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Since November 2019
Instructor since November 2019
Improvise on Violin & Strings - Rethinking these instruments and their possibilities
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From 106.6 C$ /h
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The ability to improvise is not a natural skill that we are born with.
It is an understandable chain of tools that can be learned and practiced into performance. Improvisation is something that requires discipline as much as freedom, and in fact, it stems from the understanding of sounds, the music's natural grammar.

Violin is mostly seen as a melodic instrument but it can be otherwise. Outside of the classical world, rhythm reigns and the violin can be a leading rhythmical instrument too, providing solid grooves and accompaniments or challenging your fellow musicians with percussive sounds.

Furthermore, to be proficient in specific styles, it is not enough to just play scales and patterns but it is necessary to learn the colors of the proper harmonical framework which is part of an idiom.

In 10 years of teaching, I developed an approach that rethinks the function of fingerboard visualization allowing you to transpose in any key with great facility and to understand the logic behind the shapes of any chord on the fingerboard.

In these lessons, I will help you to rethink the violin out of the box, as a powerful rhythmical and harmonical instrument while deepening your melodic ability (soloing) related to the styles you want to play: Jazz, Blues, Fusion, Pop, Rock, Brazilian, World Music. [According to the style we will also be working with loops and effects]

This class is designed for musicians who already know the basics of violin techniques but addresses both beginner and advanced players in relation to the field of improvised music.

The lessons will be custom made for each student. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player I will work to adapt to your learning rhythm while keeping you challenged at the same time. You will receive regular feedback, advice, and guidance and materials.

Don't hesitate to contact me for more details!
Extra information
Important! Please contact me before the first lesson for all the specifics. Both classical violin and electric violin work for this class. The price variates for skype lessons, according to student level (Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced) and if you are a Conservatory student in The Hague
Location
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At teacher's location :
  • Smiley's Barbershop, Stille Veerkade, The Hague, Netherlands
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Online from Netherlands
About Me
My name is Cristiano, I come from Italy, I am 33 years old and I currently live and work in The Hague where I teach since 2016 several courses at The Royal Conservatory.
I am a multi-instrumentalist, composer, music theorist and educator with a passion for improvised music.

I have benefited from a unique musical education, quickly embracing different styles in addition to my classical foundations. After seven years of instrumental training (violin, guitar, singing), I decided to fully commit to jazz and improvised music and then moved in France to study under the guidance of Didier Lockwood and other outstanding musicians. Since then I have committed my life to music and music education.

My experiences, traveling and studying with great performers from all over the world, have had a radical impact on my pedagogy. Teaching music is an essential element of my musical career and development as I believe that to inspire music in others I need to keep being inspired myself; in fact, teaching provides me with an extra reason to be the best musician I can. I believe that there is no other art form so inherently “dialogical” as music, no other that demands so much cooperation.

"Music is not a thing at all but an activity, something that people do. [ ... ] It is not true, as is often said, that music is the most abstract of the arts. On the contrary, music is to take part in the most concrete and least mediated of all artistic activities. [ ... ] How we like to music is who we are" (from Cristopher Small, Musicking, 1998)

Hope to share my passion for music with you in one of my classes!
Education
- Master Degree in Jazz and Improvised Music at the C.M.D.L in Paris
- Master Degree in Music Education at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague
(specialization in ensemble-leading and musical interaction)
- Master Degree in Philosophy at the University La Sapienza of Rome

For more details, feel free to contact me
Experience / Qualifications
I have been teaching since 2009 in a variety of professional schools doing workshops, masterclasses, ensemble leading, coaching and one to one tuition for both instrumentalists and singers. Here, in the Netherlands, I have collaborated with CODARTS in Rotterdam, the Academy of the Concertgebouworkest in Amsterdam and with the joint N.A.I.P Master program between the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, Prince Claus Conservatoire in Groningen, and Iceland Academy of the Arts in Reykjavik. Since 2016 I work at The Royal Conservatory of the Hague in several departments.
I have been performing since 2007, engaging in, and leading several projects in a variety of styles and settings from solo and duo settings to ensemble and orchestral works (including Pop, Rock, Blues, Funk, Fusion, and Jazz) throughout Italy, France and the Netherlands.
Age
Teenagers (13-17 years old)
Adults (18-64 years old)
Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Duration
45 minutes
60 minutes
90 minutes
The class is taught in
English
Italian
French
Skills
Musical styles:
Classical
Pop
Rock
Jazz
Playing techniques:
Scales & arpeggios
Reviews
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -05:00)
New York
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At teacher's location and via webcam
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
00-04
04-08
08-12
12-16
16-20
20-24
Employing the voice in a rhythmical sense is not a granted or obvious approach for singers and is sometimes overlooked by instrumentalists. However, a rhythmical foundation developed through the voice is a core element of strong musicianship for everyone in the music sector.

In these lessons, we will practice rhythm through the understanding and utilization of Konnakol (South Indian Carnatic rhythmical solfege) alongside other techniques and approach different ways to conceive of rhythm and integrate it into performance.

We will work on rhythmical freedom, phrasing, grouping and moving patterns, cross-rhythms, odd measures and different 'feels'. You will acquire new ideas, improve your timing, gain independence in your lines and obtain a set of tools to practice self-sufficiently.

"Rhythm through Voice" is designed for both singers and instrumentalists who want to enlarge their spectrum of techniques, and improve their rhythmical awareness.

[For instrumentalists: I will support you to translate and apply these techniques into your instrument]

The lessons will be custom made for each student.
I will work to adapt to your learning rhythm while keeping you challenged at the same time. You will receive regular feedback, advice, and guidance.

Don't hesitate to contact me for more details!
Read more
What is music theory? Is it just one theory? What do we do with it? How come so many of the greatest musicians didn't know even the name of the notes?

Let's dispel the myth.
They may, in fact, have lacked the names, but "knowing" in music means something else than a dusty stockpile of information and labels. Their ears, their voice, and their hands "knew" very well...

Music theory is the way we get some order into the endless realm of possibility that music allows us. Naming and conceptualizing these possibilities is very useful in many ways. It provides us with an overarching and abstract understanding of what we have done (reflective element), and it can even open up to yet unheard sound combinations (generative element). But one point remains crucial: music theories come from music practice and come back to music practice. Theories are the most useful and loyal servants for music-making, but only empty speculations without it.

In these lessons, I will help you to understand how to navigate music theories and what to do with them. I will show you a plurality of approaches to systematizing sound relations that will serve at best the music you love to play or want to compose.

The lessons will be custom made for each student.
Whether you are a beginner who simply wants a little help to get the basics right or you are a cultivated musician fond of music theory who wants to explore advanced and complex concepts out of the box, I will provide you with ideas, materials, and exercises. I will work to adapt to your learning rhythm while keeping you challenged at the same time. You will receive regular feedback, advice, and guidance

Don't hesitate to contact me for more details!
Read more
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Elsa
ENG (FR below)

Hi! I am Elsa, I am 24 and I come from France. I am currently doing a jazz master at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, after obtaining my classical bachelor at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague.
I have been playing cello for 19 years. Over the years I played in various settings: chamber music (small ensembles like trios, quartet), bands (new music), solo and orchestras such as the Nationaal Jeugdorkest and Jong Metropole (national youth jazz orchestra).
I love to play classical music but also some jazz, funk or pop! I like to play with people, create music together, improvise... And I hope this is something I can also pass on to my students!
Since 6 years I am teaching all kind of people: all ages, all level, in different languages, individual or in groups... So don't be afraid to have a try! I can teach in english and french, and if your level is not fluent we will always find a way to communicate!
I teach in The Hague, Amsterdam or online and I can come to your place to teach!
I am looking forward to meet you!

.

Bonjour! Je m'appelle Elsa, je suis française, j'ai 24 ans et je suis actuellement en master de jazz au Conservatorium van Amsterdam après avoir obtenu un bachelor classique au Conservatoire Royal de La Haye.
Ca fait 19 ans que je joue du violoncelle. Au fil des années j'ai joué dans beaucoup de contextes différents: musique de chambre, groupes, solo et orchestre (notament NJO et Jong Metropole).
J'adore jouer de la musique classique mais aussi du jazz, funk ou pop. J'aime jouer avec d'autre personnes, créer de la musique ensemble, improviser... J'espère que c'est quelque chose que je peux aussi transmettre à mes élèves!
J'enseigne la musique depuis 6 ans à toute sorte de personnes: tout les âges, tout les niveaux, en anglais et français... Alors n'hésitez pas à vous lancer!
J'enseigne à La Haye, Amsterdam ou en ligne et je peux me déplacer à votre domicile!
Au plaisir de vous rencontrer!
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Aleksandra
Discover the joy of playing the cello and performing with confidence!

Music is more than just playing the right notes—it’s about expression, creativity, and connection. As an experienced cellist and dedicated teacher, I help students of all levels develop their skills in a way that suits their individual needs and goals. Whether you're a beginner discovering the cello for the first time or an advanced player looking to refine your technique and musicality, lessons are tailored to support your journey.

Lessons focus on:
🎵 Building a solid technical foundation while keeping lessons enjoyable and engaging
🎵 Exploring different musical styles, from baroque to contemporary music
🎵 Developing musical expression and confidence in performance
🎵 Adapting to each student’s learning style and personal goals

In addition to cello lessons, I offer coaching sessions for musicians who want to overcome stage fright and enhance their stage presence. Drawing on my background in music therapy and extensive stage experience, I help musicians feel more at ease and express themselves fully on stage. These sessions incorporate breathing exercises to manage performance anxiety, increase focus, and activate a calm, present state through knowledge of the autonomic nervous system.

To further connect with your instrument, we work on free improvisation—a powerful way to tap into creativity and express emotions through music. This not only helps you feel more connected to your instrument but also deepens your overall musical experience.

Whether you're looking to master the cello or gain more confidence as a performer, I’d love to support you on your musical journey! Feel free to reach out for more details.
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Sakura
Dear friends who love music. Would you like to enjoy music even more with me? - Violin, Viola, Piano and music theory/solfege lessons for all ages and levels in Den Haag.
In my lessons, I carefully teach you how to hold the instrument, the shape of your hands, make a good sound, and how to practice to improve, all tailored to your levels. I believe that improving your instruments requires steady practice and patience at first. Even five minutes a day is better than not touching the instruments at all. If you make it a daily habit for a week, two weeks, a month, six months, or a year, your level will definitely improve, you will be able to play the songs you want to play, and you will experience the joy of playing. Even if you cannot touch an instrument, singing loud out or in your head can still practice, and you will realize how important it is for improving your musical ability and expressing yourself. Why not try expressing the words of your heart that you normally cannot put into words through the sound of the instruments? I would be happy to help you improve your musical life.

My name is Sakura. I am a baroque violinist, graduated with a master of early music department at Koninglijk Conservatorium in Den Haag. I play the modern violin, viola, medieval fiddle and keyboard instruments as well.
Happy to share the music with you with all of my experiences of my music life and what I learned. Started playing the piano at 3 years old and the violin at 7 years old, then went to the music high school and Tokyo university of the Art in Japan. Also, I have learned classical ballet, traditional Japanese dance, playing the Koto, etc. All of that experience and fun are in my music. I hope to help you enjoy music even more.
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Contact Cristiano
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Elsa
ENG (FR below)

Hi! I am Elsa, I am 24 and I come from France. I am currently doing a jazz master at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, after obtaining my classical bachelor at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague.
I have been playing cello for 19 years. Over the years I played in various settings: chamber music (small ensembles like trios, quartet), bands (new music), solo and orchestras such as the Nationaal Jeugdorkest and Jong Metropole (national youth jazz orchestra).
I love to play classical music but also some jazz, funk or pop! I like to play with people, create music together, improvise... And I hope this is something I can also pass on to my students!
Since 6 years I am teaching all kind of people: all ages, all level, in different languages, individual or in groups... So don't be afraid to have a try! I can teach in english and french, and if your level is not fluent we will always find a way to communicate!
I teach in The Hague, Amsterdam or online and I can come to your place to teach!
I am looking forward to meet you!

.

Bonjour! Je m'appelle Elsa, je suis française, j'ai 24 ans et je suis actuellement en master de jazz au Conservatorium van Amsterdam après avoir obtenu un bachelor classique au Conservatoire Royal de La Haye.
Ca fait 19 ans que je joue du violoncelle. Au fil des années j'ai joué dans beaucoup de contextes différents: musique de chambre, groupes, solo et orchestre (notament NJO et Jong Metropole).
J'adore jouer de la musique classique mais aussi du jazz, funk ou pop. J'aime jouer avec d'autre personnes, créer de la musique ensemble, improviser... J'espère que c'est quelque chose que je peux aussi transmettre à mes élèves!
J'enseigne la musique depuis 6 ans à toute sorte de personnes: tout les âges, tout les niveaux, en anglais et français... Alors n'hésitez pas à vous lancer!
J'enseigne à La Haye, Amsterdam ou en ligne et je peux me déplacer à votre domicile!
Au plaisir de vous rencontrer!
verified badge
Aleksandra
Discover the joy of playing the cello and performing with confidence!

Music is more than just playing the right notes—it’s about expression, creativity, and connection. As an experienced cellist and dedicated teacher, I help students of all levels develop their skills in a way that suits their individual needs and goals. Whether you're a beginner discovering the cello for the first time or an advanced player looking to refine your technique and musicality, lessons are tailored to support your journey.

Lessons focus on:
🎵 Building a solid technical foundation while keeping lessons enjoyable and engaging
🎵 Exploring different musical styles, from baroque to contemporary music
🎵 Developing musical expression and confidence in performance
🎵 Adapting to each student’s learning style and personal goals

In addition to cello lessons, I offer coaching sessions for musicians who want to overcome stage fright and enhance their stage presence. Drawing on my background in music therapy and extensive stage experience, I help musicians feel more at ease and express themselves fully on stage. These sessions incorporate breathing exercises to manage performance anxiety, increase focus, and activate a calm, present state through knowledge of the autonomic nervous system.

To further connect with your instrument, we work on free improvisation—a powerful way to tap into creativity and express emotions through music. This not only helps you feel more connected to your instrument but also deepens your overall musical experience.

Whether you're looking to master the cello or gain more confidence as a performer, I’d love to support you on your musical journey! Feel free to reach out for more details.
verified badge
Sakura
Dear friends who love music. Would you like to enjoy music even more with me? - Violin, Viola, Piano and music theory/solfege lessons for all ages and levels in Den Haag.
In my lessons, I carefully teach you how to hold the instrument, the shape of your hands, make a good sound, and how to practice to improve, all tailored to your levels. I believe that improving your instruments requires steady practice and patience at first. Even five minutes a day is better than not touching the instruments at all. If you make it a daily habit for a week, two weeks, a month, six months, or a year, your level will definitely improve, you will be able to play the songs you want to play, and you will experience the joy of playing. Even if you cannot touch an instrument, singing loud out or in your head can still practice, and you will realize how important it is for improving your musical ability and expressing yourself. Why not try expressing the words of your heart that you normally cannot put into words through the sound of the instruments? I would be happy to help you improve your musical life.

My name is Sakura. I am a baroque violinist, graduated with a master of early music department at Koninglijk Conservatorium in Den Haag. I play the modern violin, viola, medieval fiddle and keyboard instruments as well.
Happy to share the music with you with all of my experiences of my music life and what I learned. Started playing the piano at 3 years old and the violin at 7 years old, then went to the music high school and Tokyo university of the Art in Japan. Also, I have learned classical ballet, traditional Japanese dance, playing the Koto, etc. All of that experience and fun are in my music. I hope to help you enjoy music even more.
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