Composition for the Piano (incl. use of extended techniques)

From 127 C$ /h

Do you want to refine your composing for the piano? This course is for you. In this class we will work on a new piece of yours that includes the piano, and we will discuss about:
• a short anatomy of the grand piano.
• easy, difficult and unplayable passages (with normal and extended techniques).
• the role of pedals on the instrument.
• muscle fatigue - the importance of dense and sparse writing.
• use of texture and colour.
• orchestration on the instrument. Standard extended techniques - notation.
• the role of the instrument in the contemporary orchestra and sinfonietta ensemble.
• improvisation: dos and don'ts when writing improvised music.

The piece can be an idea you had for solo piano/chamber or vocal music (with piano) and want to start composing, a solo piece you have started but you're now stuck on the technical capabilities and difficulties of the instrument, an orchestral piece that contains the piano and you need to better understand its role, or even an old piece which you want to review.
Things we'll do:
• I'll show you around the piano and its parts (full demonstration of the mechanism).
• I'll demonstrate the use of certain extended techniques on my piano.
• I'll be testing passages of your piece and give technical advice. You'll have the opportunity to test some passages from your piece as well (optional but highly encouraged).
• We'll be listening to some important pieces as aid to each topic we are discussing. The pieces will be from all periods and styles.

If you have a composition teacher or you are studying composition at a university:
This course is BY NO MEANS a substitute to your teacher. Things like form, composition technique, harmony, style, texture etc. are up to your teacher and you. I may speak my mind on those topics as well, but my goal is not to substitute your teacher, but rather to help you with a more specialised approach to the instrument both from the side of the composer and the performer.

If you don't have a composition teacher:
Then I am happy to help you with composing this piece of yours. However, note that this may take more time, and we may need to discuss separately a few things about composition.

Booking policy:
If you want to book this course, then you must have in mind that we'll need several 60 or 90 minutes sessions to complete it. If we do one 90 minute session about one topic from the above, then we certainly need 8-10 sessions to complete the course. So if you are planning for us to talk about everything above, note that fact and plan accordingly (both in terms of schedule and finances).
You may as well choose to do a selection from the topics above, or even ask me to show you something else and if I can I will. What I want though is a clear plan, a clear goal for this course, so that I'll cater it to your individual needs.
I kindly ask that if you plan on doing the whole course to book it in advance. I also have a quite difficult schedule as an active musician, so we need to be accurate on our scheduling and don't change it all the time. I also reserve the right to deny an application due to time constraints.
Sessions will be scheduled on a weekly basis (once a week), and this is for two reasons: 1. I want to be able to provide the best experience for you by planning the lessons to my best capacity, and 2. You will need time to study and work on your piece.
All sessions are booked and paid in advance.

Cancelling policy:
• If any of us gets sick, then we may cancel a session and postpone it for the next time (provided we are in good health).
• Hospitalisation and serious health conditions may lead us to cancel several sessions. In that case, paid sessions are "frozen" indefinitely (until we get well) and (in great need) refunded. However, to refund those sessions I'll need to see at least some verification from the hospital.
• If you are booking several sessions in advance, you may lose one or two sessions and we'll postpone it for the next time, but no more than two. The third session lost will be paid as an extra session. You'll need to notify me for the lost sessions at least 2 days in advance.
• The same works in the opposite way: I may lose a session or two, but no more than two. If I lose a third, then I'll owe you an extra session free of charge. However, I reserve the right to cancel a course completely (see below).
• If you are booking one lesson and you don't show up in the first 15 minutes or notify me of your absence, then the lesson is cancelled and not refunded.
• For many reasons, I'll may need to cancel the whole course with you. Sometimes people just aren't on the same wavelength, sometimes work or life gets to us, sometimes you may need a more capable teacher etc. If I cancel with you, then I will need to refund the sessions we didn't do. HOWEVER, if you don't show up and not notify me for two sessions or more, then I will not refund you for the lost sessions. I will reach out and give you a "last chance" to show up to a final session, and if you won't show up I'll automatically consider the course with you cancelled and not refund the remaining sessions.

Dos and don'ts:
I want this to be a safe space, where we'll be exchanging views and sharpening our tools. I like to behave accordingly and be calm and just talk and present something I love. However, I will need to talk about some things with some authority, and I need space from you to do so. So, snickering, whining, interrupting and being toxic in general isn't for me. If something bothers me, I will express it, and I also want for you to do the same.
Finally, I teach (high) intermediate level or advanced, meaning that some things will be considered given and known. You must know -for example- to read score, sometimes complex, you must know at least some harmony and counterpoint and have a clear goal as a composer. I don't judge your stylistic choices, my goal is to help you widen your pallet, but you need to be at a certain knowledge level to keep up. So when you reach out to me to book a lesson you also need to send me a couple of your pieces, complete with score (or if they are improvisational you must note it). Based on them we'll proceed (again, not stylistic choice but based on your knowledge level).

Thank you for reading this, happy to work with you!

Extra information

You need a piano (preferably a grand piano, an upright instrument is okay though). You also need an idea for a piece or a concept (it can be in text form or score - no need to be complete).
You'll also need a pair of good quality speakers or headphones.

Location

Online from Greece

About Me

My name is Dimitris and I am a composer and pianist, based on Athens, Greece. I am formally educated in both piano and composition at the biggest Greek conservatories (National Conservatory of Greece, Athens Conservatory) from which I have been awarded my diplomas with the biggest honors. I have also deepened my education with a variety of seminars, either as a performer or a composer, a process that is always ongoing.
I have composed various works for the piano as well as chamber music, orchestral, electroacoustic and experimental works. I also have experience as a collaborative pianist, working with both romantic and modern repertoire, especially regarding the human voice.
My works have been performed in multiple prestigious Greek venues (e.g. Megaron of Athens, GNO, Athens Conservatory, Korgialenios School etc.). I have also performed either my works or works of my colleagues in many of these venues.

Education

Degrees & Diplomas:

Music Theory:
• Harmony Degree (2008) - National Conservatory (Full Marks)
• Counterpoint Degree (2011) - National Conservatory (Full Marks)
• Fugue Degree (2018) - Athens Conservatory (Full Marks & Honorable Mention)
• Composition Diploma (2024) - Athens Conservatory (Full Marks & 1st Prize)

Piano:
• Piano Degree (2012) - National Conservatory (Full Marks)
• Piano Diploma (2014) - National Conservatory (Full Marks & 1st Prize)

Seminars - Laboratories:
as a composer & performer:
• precept.concept.percept XIV by the abeceda institut in Slovenia (2025-26).
• Colla Voce EXTENDED (2024-25 and 2025-26): workshop about the extended techniques on voice and the piano.
• Colla Voce Art Song (2022-23 and 2025-26) & COLLAB (2022-23): workshop about the collaborative piano and the art song.

Experience / Qualifications

Awards:
• Honorable mention (piano) - George Georgescu Competition (2008 - Tulcea, Romania)
• Association of English Speakers and Singers: 3rd Prize for the song "Falling Snow" (2024)
• BACH competition: 2rd Prize for the work "Fractum" for string orchestra (2025)

As a collaborative pianist:
• repetition with choirs.
• voice coach of professional singers.
• many live shows in various genres.

As an arranger, music producer or sound engineer:
• many Greek records
• worked as an assistant producer and sound engineer for the Kenyan band Jabali Afrika.

Teaching experience:
• 6 years teaching music theory and the piano to all ages and stages.

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Student level

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

90 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Greek

Skills

Piano

Playing techniques:

Harmonization

Counterpoint

Composition

Music theory

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

Kanako

4.95

(21)

No obstacle to learning the piano!
I offer you a comprehensive course for all levels (from 10 years old) you just need a good internet connection, PC, tablet, or smartphone, and a passion for music.

For the advanced level people, I ask you to send me your recording up to date and give you the online feedback.

Kanako:

Japanese concert pianist, laureate of international competitions, graduated from the Paris Music School and Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel, gives you piano lessons for all levels, at home (to be discussed) or at home in Saint-Gilles with a piano at tail.
I propose a learning adapted to everyone, from beginner to competition preparation.

Language: French, English, Japanese.

Lydia

4.95

(21)

Welcome to my piano teaching studio! I am a professional pianist offering private piano and theory lessons for students of all levels. As a pianist with over 14 years of teaching experience in Europe and the USA, as well as over 23 years of playing/performing, I enjoy motivating my students with music of their own preferred style and interest, whether that be classical or contemporary. My main goal is to promote a positive experience and love for music-making during the learning process. If the student is interested in a more structured approach, I guide preparation for grades 1-8 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) piano and music theory exams where my students consistently receive highest marks. I also have successful experience preparing students for conservatory entrance auditions, masterclasses, and competitions in the Europe, the USA, India, and Canada. We have class concerts at Pianos Maene for interested students twice per year. I am happy to provide either a more relaxed or a serious approach to learning piano, we simply need to discuss the personal goals and preferences of each student.

My own studies are as follows: I have obtained two postgraduate performance degrees at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp: "Concertsoloist" in Piano Performance and "Chamber Music” (under the guidance of esteemed professor Sergei Edelmann). Prior to this, I received my Bachelor and Masters degrees in Piano Performance/Music from the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis (with Prof. Lydia Artymiw) and Texas Christian University, Fort Worth (with Dr. Tamas Ungar). My experience includes collaboration with many different instrumentalists and singers, performing as a soloist and collaborative member in several orchestras, and receiving top prizes in several competitions. While maintaining my performance and recording career in Belgium at present, I am developing my private music studio in central Antwerp and look forward to meeting new students.

Natalia

4.95

(21)

Piano lessons with Natalia offers you the varied and impressive program. Are you ready to take on the challenge of learning to play the piano! Do you like piano? Do you want to improve the technique of your piano playing? Do not hesitate to contact me. The lessons take place at my home in Erpe-Mere (Burst).

As a professionally trained classical pianist you learn how to read / play notes, scales, arpeggio, chords, improvisation exercises and much more.

Are you looking for online piano lessons in this corona crisis?
Does piano seem to be more your thing? Canceling is always easy; you are not committed to anything. That is part of the philosophy of Piano Lessons with Natalia.
Online piano lessons (usually) mean that you take piano lessons through video lessons via Skype, Viber or Messenger. I prepared my lessons in advance and prepared them for you in a clear and structured way, so that you learn the piano step by step. to master.

Online piano lessons

At Online piano I also focus specifically on technique, learning notes, playing exercises and much more. For this I developed a teaching method based on years of experience with teaching fortepiano. So I am a piano teacher of online piano lessons that offers multiple lessons.

It is the combination of the varied program of theory and practice together, why Piano Lessons with Natalia say that “Everyone can learn to play the piano”. At Online Piano Lessons I make playing the piano accessible, easy and fun.

Persist
In this Corona crisis, force yourself to sit behind the piano every day. I do everything I can to make the lessons as fun and easy as possible. This way you can easily repeat the exercises and melody pieces with the help of my online piano lessons. You also learn to play a new practice tune in every lesson that you can play to your heart's content.
You will discover that the motivation and discipline to learn to play the piano well is much more important than your capacity and experience. To get really good you will have to help yourself through difficult exercises. Fortunately, at the Online Piano Lessons you are not just there, but I give you Live advice, tips and intensive effort in your handover assignments.

Jeremy

4.95

(21)

Hi, my name is Jeremy and I've played music for 19 years, having performed over 200 concerts and composed with a wide variety of groups and ensembles across England and Belgium in many genres (Funk, R&B, Soul, Jazz, Rock, Alternative, Punk and more). I have completed 3 years of intensive bass study at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and am currently playing bass plus backing-vocals and song arrangement for Kids of the Elephant and Arrubio.

In these lessons, I will help you reach your goals while having fun in the process, keeping the lessons structured and tailored to your personal needs. I have 5 years of experience helping students improve as well as specialist knowledge in a multitude of styles. Some examples of what you might learn include:

- Correct hand positioning & posture for best performance and faster learning.
- Learning your favorite songs quickly and easily.
- Breaking down rhythms & dynamics
- Understanding the role of bass playing in a band.
- Understanding what makes a good bassline and composing your own.
- Essential music theory for bass & more advanced techniques (eg: melodic techniques, rhythmic, slap bass, etc)
- How to improvise, jam and play with other musicians.

Appropriate homework/exercises and recordings are provided during lessons. I also like to give advice and direction for people with musical aspirations. I'm also an empathetic person that loves teaching, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Mary

4.95

(21)

Welcome to the music class!

Here, we are gonna discover the wonders of learning an instrument. From reading note letters, implementing a proper form to sight reading a piece, we are gonna learn in our own pace. If you're just learning music now and it feels like there's a lot to understand, don't worry we're gonna start from the basics. I will help you understand music and its elements.

With your dedication and my guidance, I'm positive that we will get a good result!

Michèle

4.95

(21)

Piano and singing lessons provided online or at my home for any age. All my lessons are designed to assist you, support you and build your confidence in playing the piano or singing, be it classical or jazz. We can also navigate the world of music theory or examination preparation or preparing for a public performance for friends, a practical examination or an audition.

Each student is unique, therefore I tailor my teaching methods to suit you. We work at your pace; no pressure; no criticsm; just a conducive environment sprinkled with laughter.

Please get in touch to organise your first lesson... a whole musical world of fun awaits. :)

Brent

4.95

(21)

Do you have trouble reading music? Do you love listening to music, but don't understand time signatures, keys or chords? Music theory often sounds abstract, but with the right explanation and concrete examples it suddenly becomes a lot more logical, and even fun :)

For whom?
- Beginner or advanced musicians who want to better understand what they are doing.
- Students preparing for music theory exams (e.g. music school, entrance exams).
- Independent artists/producers who want to deepen their musical knowledge.
- Anyone who is curious about the language behind music.

What can you expect?
- Clear explanation, at your own pace.
- Theory made immediately applicable with examples on the piano.
- Extra attention to insight instead of learning dry rules by heart.
- Tutoring fully tailored to your level and goal (classical, pop, songwriting, production, ...).

About me
I obtained a Grade 8 diploma in Music Theory and also a Grade 8 Piano from the Royal Schools of Music. In addition, I hold a diploma in Audio Engineering from Hofa College. I am active as a music artist and producer myself. Thanks to this combination of classical training and practical experience, I know how important it is to make theory understandable, concrete, and musical. I use my own piano during lessons to clarify everything visually and audibly.

Possible topics:
- Learn to read music.
- Scales, chords & harmony.
- Form and analysis (classical, jazz or pop).
- Rhythm, time signatures & tempo.
- Music theory for producers/songwriters.
- Songwriting.
- Preparation for exams or entrance tests.

Practical
- 1-on-1 lessons, online or live (if you don't live too far away).
- I provide materials, or we work with what you need.
- No prior knowledge required. Lessons adapted to your level.

🎶 Feel free to send me a message with your questions or goals. We'll see how I can best help you.

Enrico

4.95

(21)

My lessons are friendly, relaxed and interactive. We start from the music you enjoy and build your skills step by step.
In class we work on songs, chords, rhythm, technique and improvisation, always in a practical and musical way. Lessons are adapted to your level and goals, whether you are a beginner or already have some experience.
My goal is simple: help you understand the piano, enjoy music and feel confident playing.
Feel free to send me a message and tell me what music you love!

Alper

4.95

(21)

Hello! I am a professional music educator with 16 years of experience dedicated to making music an indispensable part of life rather than just a lesson. Throughout my career, I have mentored over 1,000 students individually, guiding hundreds of them to successfully enter Conservatories and Fine Arts High Schools. 🏆

My philosophy is simple: Music is loved first, then learned. I prioritize building a deep connection between the student and their instrument. Whether you want to master the Piano, Violin, Guitar, or Oud, I offer a holistic approach that combines technical skill, ear training, and rhythm development.

I don’t believe in rote memorization. My teaching system is based on logic and understanding the "mathematics" of music. By simplifying complex music theory and "Makam" knowledge into practical and engaging methods, I ensure my students reach a stage-ready level in as little as one year. 🎼

In my online studio, I provide a high-quality learning experience using multi-camera angles and professional sound setups that rival face-to-face lessons. Whether you are a preschooler, a young aspiring artist, or an adult beginner, I create personalized, goal-oriented roadmaps to help you reach your musical dreams. 🌍

Let’s start this journey together and build a solid foundation that lasts a lifetime

Mark

4.95

(21)

🎹 Classical Piano (beginners to advanced, children & adults)

🎼 Music Theory & Ear Training (Solfège)

🎓 Preparation for auditions and entrance exams to music schools, colleges, conservatories, and universities

Lessons are available online or in person (depending on location).

I teach in English and Russian.

Every lesson is tailored to your goals. Whether you’re:

* starting from scratch,
* preparing for auditions,
* improving your piano technique,
* or simply playing for enjoyment,

I’ll create a personalized learning plan that fits your level and interests.

My teaching focuses not only on technique, but also on developing musicality, creativity, confidence, and a genuine understanding of music.

I look forward to meeting you!

Anželika

4.95

(21)

I offer individual music theory and piano lessons tailored to your level, goals, and musical interests. Whether you are a complete beginner, a music student preparing for exams, or simply want to understand music better, we can build the lessons around what you need.
Music theory lessons can include notation, harmony, rhythm, ear training, analysis, sight-reading, and general musicianship. Piano lessons can focus on technique, repertoire, sight-reading, and developing a stronger understanding of the music you play.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Musicology and have professional experience teaching music theory. I am currently studying Sonology at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, with a focus on sound, electronic and contemporary music.

Jaroslav

4.95

(21)

It is especially important to me that the lessons are individually tailored to each student. I do not follow a rigid textbook, but instead choose pieces and exercises according to your musical interests, your current level, and your personal goals.

In lessons, we can work on topics including:

- Piano technique and tone production
- Music reading and sight-reading
- Musical expression and interpretation
- Music theory and harmonic understanding
- Preparation for performances, examinations, and entrance auditions

If you are a beginner, we will be building the fundamentals step by step. If you already play the piano, we can work specifically on technique, musical expression, and your current repertoire. If you are returning to the piano after several years, we can assess where you are and find the best way to continue developing your playing.

In the first lesson, we get to discuss your goals, and already work practically at the piano.

Lessons are available in German, English, or Russian.

I look forward to meeting you!

Şevin

4.95

(21)

I have three years of piano training, along with experience teaching both private lessons and at a private music course. What motivates me to teach is spreading the joy of music and watching my students go from their very first encounter with the instrument to the moment they can play a piece on their own. I can’t wait to put in the effort together and enjoy the results. I love the happiness of creating and sharing the sounds an instrument can make, and beyond teaching and learning, connecting with my students and touching each other’s lives is the best part of this job. :)

My lessons are suitable for all levels and age groups. Instead of rote memorization, we focus on understanding the logic behind musical concepts. Besides learning to play the piano, you will gain a solid command of music theory, which lays the groundwork for learning other instruments more easily in the future. Step by step, we will build strong music theory and instrument knowledge. I look forward to seeing you in my lessons!

Sergiu

4.95

(21)

I am a professional accordionist, international performer, and experienced music educator offering personalized accordion lessons for children and adults, from complete beginners to advanced and professional musicians.

My teaching approach places particular emphasis on **ergonomics, proper posture, thoughtful fingering choices, and freedom of movement**, helping students develop a natural, efficient, and relaxed instrumental technique while avoiding unnecessary physical tension.

A fundamental part of my teaching focuses on **sound production, bellows technique and control, musical breathing, phrasing, dynamics, expression, and interpretation**. I believe that developing a beautiful, expressive sound and understanding how to shape musical phrases are essential to becoming a confident and sensitive musician.

Lessons also include rhythm, coordination, listening skills, musical understanding, and improvisation, depending on each student's interests and goals. I encourage students to develop not only their technical abilities but also their creativity, musical independence, and personal artistic voice.

My teaching covers a wide range of musical styles, including **classical music, jazz, Balkan traditional music, folk music, and world music**, with an approach that respects the particular characteristics and expressive language of each musical tradition.

Every lesson is carefully tailored to the student's individual level, learning pace, musical interests, and aspirations. Whether you are discovering the accordion for the first time, preparing a performance, improving your technique, or exploring new musical styles, my goal is to provide a supportive, inspiring, and enjoyable learning experience.

Accordéoniste professionnel, concertiste international et pédagogue expérimenté, je propose des cours d’accordéon personnalisés pour enfants et adultes, du grand débutant au musicien avancé et professionnel.

Mon approche pédagogique accorde une importance particulière à **l’ergonomie, à la posture, au choix et à l’organisation des doigtés, ainsi qu’à la souplesse et à la liberté du geste instrumental**, afin de développer une technique naturelle, efficace et sans tensions inutiles.

Une place fondamentale est consacrée au **travail du son, à la maîtrise du soufflet, à la respiration musicale, au phrasé, aux nuances, à l’expression et à l’interprétation**. Je considère que la recherche d’une belle sonorité et la compréhension du discours musical sont essentielles pour développer une interprétation sensible, personnelle et expressive.

Les cours abordent également le rythme, la coordination, l’écoute, la compréhension musicale et l’improvisation, selon les intérêts et les objectifs de chaque élève. J’encourage le développement non seulement des compétences techniques, mais aussi de la créativité, de l’autonomie musicale et de la personnalité artistique.

Mon enseignement explore un vaste répertoire comprenant **la musique classique, le jazz, les musiques traditionnelles des Balkans, les musiques folkloriques et les musiques du monde**, en respectant les particularités stylistiques et les traditions d’interprétation de chaque répertoire.

Chaque cours est adapté au niveau, au rythme d’apprentissage, aux intérêts et aux aspirations de l’élève. Que vous souhaitiez découvrir l’accordéon, perfectionner votre technique, préparer une prestation musicale ou explorer de nouveaux horizons, mon objectif est de vous accompagner dans un cadre à la fois rigoureux, stimulant, bienveillant et agréable.

Paulius

4.95

(21)

Discover your musical talent through personalised piano lessons designed around your individual goals, abilities and aspirations.

Whether you are beginning your musical journey, preparing for examinations, developing advanced performance skills or pursuing professional ambitions, I provide dedicated guidance, encouragement and expertise at every stage.

As a Doctor of Performing Arts, my approach combines artistic expression, technical excellence and a supportive learning environment, helping every student to learn with confidence, creativity and deeper understanding.