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

From 70 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

70 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

Sergio

4.87

(87)

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.

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.

Jim

4.87

(87)

Hi, my name is Jim. I'm an electronic music producer with a Master’s degree in Music from the Fontys Academy of Arts (Rockacademie) in Tilburg, Netherlands. Music has always been my way of exploring the world — through raw field recordings, synthesis, and emotional storytelling. Over the past 12 years, I’ve developed a complete, self-sufficient creative process: from concept to composition, sound design to vocal production, mixing, mastering, and live performance. I’m passionate about helping others gain those same end-to-end technical skills — so they can bring their own musical vision fully to life.

As Malvae, I’ve written, sung, recorded, produced, mixed, mastered, and performed all of my work. My music reached #17 in the Spotify Viral 50 charts in the USA, gathered millions of streams, and featured in international film productions including King of the Streets and Netflix’s Terrace House Japan. One of the most formative moments in my career was my Amazonas album project, where I traveled into the Amazon rainforest to record and manipulate natural sounds. 90% of that album was created entirely from these field recordings, reshaped through granular synthesis and advanced sound design into a cohesive sonic journey. That experience deeply shaped how I approach my music and how I teach sound design and composition.

I’ve headlined shows at iconic venues like Melkweg Amsterdam with immersive, self-built audiovisual live sets using Ableton Live, modular gear, sequencers, and Resolume for live integrated visuals. I curated my own events and performed at venues like A’dam Tower, OT301. I also teach at studios such as Wisseloord in Hilversum, guiding students through the technical and creative intersections of sound and performance.

Selected Works & Collaborations:

My EP Like Bees to a Hive began as a soundscape for fashion brand Lobomar’s collection Final Orders, Please, presented at the Amsterdam World Museum. I collaborated with South African poet Julia-Beth Harris, integrating her spoken word into a seamless, atmospheric release. From sequential Prophet 6 textures to ADX1 drum machine layers and detailed field recordings, I handled every layer, from concept through multitrack production to the final live performance in London.

My Chrysalis EP, released as a limited-edition heavyweight red vinyl, pushed that even further, combining ethereal vocals, analog grit, and unique textures to craft an emotionally rich release. I personally led every part of the project’s technical and creative execution, from arrangement and vocal production to final mixing, mastering and vinyl press preparation.

In addition to my own projects, I’ve worked as a vocal producer and mixing engineer, including on Esther Veen’s EP Before I Go, where I handled recording, complex vocal layering, creative processing, production, multivocal arrangement and final mixing to deliver a polished, high-impact sound.

About the lessons:

My sessions are fully customised to your experience level, goals and grounded in real-world music production. Whether you’re just getting started or want to deepen your technical ability, you’ll learn how to develop professional workflows and the creative independence to finish what you start.

We can explore:

- Building advanced music production workflows and creative strategies
- Recording, Composition, arrangement, and storytelling through sound
- Full-stack mixing and mastering — from bedroom setups to pro-level delivery
- Synthesis and sampling — from sound shaping basics to high-level manipulation
- Multi vocal production, vocal recording, editing, layering, FX, and creative processing techniques
- Translating your music into a compelling live set with Ableton Live
- Applying music theory practically in electronic, cinematic, and contemporary music

Lessons are available online or in-person at my studio in Amsterdam. For online students, I use high-quality real-time tools that allow us to collaborate with full-resolution audio directly from your DAW — no screen sharing limitations, just real work in real time.

My own musical path often started by blending the sounds I encountered in the world, whether from distant rainforests or my own voice , into something personal and expressive.
I found my sound that way, and I’d love to help you find yours.

(And don’t worry — we won’t have to go to the ends of the earth to do it. I’ll show you how to turn the sounds you already have into something truly your own.)

Whether you're just starting out or ready to go deeper, I look forward to helping you grow through structured, creative, and technically grounded electronic music education.

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)

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.

Julia

4.87

(87)

Do you make music at home, but always wanted to record a song for fun?

If you are learning how to play it, I have the gear to help you create and record a song, so you can share it with your friends and family, or just have it for yourself.
I can play a lot of instruments and create tracks to accompany you. You can write a song or make a recording of you playing something you are working on. Depending on your level and experience with music, it would be a great way to learn some music theory too.

I am Julia, a professional musician originally from Montreal, Canada. I have lived in the Netherlands for 4 years and have a Master's degree in Music. I compose, engineer, and perform music. I also love to teach, I have experience with ages 9 to 90. I want to get the song in your head out into the air.

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 want to explore the world of (electronic) music production or take your skills to the next level? Whether you're a complete beginner or already have some experience, I can help you elevate your music production to new heights!

What I offer:
🎧 Music Theory & Sound Design: Discover how to create catchy melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. Learn sound design techniques, music theory, and tips & tricks to develop your own unique sound.
🎛️ FL Studio Expertise: Master the ins and outs of FL Studio (Fruity Loops) – from the basics to advanced techniques (VSTs, creating melodies, writing drum patterns, mixing, mastering, and more).
🎶 Work with Your DAW: Do you use a different program like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or Cubase? No problem! I adapt to your preferred software.
🎹 Practical & Accessible: No prior knowledge required! Everyone is welcome, whether you want to produce house, rap, techno, pop, or any other genre.

About the lessons:
- Personalized Guidance: Lessons are tailored to your needs and skill level.
Online and In-Person Options: Flexibility to choose the format that suits you best.
- Use of Professional Tools: You'll learn to work with professional tools, ensuring your tracks sound polished and ready for release.

What you need:
- A laptop/computer.
- Motivation to bring your musical vision to life!

Who am I?
Hey, I’m Brent! With over 8 years of experience in music production and a degree to back it up, I produce music under the name Pai Napple. You can find my tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more. I’ve garnered millions of streams and collaborated with well-known artists. My main genres are rap, pop, R&B, and EDM. I also sell music to other artists and for TV and film.

Interested?
Ready to start? Send me a message to learn more or book a lesson directly. Let’s kickstart your musical journey together! 🎶

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 electric bass
- Understanding and coming up with a bassline
- What makes it groove?
- How to improvise: soloing and walking bass
- 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

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

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!

Mark

4.87

(87)

🎹 Jazz and Classical Piano –Enhance your technique, Jazz standards, improvisation, comping, voicings, rhythm, phrasing, and stylistic interpretation.

🎼 Jazz Harmony – Chord progressions, functional harmony, reharmonization, modal interchange, voice leading, and chord extensions.

✍️ Composition – Learn to write original music, develop melodies, harmonies, musical form, and your own artistic voice.

🎷 Arranging – Create professional arrangements for solo piano, bands, and ensembles using modern jazz techniques.

🎵 Music Theory – Build a strong theoretical foundation to understand and perform music with confidence.

👂 Ear Training – Improve your musical ear through interval recognition, chord identification, transcription, and harmonic listening.

✨ Improvisation – Develop confidence in creating expressive solos and spontaneous musical ideas.

Bastien

4.87

(87)

Would you like to start playing guitar, pick it up again after a break, or overcome a challenge? Do you have a song in mind, a solo that's giving you trouble, or simply the desire to discover unexpected things? Do you want to create your own music, lead a specific project, or express yourself on social media?

I offer individual online lessons, tailored to your level, your tastes and the time you have available.

🎼 Support that starts with you

Are you a beginner? We'll gradually build the foundations through pieces that will inspire you to play. Do you already have some experience? We can refine your technique, improve your interpretation, or understand what's hindering your progress.

Is a chord change not flowing smoothly? Is a fast passage proving difficult despite repetition? We take the time to understand what the problem is. I regularly create customized exercises directly related to the difficulties my students encounter.

We also work on sound, rhythm, nuances and phrasing: everything that brings a performance to life.

The goal is for you to know what to work on, how to do it, and why, even between lessons. I also help you organize your practice to progress with realistic goals and maintain the joy of playing.

🎵 My journey

I am a guitarist and composer, holding two master's degrees obtained at the IMEP in Namur in classical guitar and classical writing.
I have been teaching for 11 years to children, teenagers and adults, in academies, non-profit organizations, private lessons, online and in higher education. These experiences have taught me to adapt my explanations to very different profiles, from the first contact with the instrument to higher musical studies.

I enjoy performing classical music as much as playing a rock riff or transforming a film theme into a guitar arrangement. This curiosity runs through my career and my teaching: I love discovering my students' musical world and helping them bring it to life.

My stage experience ranges from rock bands to solo classical guitar, trios, and quartets. I compose for various ensembles and create numerous arrangements of film scores, video game soundtracks, and songs. One of my pieces was notably performed by the IMEP Grand Choir.

This dual experience as a guitarist and composer informs my teaching: I enjoy explaining what lies behind the notes, understanding the technical challenges, and illuminating choices in harmony, structure, and interpretation, with accessible guidelines for every level. My curiosity for film, literature, computer science, and Japanese culture also enriches the projects I develop with my students.

🎸 What do you feel like playing or creating?

• Classical guitar: repertoire from early music to contemporary music, technique, sound, interpretation and expression.

• Electric guitar: rock, metal, pop, riffs, solos and sound engineering.

• Accompaniment: chords, rhythms, variety and French songs, for playing alone, singing or accompanying other musicians.

• Music from films and video games: play your favorite themes or adapt them for guitar.

• Music theory: understanding chords, harmony, rhythm and the construction of pieces, with explanations linked to practice.

• Composition and arrangement: develop your ideas, write your music or transform a piece to make it your own.

🎵 A place for music in your everyday life

In my teaching, I place equal importance on understanding and the enjoyment of playing. I like to make complex concepts accessible, seeking what will help each student progress and giving them the tools to become independent. My wish is that everyone can develop a practice that suits them, with curiosity, confidence, and the desire to continue.

The courses welcome beginners as well as advanced musicians, with teaching methods adapted to the age and background of each individual.

Tell me what you would like to play or learn, and where you are today!

Vivek

4.87

(87)

I specialise in teaching acoustic/electric guitar, ukulele and music theory to beginner and intermediate students.

Noteworthy aspects of my teaching method:

-> Seamlessly integrated graded curricula of credible and extremely popular music examination boards like Rockschool and Trinity. These provide fantastic song options for all levels of students, especially beginners!

-> All the associated material is designed to instil good habits, inspire confidence and keep you, the student, motivated throughout your learning journey!

-> The courses offered have pedagogically sound sequencing. That is, the lesson order is optimised for maximising your learning and growth. It is wholesome and gives just good enough returns for the effort you decide to put in.

-> Lessons are often backed by additional material for reference and practice.

-> Special emphasis on being creative right from the beginning. Create your own melodies, chord progressions, improvise and eventually write your own songs!