Music Composition: The Tools Composers Use to Make a Piece of Music

From 69 C$ /h

A self-published composer with sheet music for sale online, I have worked in the music department at Oxford University Press, having previously studied composition alongside clarinet at Chetham's School of Music and at tertiary level.

These sessions are aimed to provide a stronger understanding of compositional techniques used by composers to effectively compose a successful piece of music.

Extra information

Own laptop, composition software and/or manuscript paper.

Location

Online from United Kingdom

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

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Music theory

Music composition

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

The Clarinet: its Development and its Uses Throughout the Centuries

69 C$ /h

Hamish is a clarinettist, composer and music facilitator with a Master of Arts degree in music performance, an LRSM in clarinet and an ALCM in composition. He is a member of the ISM.

This class is designed for clarinet and composition students wishing to understand more about the clarinet and its development and how composers have written for the instrument throughout its history.

Learning outcomes:
- Know about the invention of the clarinet
- Identify the main composers who wrote for the clarinet
- Identify the main genres associated with the clarinet
- Either:
prepare a short piece for performance on the clarinet
or
compose a short piece for the clarinet

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

Natia

4.87

(87)

Hello!

I’m Natia, a lifelong music enthusiast with a deep passion for sharing the transformative power of music. My journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Tbilisi State Conservatoire, followed by a Master’s degree from Zurich University of the Arts. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of nurturing budding musicians, having started teaching when I was just 16 years old.

My teaching style is dynamic and tailored to your unique goals. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of Classical music, the charm of Jazz, or the rhythm of Pop, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll unlock your potential and transform your love for music into a lifelong skill.

No matter your level of experience, all you need is motivation, determination, and a little time to practice—I’ll take care of the rest!

Let’s make music together and bring your passion to life. 🎵

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.

Mayssa

4.87

(87)

I offer a comprehensive and progressive program in teaching Eastern singing, designed for beginners and intermediate learners. This program takes students step-by-step from the fundamentals to an advanced level of vocal awareness and artistic performance. It is based on a well-structured academic curriculum that focuses on building a healthy and correct voice, addressing common mistakes, and developing auditory and musical abilities in a profound and lasting way.

What makes this program special?

This training is not just about memorizing songs, but a comprehensive work on the voice, ear, breath, and musical sense, with careful personal follow-up that ensures real and tangible development, no matter what your level is at the beginning.

---

Key training topics:

🎶 Singing Eastern Maqams

Getting acquainted with the basic and secondary Eastern maqams

Understanding the structure, feeling, and character of each maqam

Correct maqam transitions

Singing maqam phrases in an academic and auditory style

Applying musical scales within songs

🎼 Solfège singing and auditory awareness

Solfège singing from scratch

Exercises for pitch adjustment and melodic stability

Strengthening musical ear and auditory memory

Distinguishing between correct and incorrect classes

Building auditory awareness that radically prevents dissonance

🎤 Vocal Training

Exercises to strengthen the voice and improve resonance

Expanding the sound space safely

Improved flexibility and control over sound

Working on transitions between layers

Protecting the voice and avoiding strain

🌬️ Breathing exercises and voice support

Learn the correct breathing technique for singing

Breath control during long sentences

Diaphragmatic voice support

Improved stability and sound power

🎵 Singing Arabic songs (old and modern)

Choose songs that suit your voice type and space.

Sing songs by your favorite artist and in the style you love.

Analysis of the song in terms of melody and performance

Working on expression, feeling, and oriental motifs

Build your own unique singing persona

---

Methodology used:

A comprehensive initial assessment of your vocal and auditory level

Develop a personalized training plan for each student.

Addressing dissonance problems in a practical and effective way

Correcting the vocal tone step by step

Ongoing monitoring and periodic evaluation of progress

Integrating the academic aspect with practical application

---

Who is this program for?

For complete beginners, even without any prior experience

For average speakers who suffer from dissonance or poor vocal control

For amateurs who want to consciously develop their voice

For anyone who dreams of singing with confidence and genuine feeling

---

🎧 Extra and premium support

Assistance with audio recording of songs

Technical and artistic guidance to improve recording quality

Helping to publish works on YouTube

Guidelines for building a digital musical presence

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.

Martin

4.87

(87)

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

Steve

4.87

(87)

The theory of everything tends to be really scary and music theory can be too. I am very keen to make music theory easy for everyone. For some people there is only one way to tackle the unmentionable but I believe there are many different approaches and one of them will click with you. It is simply finding out what is best for each person. Once we find the key we can unlock the problems that have puzzled you for ages.

Music theory needs to be more than a requirement, it needs to be the way to really appreciate the music you are playing. Certain aspects can also lead to additional practical skills such as improvisation which can be very useful as well as very enjoyable.

Whether you want to understand a particular aspect of music theory or If you struggle with music theory in general, then this is the class for you - why not give it a try?

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.

Giuseppe

4.87

(87)

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.

Enrico

4.87

(87)

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!

Elena

4.87

(87)

Fully online piano assessment and focused follow-up lessons in English for serious students who want a clear professional view of their current level, their main technical-musical bottleneck and the next practical steps.

This is not a casual lesson. It is a structured professional assessment for students who practise regularly but do not fully understand why their playing still does not sound free, stable, expressive or convincing.

I am a Russian-trained concert pianist and piano educator with more than 20 years of teaching experience, international performance background, recordings, masterclasses and academic-level teaching experience.

I teach piano as an integrated system: sound, movement, rhythm, phrasing, memory, musical understanding and intelligent practice.

During the assessment, I look at the student’s playing as a complete musical and technical system:

— sound and tone quality
— body coordination and technical freedom
— rhythm, pulse and inner stability
— phrasing and musical direction
— articulation and dynamics
— reading and understanding the score
— voice balance, harmony, form and musical logic
— memory and reliability
— practice method and self-checking skills

After the session, the student receives a written summary with the main observations, the central bottleneck and a concrete practice plan for the next stage of work.

Possible formats:

1. Piano Assessment / Piano Reset
60 minutes online + written summary with a concrete practice plan

2. Piano Assessment + 4 focused follow-up lessons
After the assessment, we can continue with 4 online lessons focused on improving the main bottleneck: reading, rhythm, sound, movement, phrasing, memory or practice strategy.

Format: assessment session + 4 focused online lessons

This format can be especially useful during the summer break, before the new school year, before an exam, recording or performance, after a long break from piano, or when the student feels that regular practice is not bringing the expected progress.

The goal is not simply to add more pieces or more practice time. The goal is to understand what exactly is blocking progress and to build a clearer, more effective way of working.

Please write to me with a short description of the student’s age, level, current repertoire and what feels most difficult at the moment.

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 music theory, in which we'll go over the essentials (and more) for smooth coasting in the music world. Whatever your main focus might be instrumentally, or if you just want to know more about how music works, these lessons are for you!

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.

Sarasvati

4.87

(87)

Hello and nice to meet you! My name is Sara ~

My experience with guitar started with classical guitar when I was 6 years old and moving on to playing electric guitar at age 14.
Being immersed in playing primarily blues and jazz music.

I have taught students who not only do music as a hobby, but also students with serious career plans in music. I am open to various styles of playing guitar (jazz, blues, fingerstyle, funk, free improvisation and other popular genres) to all levels.

My approach is heavily focused on individual student's goals and needs: If you are just starting to play the instrument, for instance, we will focus on learning the basic technique through simple and easy songs.
If you are intermediate or advanced player already, we will focus on refining your already existing knowledge and find improvements to work on. Or, we can focus on specific themes, for instance improvisation, transcribing, technique and so on.

I also enjoy music theory very much and as I too struggled with grasping the concept when I was younger I am now more than happy to be able to present the world of music theory to anyone who is interested.
We can begin with the basics that can help you improve on your instrument or we can dive deeper into more advanced fields of jazz theory.
Whether you would like to learn music theory for practicality or you have an exam soon and would like to revise/learn more, I am more than happy to help you out on your music theory journey.

Marta

4.87

(87)

In this course, you will learn to play the violin or viola in an enjoyable, practical way tailored 100% to your personal goals and learning style. Whether you are picking up an instrument for the very first time or looking to refine your technique and expand your repertoire, every lesson is designed so you can enjoy making music from day one.