Lessons in Piano, Music Theory and Composition with a Concert Pianist and PhD Composer

From 93 C$ /h

Whether you wish to study Piano, Music Theory or Composition, my teaching approach is anchored on understanding how music is made.

Why? Because unpicking your favourite music and discovering the fundamental musical laws behind it is the best way to learn how to absorb, memorise and ultimately perform it or, if you're a composer, to find inspiration for your own music.

In our first class we will discuss your main areas of interest and musical ambitions. Based on these we will make a plan to help you pursue and achieve them.

My main areas of specialism are classical and contemporary classical music. I can also teach students with an interest in jazz, popular music and songwriting.

Over the last eight years, I have taught more than one hundred students of all ages and abilities. If you have a passion for piano or composition, or would simply like to know more about how music is made, I would love to hear from you.

Extra information

Online piano lessons: For an ideal setup, position a laptop at a height and distance that I can see both your hands and most (if not all) of your keyboard from above. It is also possible to work with a tablet, providing we can both hear and see each other and I can see your keyboard and hands.

Online composition lessons: Any device will do. If you prefer to work at a keyboard, follow the instructions above.

Location

Online from United Kingdom

About Me

I am a Greek-British pianist and composer. Born in Athens in 1991, I grew up in a musical family; my dad taught me piano for twelve years and my mum tried to teach me violin, but, despite my love of the instrument, I just couldn't stand to hear myself play out of tune. So I stuck with the piano and resolved to compose for the violin instead.

My love of teaching and sharing my musical discoveries with others emerged early in my life too; my cousin, George, was my first pupil. Through the course of my studies, I had the pleasure of studying with many great teachers and, inevitably, sometimes (but not for too long) with some not so great ones too. From these experiences, I learnt two things:

1. Being a great performer and a great teacher require two very different skill sets, and being able to do one under no circumstances guarantees that you can do the other.
2. My best teachers were in equal parts dedicated to their artistic and educational practices. They were musicians dedicated to lifelong self-improvement with an inextinguishable desire to encourage others to make music and excel in doing so.

In my own practice, I hope to imitate and learn from my best teachers, while crafting a path based on my interests and aspirations. Over the years, I have sought to maintain a healthy balance between my activity as a performer, composer and teacher of music. This juggling act has led to hundreds of performances in venues including the Bridgewater Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields, and the British Ambassador's Residence in Paris, a solo album ('Espelho Duplo – Double Mirror' available on Spotify), several commissions (KlangZeit Festival, Festival Musica, Presteigne Festival), as well as many competition awards and honours (Royal Philharmonic Society Composition Prize, Ivan Juritz Prize for Creative Experiment, EPTA UK Piano Competition, Evangelia Tjiarri International Piano Competition).

Music is a journey for life. It brings us joy and consolation, tears and laughter, but more than anything it bring richness and fullness to our lives. What's more, at a time of quarantines and isolation, it is a journey that you can make from home. It is a journey for the mind and spirit. Claude Debussy is said to have composed a prelude about a small Italian island inspired by a mere wine label portraying the hills of Anacapri...

I would love to hear more about your journey, perhaps even guide you to your next destination.

Education

PhD in Composition (King's College London)
Certificat d'études supérieures (La Schola Cantorum) — Très Bien
MA in Composition (University of Bristol) — Distinction
BA (Hons) in Music (University of Oxford) — First Class

Experience / Qualifications

Private Music Tutor since 2012 (1000+ hours teaching experience)
Teaching Assistant at King's College London (Analysis, Techniques of Composition) 2015–2019
Practice Assistant at Chetham's School of Music 2017–2019

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

90 minutes

120 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Greek

Spanish

French

Skills

Piano

Musical styles:

Classical

Jazz

Pop

Playing techniques:

Composition

Music composition

Music theory lessons

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

Lou-Indigo

4.87

(87)

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

Denise

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My name is Denise and I am a professional singer and vocal coach with a Master’s degree in Historical Singing, Musicology and Music Education from the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC).

I have over 10 years of teaching experience in Europe and Latin America, working with students from diverse cultural and musical backgrounds in private lessons, artistic projects, and educational contexts.

My artistic work includes early music and chamber repertoire, as well as Latin American folk, jazz, and contemporary crossover styles. This diversity strongly informs my teaching approach, which is flexible, stylistically open, and based on healthy vocal function.

4.87

(87)

The rule is simple: don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself! Students are encouraged to try, fail, and overall be proactive in learning new information in bite-sized chunks: all of that in a warm and comforting environment.

Depending on the personal goal of the student, we will learn/refine/explore the following topics:
- Fundamental techniques of playing piano
- How to read and play chords
- How to play an improvised solo
- How to change the underlying harmonies of a song to make it sound cooler (or weirder!)
- Understanding how the musical elements are glued in a song, and if you dare, how to write one yourself
- How to learn music or play music by ear
- Exploring piano-looking-like instruments such as electric keyboards and subtractive synthesizers

Languages: English (fluent), German (B1 and improving), Korean (native)

Julia

4.87

(87)

Violin and viola learning for adult beginners and returning players or in the band
SEE ENGLISH BELOW

I have been teaching adult beginners and intermediates to play the violin and viola for 10 years. The focus is very different. One person would like to find relaxation in playing the violin. Another would like to be able to play a certain piece because he likes it. A third has picked up the violin again after a long time.

I have had violin lessons for > 10 years and am currently studying viola at the Conservatory of Bolzano. I have 10 years of teaching experience.

I teach classical and electric violin, always tailored to the student. The lessons can also be carried out using the Suzuki method.

Based on my band experience with violin/viola, I am also a contact person if you play violin or viola in a band.

Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions.
best regards
Julia

VIOLIN FOR BEGINNERS AND RETURNERS, also in a band
All levels and ages welcome!
Whether you are a complete beginner and would love to make your dream come true and learn the violin...
Or you haven't played for a while and would like to refresh your skills ..

******* Facts of the class ***********
- I was trained in classical violin for > 10 years and have a teaching experience of > 10 years
- currently I am doing conservatory studies in viola
- I am your coach for playing violin in a band because of my band experience as violinist and violist
- Most of my students are young and younger adult beginners or intermediates
- Anyone welcome who wants to get to know the beauty of this instrument!

******* Offer *********
- I offer lessons live and online
- for classical violin and viola,
- for electric violin (eg film music, recording and editing)
- lessons can be based on the Suzuki method of violin teaching

And always, tailored to the needs and interests of my student.

Please don't hesitate to contact me for any other questions!
Julia

Giorgia

4.87

(87)

I teach for all levels, from children starting from zero to students who want to prepare certifications at the Conservatories, passing through amateurs or simply curious of any age.

I firmly believe in the importance of knowing how to read music and this is exactly what I teach first, obviously adapting the method to the age of my students: knowing how to read music is knowing one more language, which, if learned well, won’t ever be forgotten (like riding a bicycle!) and it is an invaluable wealth. Starting from that point I teach the position of the hand, the arm and the whole body at the piano, the fundamentals of the piano technique (giving great importance to the percussive movement of the finger and the distribution of weight), the understanding of musical language, the expression of the personality through the keyboard, the search for touch and knowledge of piano repertoire.

Jeremy

4.87

(87)

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

4.87

(87)

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!

Taryna

4.87

(87)

My piano lessons are structured, encouraging, and designed to make learning piano feel both achievable and fun. Students learn the fundamentals they need to become confident musicians, including music reading, proper technique, rhythm, and playing skills, while also getting to learn songs they actually enjoy.

I believe that learning music shouldn’t feel overwhelming or intimidating. I break down new concepts into simple, easy-to-understand steps and adjust my teaching to each student’s age, experience level, learning style, and goals. Whether you’re completely new to piano or looking to build on skills you already have, we’ll work together to help you make steady progress. No prior experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and a love for music!

I’m excited to help you begin (or continue) your musical journey!

Steve

4.87

(87)

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.

Andrea

4.87

(87)

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.

Brent

4.87

(87)

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.

Giuseppe

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Classical music has evolved over more than a thousand years into a rich and complex art — one that requires not only passion, but also trained listening and understanding.

In these personalised one‐on‐one lessons, you will develop your ear through:

- Ear training based on integrated solfège and musical harmony

- Essential music theory

- Writing exercises and dictations, with clear guidance on techniques to master them

- Harmonic analysis of your repertoire and other universal or personally relevant pieces

These foundations will help you:

- Grasp the function of musical elements

- Gain a clearer and fuller understanding of music

- Improve your playing and musical memory

- Improve musical reading

- Express music with clarity and confidence

Whether you are:

- An amateur with an intermediate or high level

Or

- A musician aiming to go professional

...these lessons will help you connect more deeply with music, perform with greater accuracy, and enjoy it more than ever.

According to your musical level, I will guide you through short and basic daily exercises using a clear step‐by‐step method:

- Each exercise lasts from 5 to 15 minutes

- Essential to practise regularly for maximum efficiency

- Not overly difficult, but requires a bit of perseverance (just 10 minutes a day) to obtain the best results

📍 Available online and in‐person in Paris (preferable). But a mix of both is also possible.
🎯 Contact me today to book your first lesson and start your personalised programme.

Those who reach a high level of harmony will be able to unlock the next level: Musical form. Analysis tools for advanced students.

Jaroslav

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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!

Misso

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🎵 Online music lessons for all ages and levels

Do you love music and want to learn to play or sing in an easy and fun way? 🎶
I offer one-on-one online lessons, suitable for children, beginners, and even those with prior experience.

🎹 Musical instruments:

Piano and keyboard
- Oud
Classical guitar

🎤 Singing:

Arabic and Eastern singing
- Voice, breathing, and vocal warm-up exercises
- Learn Arabic and Eastern songs in a way that is appropriate for the student's level

📚 I also offer lessons in:

Musical theories
Reading the score
- Musical ear training
Rhythm and musical fundamentals

I make sure that the lessons are simple, gradual and fun, with the content adapted to the student’s age, level and goals.

👩‍🏫 I have experience teaching music to children and adults, and I pay special attention to making the student feel comfortable and confident while learning.

💻 Online lessons only via Zoom or Google Meet.

🗣️ Language of instruction: Arabic and English.

🎶 Whether you're starting from scratch or want to develop your skills, I'd be happy to help you on your musical journey!

Cansu

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Piano Lessons in Bebek, Istanbul – Children & Adults

With 15 years of teaching experience, I offer individual piano lessons for children from age 3, as well as teenagers and adults, at Poco Piano, a boutique music studio located in Bebek, Istanbul.

Lessons are individually planned according to each student's age, level, learning pace and musical goals. My approach combines classical piano training with music theory, sight-reading, ear training and musicianship, creating a strong musical foundation rather than focusing only on learning individual pieces.

For young beginners (ages 3–6), lessons are adapted to the child's attention span and developmental stage. The first goal is to build a positive relationship with the instrument and teacher while gradually introducing rhythm, pitch, keyboard orientation and basic musical concepts.

For school-age students, teenagers and adults, lessons may include classical repertoire, technique, sight-reading, music theory and preparation for internationally recognised music examinations.

ABRSM & LCME Exam Preparation

I provide preparation for ABRSM and London College of Music (LCME) practical and theory examinations. Lessons can include repertoire preparation, technical work, sight-reading, aural skills and music theory according to the student's level and examination requirements.

Conservatory & Music Theory Support

Academic support is also available for students who need help with solfège, music theory, harmony or conservatory-related coursework.

Practical Information

All prices listed for lessons at Poco Piano include VAT (Value Added Tax), and lessons take place at our studio in Bebek, Istanbul.

Home/private lessons can also be arranged upon request. These lessons are scheduled and priced separately depending on location and availability.

Poco Piano offers:

• Piano lessons from age 3 for children, teenagers and adults
• Classical guitar lessons from age 8
• Beginner ukulele lessons from age 5
• ABRSM & LCME practical and theory exam preparation
• Music theory, solfège and harmony support
• Conservatory preparation and academic music support
• Lessons in Turkish or entirely in English
• Online music theory and exam-preparation lessons
• An annual studio concert, giving students the opportunity to perform in front of an audience

New students may attend a short complimentary introductory session before registration. This session is designed to meet the teacher, discuss the student's goals and determine the most appropriate lesson programme and duration.

Regular lessons are individually planned according to the student's age, level and musical goals.