Music Theory Lessons for All Levels with a Composer-Conductor

From 145 C$ /h

Let's learn music theory at your own pace! Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your existing knowledge, my Music Theory for All Levels course is designed to be flexible. I've taught many topics, from the basics of reading music, college level ear-training, Renaissance and Baroque counterpoint, Classical harmonic analysis, Jazz harmony, and 20th century techniques.

We’ll use your prefered music and instruments (or voice!) to make the learning process relevant and enjoyable. Whether you're a curious beginner, a performer looking to refine your knowledge, or a composer aiming for a deeper dive, this course is for everyone.

Location

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At student's location :

Around Berlin, Germany

At teacher's location :

Reinickendorfer Straße, Berlin, Germany

Online from Germany

About Me

Stephen Mulligan is one of the rare American conductors whose composition practice is an integral part of his artistry.

During the 2026/27 season, he returns to the Royal Danish Opera Academy to conduct Missy Mazzoli’s Proving Up and debuts with Ensemble Paramirabo, Chants Libres, and the North Carolina Symphony. Also this season, percussionist David Moliner will premiere his Rotor at the Elbphilharmonie, the FES Ensemble will record his Off Course in Rotterdam, and the Berlin Academy of American Music will reprise his prize-winning septet Passacaglia.

Mulligan has appeared as a guest conductor with the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Filarmonica Transilvania, Gulbenkian Orchestra, Athelas Ensemble, Ensemble MusikFabrik, Cincinnati Opera, and University of North Texas Opera, among others.

Mulligan is the winner of the Aspen Conducting Prize, the Dina Koston Composition Prize, and a three-time recipient of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award. He has earned a reputation for delivering under pressure: as the Associate Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, he jumped in to conduct three classical subscription concerts within six weeks (“‘Superman’ Stephen Mulligan again steps in,” Arts ATL); as a Dudamel Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, he jumped in for Gustavo Dudamel on an all-Beethoven program (“full of color and shot through with light," bachtrack).

Mulligan’s compositions are published by Universal Edition (Vienna) since 2026. His solo-work for singing contrabassist Haiku inspired the founding of the Begüm Aslan Composition Contest, resulting in the creation of dozens of new works. As an arranger, his orchestration of Ravel’s Toccata debuted in Little Rock to a glowing review (“brilliantly orchestrated,” Arkansas Democrat Gazette) and his arrangement of Simon and Garfunkel’s "The Boxer" for The Yale Whiffenpoofs has been performed around the world. Last season, Mulligan was an artist-in-residence at Willapa Bay AiR in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

Inspired by conductor-composers before him, he is a passionate advocate for living composers, exploring how musical traditions and frontiers enrich each other. He led the US premiere of Tyshawn Sorey’s Pulitzer Prize winning Saxophone Concerto and many other notable premieres, and he has enthusiastically commissioned new works since his undergraduate days as Music Director of the Berkeley College Orchestra at Yale University.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Mulligan began his music studies with his father Gregory, a former violinist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He studied conducting with Gustav Meier and Marin Alsop at the Peabody Institute and with Robert Spano at the Aspen Music Festival, and he studied composition with Jörg Widmann at the Barenboim-Said Akademie (Berlin).

Education

Yale University, Bachelor of the Arts, Violin and Conducting
Peabody Institute, Masters in Music, Orchestral Conducting
Barenboim-Said Akademie (Berlin), Artist Diploma in Composition

Experience / Qualifications

Peabody Institute, Music Theory and Ear Training Faculty
Goethe-Institute, C1 Certification (German)
Los Angeles Philharmonic, Dudamel Fellow
Cincinnati Opera, Resident Conductor

Age

Preschool children (4-6 years old)

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

90 minutes

120 minutes

The class is taught in

English

German

Skills

Music theory

Music theory lessons

Reviews

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

At teacher's location and via webcam

At student's home

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Musical Composition for all Levels with a Composer-Conductor

145 C$ /h

Are you stuck? I can help!

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

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

Private German Tutoring for Native English Speakers (for levels A1-C1)

145 C$ /h

As an American with a C1 Goethe-Institut certificate in German, I understand the long journey of learning this difficult language! I can help you wherever you are on your German path, from the basics to complex grammar, from understanding everyday language to working on your pronunciation.

I have spent time carefully collecting resources that help native English speakers...for example, things that help with speech rhythm and accentuation...which not a lot of teachers teach, but which make a huge difference. In any case, I can custom-tailor our lessons based on your needs.

George

5.0

(10)

I am an experienced and enthusiastic guitar tutor from Leeds, England, living in Berlin. I have a bachelor’s degree in jazz guitar from Leeds College of Music although I also play and teach rock, pop, funk, folk, and indie music.

In lessons, I aim to get students to play something they know as soon as possible in order to get excited about progress early on. We balance this with paying attention to proper technique and having one eye on the theory behind what we are playing to broaden your understanding of how music works.

I am actively engaged in playing within the music scene and have a real excitement for all types of music, whether it’s learning your first chords on guitar or working on improvisation or music theory. We'll go at the right pace for you and achieve your goals together.

I have experience teaching all ages and abilities of students, having taught in primary and secondary schools as well as private tuition for adults. From complete beginners to preparing a student for their college auditions.

Lessons are tailored to suit the needs of the student, in order to have lessons that push you to learn to the best of your ability whilst still being fun and musical.

Joshua

5.0

(10)

This class is perfect for those who can already play the piano and want to improve their skills or add some jazzy elements to their music. This class focuses on the skills needed to understand and play jazz piano with confidence, looking at everything from scales to comping patterns and the necessary theory to help you develop an understanding of what and when to play.

Curragh

5.0

(10)

Hi everyone! My name is Curragh and I am a guitar teacher from the UK.

Learning an instrument is hugely rewarding and a great investment, one that I believe is accessible to anyone. Perhaps you're intrigued by the guitar and want to give it a go... maybe you are a parent looking to relax for an hour and have fun or enrich your child’s development and give them a skill they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.

I am a lifelong lover of music with a bachelor's degree in Jazz Guitar from Leeds Conservatoire and a BTEC diploma with distinction in Music Practice. I have played in many different ensembles and have attended the Bath International Guitar Festival in the UK, on a scholarship.

My teaching philosophy is that the ears are just as important to train as the hands and I integrate this into my lessons. It is also important to enjoy playing and feel excited by it, however, as this is the best motivator for students! It's how I learned after all...

I am happy to teach absolute beginners through to advanced students, ages 7 and up. If you have a particular style of music you are interested in or some favorite songs you've always wanted to learn, we can cover them!

If you are more advanced and want to bring your playing to the next level, I can coach you so you develop your unique 'voice' on the instrument and have a technique to burn.

Dusan

5.0

(10)

Learning jazz is learning 20th and 21st century popular music,since that's where it's roots are coming from.Whether being a rock musician,hip hop producer,or a pop singer,jazz is what brings everything to another level.Mastering jazz phrasing,gives any musician an elite level of rhythmical fluency.
I also teach classical music,and I highly recommend it,especially for beginners,for developing the right habits from the start.
In this class,I deal with music theory,rhythm,harmony and improvisation,and for pianists,since I am one,also with piano technique,and reading music.

Francisco

5.0

(10)

Hello!
Alright, I'll break it down into parts. If you look for a more "narrowed description" just scroll down to where I made a list :)

My name is Francisco, and I'm a guitar player from Argentina, currently living in Berlin.
I am very enthusiastic about teaching and sharing the energy to grow musically with my students.
I have taught music for 7 years in schools and privately at home. With private lessons, my aim is to adjust to the student's likes and abilities. I am attentive to the needs and the reasons why someone is wanting to play and learn music. And I try to encourage the curiosity and spirit of making music and not follow what is "considered" that you should learn.

What to expect from the first lesson with me?
To get to know each other. That way I see what you like and what you don't, what you already play, and your learning pace. Probably I can share with you something new already, and from there, we will build a "program" according to what you want your rhythm and time availability. I value singularity and I like to get to know who I teach, so that way I can help them better. It can be first chords and ways of learning new songs, improvisational tools, or pure harmony and theory stuff.
Because everyone is different, for example, if you like Rock I will go in that direction and teach you the elements that make Rock sound like it does and I won't teach you Jazz Harmony, if you like Classical music we will go over the abilities that you have to have to execute this kind of music, the same goes for the styles that I play.

My skills:
I play and have played mainly Fingerstyle Guitar, Jazz, Argentine Tango, Jazz Manouche, Rock, Rockabilly, and Experimental. I have worked a lot playing Bossa Nova at some point. I don't like teaching something that I don't know. So for example, oriental music I couldn't teach. And if we come to a point where I am not helpful anymore, I will say so. What I do like is learning with students, it is often the case that your students teach you new ways of thinking about music and I find that super exciting!

I was lucky to travel a bit of the world playing music with different projects and musicians that I admire, I always did this playing mainly Jazz music. I have played in bars and clubs and theaters in New York, Boston, Buenos Aires, and in different cities around Switzerland, Germany, France, Holland.
I was also part of several orchestras (Jazz, Tango, and Rock) in Argentina and the US.

I teach beginner - intermediate - advanced levels of different topics:
- how to improve technique (right hand and left hand)
- how to improvise (elements of improvisation, vocabulary, phrasing, etc.)
- how to visualize the fretboard
- how to learn songs by ear, and how to read music (or tab)
- how harmony and music theory work
- specific genres such as Jazz, Gypsy Jazz, Bossa Nova, Tango, Rock, and Fingerstyle.

The lessons can be also in German (basic, so you might need a bit of patience with me!), Spanish (that's my mother tongue), or English. They can be at my place (Wedding), all corona safe, or online via Zoom/Skype.

Shoot me a message if you are interested!
All the best,
Francisco

Ella

5.0

(10)

Piano, music theory, chamber music lessons, accompaniment.
Experienced piano teacher who is available for private lessons in person or online.
All levels students age 12 and above are welcome, as well as students with special needs (any age)
Familiar with ABRSM, TRINITY, NZMEB, IB exams requirements. Spoken languages: English, Bulgarian

Franziska

5.0

(10)

Cello lessons individually tailored to your needs. I will help you to achieve your goals and work with you on cello repertoire, chamber music and orchestral literature. I would also be happy to work with you on a structured practice plan with techniques and helpful tools that is optimally tailored to your needs and helps you to integrate making music into your life. An important focus in my teaching is also on mental health and physical well-being.
With me, every student is welcome, no matter what level!

MacIej

5.0

(10)

Hello! I offer professional guitar lessons for electric, acoustic, classical, and ukulele in a friendly, stress-free atmosphere for both beginners and advanced players. I've been teaching for about six years and have been involved with the instrument for over twelve years.

I'm a finalist in global competitions and a winner in national contests, both as a solo artist and in groups.

Whether you're taking your first steps or need help with technique and theory, you've come to the right place! I approach the instrument comprehensively. We can work on specific styles: technical prog metal playing, rock, jazz standards, blues, classical, fingerstyle. I also have significant knowledge of recording and guitar processing in DAW software and can assist in that area as well.

Online lessons via Skype, Zoom, Google Meets

During lessons, we mainly focus on:

Developing proper playing technique,
Playing songs you enjoy,
Improvisation,
Mastering music theory,
Navigating the fretboard smoothly,
Having a great time
After each lesson, I provide educational materials.

Haotian

5.0

(10)

Internationally active composer and music theorist (M.Mus) currently accepting students for the following subjects (online sessions):
-Music theory (basic to college level), including harmony, counterpoint, analysis
-Western music history (medieval to contemporary), music appreciation
-Composition, music notation (software + score preparation), electronic music, university application portfolio feedback and general application advising
-English (for academic writing)

Nuno

5.0

(10)

Hi everyone! 🎶

I’m excited to offer bass guitar lessons, sharing my passion and over 20 years of experience playing a wide range of styles—from jazz and rock, blues to funk and more.

Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player, I can help you take your skills to the next level!

✔ Lessons available in person or online via video conference
✔ Languages: German, English, Spanish, or Portuguese—depending on your preference and language practice goals.

Let’s groove and make some music together! 🎸

Yaniv

5.0

(10)

I’m Yaniv, a classical guitarist and guitar teacher with over 12 years of playing experience and 7 years of teaching experience.

In my lessons, we focus on enjoying the guitar — building skills, confidence, and a love for the music you play.
We can work together on proper technique, reading notation and tabs, playing songs or classical pieces, improvisation, ear training, rhythm, and music theory — all tailored to your personal goals and level.

I understand every student’s journey, because I’ve been there myself. I started learning on my own, and only when I found great teachers did I realize how much professional guidance can make a real difference.

That’s why I design a personalized learning plan for each student, helping them progress in the best and most enjoyable way possible.

I truly love teaching and guiding students through their musical journeys.
For me, it feels like a calling — a way to pass on the rich traditions and knowledge I’ve received from the great teachers I’ve studied with closely over the years.

Each student is a whole world to me. I believe that every person has a unique musical voice, and my goal is to help them discover and develop it.
Teaching is always a two-way process — I keep learning and growing from every student I work with.

Mina

5.0

(10)

Whether you're picking up the violin for the first time or looking to refine your technique, these lessons are tailored to your individual goals and learning pace. As a classically trained violinist with orchestral experience across Europe, I offer structured yet flexible lessons that combine solid technical foundations with musical expressiveness.

We will work on: bowing technique and left-hand posture, scales, arpeggios and etudes, repertoire of your choice (classical, contemporary, or pop), sight-reading and music theory basics, and performance preparation.

Lessons are available for all levels — from absolute beginners to advanced students preparing for auditions or conservatory exams. I teach in Italian, English, Chiinese, and German, making lessons accessible to students from many backgrounds.

Berfu

5.0

(10)

Discover the joy of music through personalized lessons tailored to your goals. I offer comprehensive instruction in Oboe, Piano, and Music Theory, focusing on both technical mastery and artistic expression.

Whether you are a complete beginner picking up an instrument for the first time or an advanced student looking to refine your technique, my lessons are designed to be engaging and effective. We will work on building a solid foundation, improving your sight-reading skills, and deepening your understanding of musical structure.
My approach is patient and encouraging, ensuring that every student progresses at their own pace while developing a true passion for music. Let’s start your musical journey together!

Karam

5.0

(10)

If you are one of these people, then you've come to the right place:

* Beginners, children or adults
* People with poor piano experience or “stuck” players
* Parents who want their children to learn music like a language and develop focus and calmness in the process
* Music lovers, musicians or fans of certain styles who want to play creatively themselves

Then you've come to the right place.

I have been a musician since childhood and play the piano.
I have been working as a piano teacher for 5 years. I am also an architect and multidisciplinary artist, exploring the connection between sound and visual art.

The lessons focus on piano practice, reading music and a better understanding of music – using methods such as Piano Adventures, Alfred and other modern textbooks.

After about 5 months, many of my students see a clear difference in their playing, understanding, and self-confidence.

✨ Suitable for children, beginners and anyone who wants to learn piano in a modern and enjoyable way.

For me, music is not a theory, but a language that one lives.
Music should be learned and treated like a language.

Listening, reading (music), writing and playing.
The goal is for you to eventually "speak" music naturally, without thinking too much.

Feel free to write to me if you want to know more about my teaching or how I teach music like a second language.

Other programs (feel free to ask for details at any time – I'll send you all the information):

• Program for musical culture and listening comprehension for children and adult artists
• Program: Piano lessons and music reading for all age groups
• Basic music theory program for beginners and musicians
• Program “Sight-reading” (direct reading and playing of music)

Karam
Berlin, Friedrichshain

Oguz

5.0

(10)

Piano lessons for children from 4 years old, teenagers and
Adults. Lessons take place at your home, in
any Berlin district, or online upon request.

HOW I TEACH
Clean technique is the foundation, but it's not just about playing it.
What you really want to hear. Film scores, pop and classical music.
They are not mutually exclusive, and motivation arises precisely where
Both things come together. With children, I work patiently and with
a clear structure, so that practice actually takes place at home.

THE FIRST HOUR
First, we find out what you or your child really play.
would like to. After that, we'll look at the instrument, the posture,
The hands. At the end of the first hour, you played something.
even for complete beginners.

FRAME
Fixed weekly appointment, 30, 45 or 60 minutes. A piano.
Or a keyboard for practicing is sufficient to begin with. Travel time and
Preparation time is included in the price.

---------------------------------------------------------

Piano lessons for children from age 4, teenagers and adults, at
your home anywhere in Berlin, or online if you prefer. Lessons
in English, Turkish or German.

Clean technique is the foundation, but we play the music that
actually pulls you to the instrument. I have been teaching for
seven years and currently also teach at two Berlin music
schools.

A fixed weekly slot, 30, 45 or 60 minutes. A piano or a keyboard
at home is enough to start. Travel and preparation time are
included in the price.