Music Theory/Composition in Classical/Jazz for Beginners/Intermediates

From 60 C$ /h

Understanding music theory is essential when becoming a musician of any kind, as it deepens one's knowledge of how exactly music works. The more one knows about it, the better they can listen to, perform and write music. In the rich history of the subject, a clear narrative of evolution can be found that shows how music has arrived at the stage it is at today, all of which can be seen in the application of music theory and how it has changed over time. This is my biggest passion, and I would love to share my knowledge with any beginners wanting to develop/strengthen their musical competency or intermediates who want to focus on a specific aspect of classical or jazz and really understand how it works.

As an introduction to myself: I have studied music theory and composition for a few years in various countries at various institutions (private lessons in Düsseldorf, briefly at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and currently at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna), and have had experience in tutoring/teaching since I tutored math, history, and biology in school to friends of mine. I like to think my ability to teach comes from my parents, who are both teachers and whose passion for helping others learn definitely influenced me! I have experience with teaching children, where I helped many younger students with playing music when I was in high-school, meaning I know how to make learning a fun process for just about anyone. Music and teaching are two of my biggest passions, and I have been told that is quite noticeable simply upon meeting me, as my enthusiasm is very contagious.

I guarantee that every student will receive their very own lesson plan catered exactly to what the student wishes or needs to learn, and what I believe the best way to learn it would be. Lessons could cover categories such as:
- Learning music notation in all its different forms and how to read scores from solo instruments to extremely large ensembles (learning the skills of instrumentation and arranging as well)
- Music history and the analysis of works from notable composers from any era of classical or jazz
- Music theory essentials that are likely to come up on any music theory test such as four part writing, figured bass, any form of cadence, writing traditional melodies and countermelodies
- Composition techniques used throughout history and how one can use the music of the past to influence the music of the future.
The lesson plan will also be adjusted to make sure that learning is happening at a pace that works with the student. There can be regularly scheduled tests for the student in any of the different categories mentioned above in order to ensure that the student fully understands what is being taught.

Music is one of the greatest things in the world, and I can safely say that being able to help others learn all the amazing components of music as I have is something I take incredibly seriously. I will make sure that whether after one lesson, ten, or twenty, you will come away from this knowing more than you did before.

Extra information

Resources required will be dependant on the student's needs, but all learning resources will generally be accessible online and free.

Location

Online from Austria

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

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

German

Skills

Music theory

Music composition

Jazz 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

Lydia

4.97

(35)

Welcome to my piano teaching studio! I am a professional pianist offering private piano and theory lessons for students of all levels. As a pianist with over 14 years of teaching experience in Europe and the USA, as well as over 23 years of playing/performing, I enjoy motivating my students with music of their own preferred style and interest, whether that be classical or contemporary. My main goal is to promote a positive experience and love for music-making during the learning process. If the student is interested in a more structured approach, I guide preparation for grades 1-8 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) piano and music theory exams where my students consistently receive highest marks. I also have successful experience preparing students for conservatory entrance auditions, masterclasses, and competitions in the Europe, the USA, India, and Canada. We have class concerts at Pianos Maene for interested students twice per year. I am happy to provide either a more relaxed or a serious approach to learning piano, we simply need to discuss the personal goals and preferences of each student.

My own studies are as follows: I have obtained two postgraduate performance degrees at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp: "Concertsoloist" in Piano Performance and "Chamber Music” (under the guidance of esteemed professor Sergei Edelmann). Prior to this, I received my Bachelor and Masters degrees in Piano Performance/Music from the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis (with Prof. Lydia Artymiw) and Texas Christian University, Fort Worth (with Dr. Tamas Ungar). My experience includes collaboration with many different instrumentalists and singers, performing as a soloist and collaborative member in several orchestras, and receiving top prizes in several competitions. While maintaining my performance and recording career in Belgium at present, I am developing my private music studio in central Antwerp and look forward to meeting new students.

Maria

4.97

(35)

Welcome to my online Piano Class.
I am Maria Papadatou, and I will happily help you achieve your musical goals, from zero to the top.
I love all student levels, but only towards the classical piano, of any eras' works and composers.
Don't be afraid, my lesson is human-friendly 😊
Everything goes step by step!
Outside the lesson time, I send you short videos when needed, to support your practice through the week.

As each student is different, I focus on each ones' needs and I am always creative in helping you learn through the simplest ways - "if it's easy, it's correct", that's my motto!
My greatest happiness is to watch my students grow, overcome any limit and expand in full potential!

As a result, many of my students have won top prizes at major international competitions, as the IBLA Grand Prize, the Spoleto International Piano Competition, the Bach au Jazz (Lilia Boyadjieva) International Piano Competition and many others. And also, at renown online competitions, as The Royal, the IYMC, the Forte Academy, and many-many others.

As a Certified teacher on the official RSL Awards Teacher Registry (MusicTeacher.com), I can now offer the RSL Classical Piano programme - a well-established international piano qualification, equivalent in level to ABRSM but with more flexibility.

So, in case you need a competition or exam preparation, here you are at the right place!
I will help you discover the advanced piano technique, and the ways to achieve your best musical interpretation.
Also, I'll help you understand and approach each composers' unique style, and secure your concert / stage presence, with simple and effective solutions for memorisation and control.

I am a very proud piano teacher too, as, except all other distinctions, on Jan 11 2026 four young students of mine were awarded and invited to performed at the winners Gala at the Carnegie Hall in New York City! They also participated to the Juilliard School festival, with masterclass and lessons, a fabulous chance and experience that I wish all young pianists could have!

I wish I can always bring such great opportunities and successes to all of my "piano kids"!

Giorgia

4.97

(35)

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

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

Jeremy

4.97

(35)

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.

Andrea

4.97

(35)

Hello! I've been teaching continuously for over 10 years, and I'd like to explain what you can expect from a class with me.

Personalized approach: The most important thing is to know what you want to achieve. I will tailor the lessons to your needs: playing for pleasure at home is not the same as preparing for entrance exams (although always with the same rigor). Your goals will influence the methodology, the organization of your studies, the repertoire, and so on.

Relaxed (but rigorous) environment: Once you've defined your goals, classes will be dynamic and pressure-free. Note! "Relaxed" doesn't mean undemanding; we'll just avoid military methods—especially given my personality and sense of humor.

Music, not just notes: My methods are very dynamic, with a special emphasis on hearing and musicality. No "read, play, and turn the page." I avoid approaches obsessed with reading sheet music without memorizing, listening, or understanding what is being played. I want you to own your performance and make artistic decisions. Warning! I might even make you sing.

No stylistic barriers: Thanks to my training in Jazz and Modern Music, I give equal importance to all genres. Adapting to your tastes, we'll go from baroque to blues, from Haydn to bebop... or even Michael Jackson. Why not?

If you identify with this approach, contact me! Learning the cello is a pleasure, and I'd love to share it with you!

Ana

4.97

(35)

One very supportive piano teacher whose main goal is to make you love music and piano playing, and enjoy your time at the instrument!! :)
I am an graduated pianist from Croatia getting my second diploma at Liszt Ferenc Academy in Budapest. I am here to help you learn piano or improve your piano skills. I am teaching also any genre apart from classical music, on any level. I have grand piano at my apartment, but I am also open to come at your home or teach you online. I am looking forward to help you! :)

Natalia

4.97

(35)

I am Natalia, a pianist, composer, and music teacher. Music plays a central role in my life and forms the basis of everything I do: playing, creating, and teaching.

At the piano, I constantly discover and develop new musical ideas. Composing music is a natural way for me to express feelings, atmosphere, and stories. Sometimes a composition originates from a small motif or a simple melody that slowly develops into a complete piece of music. My inspiration comes from various sources: life, emotions, nature, films, stories, and moments of silence in which music can arise spontaneously.

My music moves between various styles, with a strong emphasis on melody, atmosphere, and emotion. The foundation often lies in the piano sound, but the musical language I use can contain classical influences as well as modern, cinematic, or popular elements. I love music that evokes images and tells a story, as if the listener can feel a scene or a world simply by listening.

In addition to composing, I also share my musical experience as a music teacher. In my piano lessons, I want to teach students not only how to play notes, but also how to understand, interpret, and experience music. For me, learning music is a process in which technique, listening, creativity, and expression come together. Therefore, in my lessons, I pay attention to musicality, interpretation, and developing a personal musical voice.

My experience as a composer also influences my teaching style. I help students not only to perform music, but also to understand how music is structured and how a melody, harmony, or rhythm is created. In this way, they not only learn to play the piano but also develop deeper musical insight and creativity.

To me, music is a living art form that is constantly growing. As a pianist, composer, and teacher, I want to continue creating, sharing, and passing on music to

I write and play music for a variety of projects where powerful and meaningful music is needed. For example:

• films and short films
• television programs and documentaries
• theatre and stage productions
• commercials and advertising campaigns
• original songs and musical projects
• live piano music for events and special occasions

As mentioned earlier, in addition to composing and performing, I also share my passion for music with others through piano lessons. In my lessons, I guide students—from beginners to advanced—not only to learn to play the piano, but also to truly understand, feel, and create music.

For me, music is more than sounds – it is a way to tell stories, share emotions, and connect people.

Welcome to my musical world.

Steve

4.97

(35)

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?

David

4.97

(35)

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.

4.97

(35)

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)

Brent

4.97

(35)

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

4.97

(35)

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

4.97

(35)

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!

Andrej

4.97

(35)

### 🎸 Learn Guitar with Confidence and Enjoyment!

Want to learn guitar, improve your technique, or finally play the songs you love? I’m a passionate guitar teacher offering personalized lessons for beginners and intermediate players.

My lessons are adapted to your goals, musical taste, and level. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time, want to improve your chords and rhythm, or would like to develop your soloing and improvisation skills, I’ll help you make steady progress while keeping lessons enjoyable and motivating.

**In our lessons, we can work on:**

* 🎵 Chords, rhythm, and strumming
* 🎸 Scales, riffs, and guitar techniques
* 🎶 Learning your favorite songs
* 🎼 Music theory and understanding the fretboard
* 🔥 Improvisation and soloing
* 💪 Building confidence and good practice habits

I believe the best way to learn guitar is by playing music you actually enjoy. My goal is to make every lesson practical, encouraging, and tailored specifically to you.

**No matter your age or experience level, you’re welcome!** Let’s pick up the guitar and start making music.

Marta

4.97

(35)

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.