Musical Improvisation Classes - individual lessons, all instruments, ages and abilities

From 56.89 C$ /h

I’m a professional violist and have been improvising since I was a child. Nowadays, I perform with various improvisation ensembles and have been collaborating with theatre, dance, and film projects. I co-founded ”Kaipuu” FESTIVAL OF SILENT FILM AND IMPROVISED SOUND in 2018. I’ve been taught in Classical Improvisation by Prof. David Dolan at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London during 2010-2015 whilst completing my Bachelor's and Masters studies. Further studies followed at the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts, Helsinki. I also took part in numerous conferences and courses such as the METRIC International Conference for Improvisation in The Hague in 2017. I’ve held numerous improvisation courses at the East Helsinki Music Institute.

Improvisation is the best way for anyone to explore more - about themselves, about others, about the world around you. According to your level of experience, the content will be tailored to your specific wishes and going at a pace that challenges you but builds on positive experiences. We will push past ”limitations” that we tend to impose on ourselves and travel on the road of creative freedom.

Depending on your personal interests, we will discover different areas of musical improvisation and explore a common mindset that will help you in all areas of life.

Some of the areas we can explore together are:

- improvising on scales, ground bass, harmonic progressions,
multi-part improvisation, tonal and tonally free improvisation, modulation

- improvising within Classical forms such as Minuets, Rondos, Sonata-form

- improvising to text, images or silent film

- improvising within musical repertoire (including cadenzas and ornamentations)

- improvising in between or ahead of pieces (Preludes/ Interludes)

- Practice habits that incorporate an improvisational, more creative mindset

- Improvisational exercises to help with audition/concert preparation, enhance performance and reduce anxiety

Extra information

Required equipment: own musical instrument, tool to record and play videos (phone/laptop/tablet OK)

Location

Online from Finland

About Me

I’m a freelance musician and full-time viola and violin teacher based in Finland, where I commute between Helsinki and Lappeenranta. I offer online classes to all ages and all levels of experience. Teaching live classes on location can be discussed.

With over 20 years performing and over 10 years teaching experience, I would say that both areas are of equal importance to me. The main aspect about performing and teaching that I love is to share music with people around me.
I love teaching beginners, I equally love working with students of other levels. I’m very open-minded, patient and love to build my teaching around each student’s personal wishes. We will tailor the lessons to what you would like to learn and work towards specific goals!

Students will receive plenty of additional help and material to guide them between lessons.

I would love to meet you and get started soon to help you realise your musical potential!

Education

Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London: Master of Music (Distinction)
Sibelius Academy, University of Arts Helsinki: Master of Music
Teacher’s Certificate of Pedagogics according to Tampere University

Experience / Qualifications

Violin/Viola Teacher at East Helsinki Music Institute, Helsinki, Finland
Violin/Viola Teacher at North London Colourstrings Centre, London, UK
Helsinki Chamber Orchestra, principal viola

Substitute positions in:
Norrlandsoperan Symphony Orchestra; Sweden (principal viola)
Lappeenranta City Orchestra, Finland (principal viola)
Pori Sinfonietta, Finland (principal viola)
Lapland Chamber Orchestra (principal viola)
St Michel’s Strings (principal viola)
Lohja City Orchestra (principal viola)
Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Kuopio Symphony Orchestra

European Youth Orchestra, member 2019
Germany Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, member 2004 - 2010

Age

Preschool children (4-6 years old)

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

German

Finnish

Skills

Sound (music)

Children's music

Music theory

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

One-to-one violin and viola lessons for all ages and levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced

94.27 C$ /h

Learn to play viola or violin, take up your playing again, or refine your existing skills further!

I offer one-to-one lessons in viola and violin playing. I have over 20 years of performing and over 10 years of teaching experience and am currently working as viola and violin teacher at the East Helsinki Music Institute and the Lappeenranta Music School. I have also in-depth knowledge of working as an ensemble coach and improvisation teacher.
I teach all ages. Alongside teaching, I’m playing as a freelancer in orchestras in Finland and abroad, frequently as section leader.

I have a Master of Music Degree from both the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. My interests in different musical styles are broad, and I’ve been involved in many cross-arts collaborations. I’m a German and British national, currently living in Finland. Whilst German is my mother tongue, I speak English and Finnish fluently.

You can choose the length of the class - 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes. Additional material such as marked scores, exercise sheets, personal plans, and access to teaching videos are included in the lessons.

Jelena

5.0

(5)

Private piano lessons in English, learning how to play piano and how to understand music, learning music theory, solfeggio and training technic. For absolute beginners to advanced level students, with lots of fun and challenges, together we are enjoying the process of learning. The entire program is based on the individual needs and abilities of a student, so every kind of student can fit! There are a few different programs and plans that we follow for any level and a kind of student.

Sergio

5.0

(5)

Online classes of classical, electric or acoustic guitar, bass, Venezuelan cuatro, music theory, rhythmic or harmony. Beginner-intermediate-advanced. (Skype-Zoom-Meet). 12 years of musical experience.

Book your schedule now!

Do you have a musical instrument at home and do you always wanted to learn to play it?
Are you not sure where to start?

I can help you, I am Sergio and I have 12 years of experience in the musical area. I am a student of music education at the (UPEL) Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador Miranda José Manuel Siso Martínez and the Conservatory Lino Gallardo as a classical guitar interpreter. Furthermore, I also have experience teaching online classes via Zoom, Skype or Google Meet. If you think your level is beginner, intermediate or advanced, I can help you in your musical development. More than learning to play songs, musical art is a discipline and its own language that helps interdisciplinary in other areas of learning.

° Classes:
-Classic/Acoustic guitar.
-Electric guitar.
-Bass.
-Piano/Keyboard.
-Music theory.
-Solfeggio.
-Rhythmic and movement.
-Harmony.
-Venezuelan cuatro.

Camille

5.0

(5)

Folk or classical acoustic guitar.

The teaching philosophy is adapted to the level of each individual, according to the pace of work and motivation.

For example, for beginners: Technique of the plectrum or fingers, coordination and correction of the right and left hand. Learning basic chords, simple themes, simple rhythms, reading tablatures (...).

For intermediaries: development of rhythm, construction of chords, writing of tablatures, basic notions of harmony (...).

Depending on your goals, you can learn, if you wish, to play 60 to 80% of current music from the first lessons, which often use the same chords and the same techniques. The objectives take into consideration the following points:

-Study of various playing techniques, chords, harmony, music of your choice, rhythm, with reading of tablature, teaching structured around the repertoire you like, technique of developing the musical ear
- Discovery of the neck, notes and basic positions of open chords
- Left / right hand coordination and rhythm exercises for the right hand
- Learning of different pieces of your choice
- Left hand control exercises, speed and precision
- Learning arpeggios
- Work around muscle memory
- Learning improvisation, musical play with others
- Ear training: use your ears to find chords, melodies, sounds and techniques used
-Spend a pleasant moment of exchange, without unnecessary institutional pressure, while obtaining concrete results
-Understand and discover the many facets of an exciting and user-friendly instrument
- Benefit from personalized advice on your posture and certain pitfalls to avoid when starting alone
-Adjust and clarify your self-taught knowledge
- Learn tablatures / tabs & in English.

Note :
- Possibility to use the guitar available on site, during the test phase.
- As our teacher is also a singing teacher, it is possible to combine the two disciplines: guitar + vocal instrument, and to work on synchronization, style and accuracy.
- Possibility of offering this course (birthday, party, Christmas, event ...) to the person of your choice.

THE TEACHER :
Trained in Grande Ecole post-preparatory classes & Ivy League university in the United States, our teacher has specialized and has worked for more than 15 years, in Europe and North America, in the field, in renowned international public and private establishments, with careful pedagogy and methodology as the watchwords.

PLACES :
- Locations: Geneva-Lausanne-Friborg-Neuchâtel-Montreux-Bâle-Sion-Sierre-Morges-Bienne. But currently, only by videoconference in accordance with national recommendations on Covid. These sessions also seem to be perfectly unanimous since they have the advantages of direct (example: quality of the interaction), without its disadvantages (ex: loss of travel time), with additional advantages (ex: of notes on the chat, which can be reread afterwards). In this context, these videoconference sessions for which you have requested me, seem to arouse a certain enthusiasm (and a certain enthusiasm). At your request, I therefore continue to offer them.

Giorgia

5.0

(5)

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.

Hiba

5.0

(5)

Piano, Guitar & singing sessions for all levels for kids & adults. Music theory and music education classes. I give my sessions according to the student needs and interests . I help each of my students to achieve his goal in learning music.

Martin

5.0

(5)

In my class you learn how to play the guitar either finger style or with a pick (plectrum).
First, you learn the basics, if this is what you need. Then you learn about styles and ways of playing the guitar.
Consequently, you learn how to develop your own style in music and find ways of making yourself and others happy with the means of your guitar!

You also learn how purchase the right guitar and how to set it up for you to be comfortable with.

You save your money on a luthier's shop every month.

You learn the smartest fingerings for any chord changes and scales!

You get to learn the theory in detail so that you fully understand what you play.

You get best deals on guitars from local music stores.

You get to learn how to sightread music and more!

See you soon!
Martin

Shehab

5.0

(5)

Teaching different musical instruments: piano, guitar, oud, oriental singing and oriental maqamat, reading sheet music.

More than 5 years of experience teaching in music academies

Arabic singing: We will learn how to sing correctly, learn the exits of the letters, vocal exercises, and learn how to distinguish the Eastern Maqams in simple ways.

Oud: We will learn how to hold the oud in the correct way, speed exercises, oriental maqams and examples in songs for each maqam.

Piano: musical scales - and we learn about all kinds of chords (harmony) - famous pieces and songs by learning how to read musical notes - exercises to strengthen the fingers

Guitar: We will learn how to hold the guitar correctly, musical scales, chords and chords, technique exercises, pieces

David

5.0

(5)

I am a Spanish pianist and composer (MMus graduate from Codarts Rotterdam in both directions) with many years of teaching experience, and also very active in performing in various contexts.

I give private piano lessons for all levels and styles (classical, jazz, Latin, new age, pop...), as well as music theory, composition and improvisation lessons. My lessons are distinguished by their dynamics, practical approach and adaptation to the needs and interests of the student.

The lessons (live or online) take place in my studio next to the Maastunnel, where I have a premium stage piano and a top-quality webcam setup.

I speak Dutch at an intermediate level, which is improving every day.

Ammar

5.0

(5)

In my classes, you’ll go beyond learning to play your chosen instrument. Together, we’ll delve into the world of Oriental music, exploring its rich traditions and foundational music theory in a straightforward way to deepen your understanding. From the very first class, you’ll start learning songs and developing the techniques essential for authentic expression.

تعلم العزف على العود اونلاين

Shubha

5.0

(5)

Hii,
I’m a professional vocal coach specializing in Hindustani Classical Music Vocal and Voice Therapy which improves Vocal cords and singing voice and Bollywood songs, Thumri, Ghazal, Light Classical Music etc. With a strong background in vocal training, I bring professional expertise and a love for Indian music to each of my lessons. I focus on building a strong foundation in the essential techniques of Hindustani classical music, helping students develop breath control, pitch accuracy, and voice modulation—all essential elements that also enhance Hindustani Classical Music with Bollywood singing.

In my classes, students can expect a mix of traditional and modern teaching methods. I incorporate voice exercises, rhythmic drills, and raga practice to strengthen your musical skills, whether you're just starting or looking to refine your style. I also enjoy making the lessons interactive and fun, using familiar Bollywood songs to illustrate classical techniques, so students can relate the skills they’re learning to their favorite music. Each lesson is tailored to fit the student’s unique goals, whether you aim to perform, deepen your musical knowledge, or simply enjoy singing with confidence.

My approach is relaxed and encouraging, creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable with their vocal journey.

I’m here to help you find your voice—let’s make some music together!

Andrea

5.0

(5)

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.

Faye

5.0

(5)

Have you wanted to learn to play the piano for some time or do you want to teach your child to play the piano? My name is Faye, I've been playing the piano since the age of 6 years and have always been very passionate about music.

I offer lessons for children and adults from beginners to intermediate level. Styles: Pop, world, improv, and classical music. Lessons are a good musical basis for any style you wish to pursue.

My method tries to tailor to the needs of the student so that lessons are engaging structured and follow the natural curiosity and capabilities of the students.
It also focuses a lot on developing the students overall musical abilities such as internalizing sound and rhythm.

Music making is something to be enjoyed and experienced besides the practice that goes into perfecting the art of piano playing. The content of the lessons always aims to reflect this mindset so that a student can become independently fluent and capable not just to imitate and practice but to really experience, understand, feel and enjoy the music throughout their learning experience.

Also:
Ear training
Improvisation
Piano accompaniment
Electronic Keyboards
Music theory (beginners to advanced)

Musicianship training:
Kodály method in combination with applied modern pedagogical methods.

Location: Online

Language: English

Lesson policies:

Pets, if any, must stay in a separate room during the lesson
Please follow the cancellation policies according to Apprentus

Education:
Piano and Composition Studies
Codarts Conservatory of Rotterdam

Teachers Experience:
6 years of piano in the styles of Pop, World, Classical both for children and adults

Alexia

5.0

(5)

Music is a universal language that connects all of humanity. For those with creativity and passion, it becomes one of the most powerful forms of expression.

In my vocal and music theory classes, I help students unlock the full potential of their voice and deepen their understanding of music. Whether you're a beginner or already experienced, you'll gain the tools, techniques, and confidence needed to grow as a singer and musician.

My goal is simple: when you sing—even in your own room—you’ll feel the power and confidence of performing in front of thousands.

Join me to strengthen your voice, understand music on a deeper level, and develop the skills needed to truly express yourself.

Huiduo

5.0

(5)

Hi! I am a violinist who just moved here from London. I graduated from the Royal College of Music in London and am currently doing Master of concert at Haute École de Musique de Genève.

I have been teaching intensively since first year of Bachelor and have had students from various age groups with different goals. My main teaching materials are suzuki/abrsm, but I will flexibly accommodate to your needs.

I can guide your practice so you find passion in playing the violin, and show you how to make a round/healthy sound with your instrument. Or say if you just would like to play a tune you heard from a video, I can teach you how.

Other qualifications: Dip ABRSM violin teaching, passed with distinction.

The lessons are open to every levels. Language will be English or Mandarin.

Wei

5.0

(5)

Piano is more than just playing notes, it’s about expression, discipline, and telling a story through music. As a pianist with experience winning Chopin piano competitions, earning regional awards, and performing in competitive showcases, I bring both high-level training and real performance insight into every lesson.

Through more than 10 years of preparing for competitions and public performances, I have developed strong technical precision, musical interpretation skills, and a deep understanding of classical repertoire, especially Romantic composers like Chopin. I use this experience to guide students not only in mastering technique, but in developing artistry, confidence, and stage presence.

My lessons are fully personalized. Whether you are a beginner building fundamentals or an advanced student preparing for competitions, auditions, or recitals, I tailor each session to your goals. We focus on technique, music reading, rhythm, interpretation, and expressive playing, while building strong practice habits that lead to consistent improvement.

I provide structured guidance, constructive feedback, and a supportive environment that challenges students to grow while keeping their passion for music alive. My goal is to help each student unlock their full potential and perform with both confidence and musical depth.