Practical Music Composition for Ensembles and bands

From 101 C$ /h

I love to teach instrumental writing, scoring, dramatic, orchestral and specialize in smaller combo writing.

Getting your message across with development of ideas and putting your own stamp on it

I also can teach songwriting approach to vocal lines, melody and arranging.

Location

Online from United States

About Me

A native of New Jersey, Joe grew up with a variety of musical styles and influences from progressive rock, R&B and fusion. He combined those influences at the University of Southern California into the world of Film Scoring. Studying with some of the biggest names in composition and performance gave Joe a very schooled approach. He can now pull from many sources when producing music. He is a drummer, keyboard player, songwriter, arranger and conductor. He fears being typecast into any one particular style when writing, but a listener can always hear his audio fingerprints on anything he does. ‘I prefer to be a chameleon, that way I can be a part of the different styles of music I enjoy’. Coming from a heavy instrumental background, Joe tends to write ‘from the bottom up’ with the melody lines being derived from the harmonic structure of the tune.

Music critics have described his sound as ‘progressive pop’, ranging from groove oriented tunes to more dramatic ballads.

Professionally, his writing credits include some notable independent films. He has been featured in ‘Who’s Who in Composing’ four times in The Hollywood Reporter. Recently he has ventured into music directing shows and producing other artists, ‘my strongest efforts to date’, and the results have been described as ‘nothing less than electrifying’ by several critics. Jay Chattaway, celebrated television composer, has described Joe’s music as ‘commercial yet musically ambitious, the best of both’. What more could a die-hard musician at heart want to hear; music that pleases the musicians and the masses.

Education

University of Southern California BM 1995
Professionally, his writing credits include some notable independent films. He has been featured in ‘Who’s Who in Composing’ four times in The Hollywood Reporter.

Experience / Qualifications

Worked on independent films and various artists. Alan Parsons, Kenny Cetera
Professionally, his writing credits include some notable independent films. He has been featured in ‘Who’s Who in Composing’ four times in The Hollywood Reporter.

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Duration

30 minutes

45 minutes

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Music composition

Jazz music

Sound (music)

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

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)

Mehrad

4.87

(87)

Dive into the world of bass mastery with my comprehensive lessons! From mastering the groove to honing technique, delving into theory, harmony, and rhythm, and even mastering music reading and fretboard note names, these sessions cover it all. Drawing from years of experience, I've finely tuned the curriculum to suit every learner, ensuring a paced and organized approach that guarantees progress. But beyond just playing notes, the ultimate aim is to empower you with the knowledge of how music truly works. Together, we'll unlock the secrets of crafting your own basslines and solos, fostering creativity and musical independence that extends far beyond the confines of any lesson.

Camille

4.87

(87)

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.

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.

Matteo

4.87

(87)

If you've been eager to get better in drums and therefore studying all its different styles and genres, I definitely can help you with that!
Particularly, I've studied in deep Tony Williams' and Elvin Jones' playing and the main drummers of the jazz era from the 50s to the 70s , so if you really want to improve that kind of vision and sound I can give you some great hints such as transcriptions, analysis, sound strategies and many video materials.
Also, I am specialized in Funk/Hip-Hop music and that kind of groovy world. So, I've been mastering a specific approach to this genre as well.

About me:
I've been playing drums since I was 6. I got my Master Degree in 2022 at Salerno Music Conservatory (Italy) in Jazz Drums and Percussion.
I've been doing the role of Assistant Professor at KCB with Stéphane Galland since 2023.

Since I moved to Belgium I had to chance to collaborate and sharing the stage at the moment with Manou Gallo, Zap MAMA, Stephane Mercier, David Linx and various others.

Steve

4.87

(87)

Composing your own music has always been a very rewarding task. This has never been so true as the present day when you can hear what you compose instantly if you use computers to generate and play back your own music. However, to ensure that your music sounds really great (whether using computers, manuscript or actual instruments) there are many principles to be considered.

I have had a great interest in composing for over 45 years. I have composed for various combinations of instruments and voices in a wide variety of styles. Having been a music teacher in a comprehensive school for over 30 years, I have had a lot of very relevant experience in teaching composition to a wide range of different ages and abilities. These opportunities have enabled me to tutor students in a diverse variety of genres.

The class will be personalized to your particular standard and chosen style of composition. We would focus on generic building blocks such as structure and instrumentation as well as looking at how to develop ideas. Using a range of compositional devices will also be key to enhancing your compositions. I will tailor-make the class to suit you.

David

4.87

(87)

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.

Stephen

4.87

(87)

Are you stuck? I can help!

In our composition lessons, we’ll both learn how to get more from basic elements, like pitch and rhythm, and also the things we can do to help make a composition more poetic. We can work on how to get more music from fewer ideas to create a consistent musical language, and also explore the idea of opposites in your compositions, blending and smearing contrasting elements to add depth and complexity to your work.

Through the analysis of great music, the composition of miniatures, and feedback on your current projects, you’ll both increase your technical fluency and simultaneously learn to love and develop your unique voice. This class is for any level of composer, whether you're a beginner or an experienced composer seeking to enhance your creative skills. Don't wait any longer :)

Lucy

4.87

(87)

🎛️ Music Production Lessons & Creative Coaching 🎶

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Pranav

4.87

(87)

Sound Healing, Sound Bath, Chakra Healing & Reiki

Sound Healing is a holistic wellbeing practice that uses intentional sound, vibration and mindful listening to create a deeply relaxing and meditative experience.

My sessions use instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls, gongs and other therapeutic sound instruments, combined with guided relaxation and mindfulness-based practices. The intention is to help you slow down, release everyday tension, become more aware of your body and mind, and create a deeper sense of relaxation and inner balance.

What I Offer

Sound Bath

A deeply immersive relaxation experience using Tibetan singing bowls, gongs and other sound instruments. You simply relax, listen and allow the sounds and vibrations to become the focus of your awareness.

A Sound Bath may be particularly suitable if you are looking for:

• Deep relaxation
• Stress reduction
• Mental quietness
• Meditation support
• Emotional relaxation
• A peaceful break from a busy lifestyle

Chakra Healing

A holistic practice incorporating sound, meditation, intention and awareness of the traditional chakra system.

Chakra Balancing

A guided sound-based practice focused on relaxation, awareness and the traditional concept of balancing the body's energy centres.

Full-Body Sound Healing

A personalized session using multiple sound instruments and guided relaxation to create an immersive full-body relaxation experience.

The session may help you disconnect from everyday mental activity, become more aware of bodily sensations and enter a deeply restful state.

Reiki with Sound Healing

A complementary session combining Reiki practice with Sound Healing for people interested in a holistic relaxation and wellbeing experience.

The session focuses on relaxation, mindfulness, energetic awareness and creating a calm environment for self-reflection.

Corporate Sound Bath

I also conduct Corporate Sound Bath and Corporate Wellness sessions designed for employees and organizations.

Corporate sessions can be customized for:

• Stress management
• Workplace relaxation
• Employee wellbeing
• Meditation and mindfulness
• Wellness days
• Team wellbeing events
• Corporate retreats
• International Yoga Day / wellness initiatives

Sessions can be conducted online or in person, depending on the requirement.

A Personalized Approach

I don't use exactly the same session for everyone.

Before a session, I take into consideration your intention, experience, comfort level and any relevant sensitivities. The instruments, intensity and structure of the session can then be adapted accordingly.

My objective is to create a safe, peaceful and deeply immersive sound experience where you can relax, turn your attention inward and reconnect with yourself.

Dominic

4.87

(87)

Hey there!

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

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

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

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

Shubha

4.87

(87)

Hii,
I’m a professional vocal coach specializing in Hindustani Classical Music Vocal, Voice Therapy which improves Vocal cords and singing voice with Bollywood song, 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 their vocal journey.

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

José

4.87

(87)

Would you like to play your favorite artists' songs on the guitar? 🎸🎶

In these classes, you'll learn in a practical, dynamic way, perfectly tailored to your musical tastes. You choose the songs, artists, or styles you love, and we'll work together so you can learn to play and accompany them on the guitar.

You'll learn chords, chord changes, rhythms, strumming patterns, and different accompaniment techniques, always applied to real songs. The goal isn't simply to memorize songs, but to gradually understand how they work so you can learn new songs on your own.

The classes are adapted to all levels. If you're starting from scratch, we'll go step by step so you can begin playing your first songs from the beginning. If you already have some guitar experience, we'll work on improving your rhythm, technique, and accompaniment skills.

We can work on pop, rock, rumba, flamenco, singer-songwriter songs, and many other styles. From artists like Estopa, Melendi, Pablo Alborán, Manuel Carrasco, or Fito y Fitipaldis, to any group or singer that's part of your favorite music.

If you also like to sing, we can also work on how to accompany you on the guitar.

🎵 You choose the music.
🎸 I'll help you learn to play it.
📈 And little by little you will acquire the tools to learn many more songs on your own.

Tell me what song or artist you'd like to play and we'll get started!