, we work deeply on harmonic analysis, counterpoint, and musical structure across the full spectrum of academic music from all historical periods, as well as jazz and popular music. A central pillar of the classes is the analysis of composers, which we approach as an essential tool for understanding musical language and developing a personal creative voice. Depending on the student’s interests, analysis may range from Mozart to Debussy, or from Beethoven to Bartók, among many others.
A strong emphasis is placed on counterpoint from all historical periods. I assist students with conservatory-level exercises, and we study contrapuntal techniques through the analysis and practice of Bach’s inventions and fugues, Renaissance counterpoint, and 20th-century contrapuntal approaches.
In composition classes, the content is fully adapted to the student’s creative needs and goals. The focus is on developing practical creative tools that support original thinking, with the clear objective of composing original pieces of short, medium, and long duration, tailored to each student’s artistic direction.
For orchestration, we explore writing techniques for a wide range of ensembles, including chamber music, full orchestra, and popular music formations such as quartets, quintets, big band, and tango orchestras. Particular attention is given to instrumental color, balance, articulation, and idiomatic writing.
As an Argentinian composer and educator, I offer a specialized perspective on tango, including in-depth analysis of composers such as Astor Piazzolla, as well as composition and orchestration techniques related to tango. Due to the geographical and cultural proximity, I also offer classes focused on Bossa Nova, exploring its harmonic language, rhythmic structures, and stylistic characteristics.
Lessons are suitable for students at different levels, from beginners to advanced musicians, and are tailored to individual academic, professional, or creative goals.