Musical Improvisation Classes - individual lessons, all instruments, ages and abilities

From 35 € /h

I’m a professional violist and have been improvising since I was a child. Nowadays, I perform with various improvisation ensembles and have been collaborating with theatre, dance, and film projects. I co-founded ”Kaipuu” FESTIVAL OF SILENT FILM AND IMPROVISED SOUND in 2018. I’ve been taught in Classical Improvisation by Prof. David Dolan at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London during 2010-2015 whilst completing my Bachelor's and Masters studies. Further studies followed at the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts, Helsinki. I also took part in numerous conferences and courses such as the METRIC International Conference for Improvisation in The Hague in 2017. I’ve held numerous improvisation courses at the East Helsinki Music Institute.

Improvisation is the best way for anyone to explore more - about themselves, about others, about the world around you. According to your level of experience, the content will be tailored to your specific wishes and going at a pace that challenges you but builds on positive experiences. We will push past ”limitations” that we tend to impose on ourselves and travel on the road of creative freedom.

Depending on your personal interests, we will discover different areas of musical improvisation and explore a common mindset that will help you in all areas of life.

Some of the areas we can explore together are:

- improvising on scales, ground bass, harmonic progressions,
multi-part improvisation, tonal and tonally free improvisation, modulation

- improvising within Classical forms such as Minuets, Rondos, Sonata-form

- improvising to text, images or silent film

- improvising within musical repertoire (including cadenzas and ornamentations)

- improvising in between or ahead of pieces (Preludes/ Interludes)

- Practice habits that incorporate an improvisational, more creative mindset

- Improvisational exercises to help with audition/concert preparation, enhance performance and reduce anxiety

Extra information

Required equipment: own musical instrument, tool to record and play videos (phone/laptop/tablet OK)

Location

Online from Finland

About Me

I’m a freelance musician and full-time viola and violin teacher based in Finland, where I commute between Helsinki and Lappeenranta. I offer online classes to all ages and all levels of experience. Teaching live classes on location can be discussed.

With over 20 years performing and over 10 years teaching experience, I would say that both areas are of equal importance to me. The main aspect about performing and teaching that I love is to share music with people around me.
I love teaching beginners, I equally love working with students of other levels. I’m very open-minded, patient and love to build my teaching around each student’s personal wishes. We will tailor the lessons to what you would like to learn and work towards specific goals!

Students will receive plenty of additional help and material to guide them between lessons.

I would love to meet you and get started soon to help you realise your musical potential!

Education

Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London: Master of Music (Distinction)
Sibelius Academy, University of Arts Helsinki: Master of Music
Teacher’s Certificate of Pedagogics according to Tampere University

Experience / Qualifications

Violin/Viola Teacher at East Helsinki Music Institute, Helsinki, Finland
Violin/Viola Teacher at North London Colourstrings Centre, London, UK
Helsinki Chamber Orchestra, principal viola

Substitute positions in:
Norrlandsoperan Symphony Orchestra; Sweden (principal viola)
Lappeenranta City Orchestra, Finland (principal viola)
Pori Sinfonietta, Finland (principal viola)
Lapland Chamber Orchestra (principal viola)
St Michel’s Strings (principal viola)
Lohja City Orchestra (principal viola)
Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Kuopio Symphony Orchestra

European Youth Orchestra, member 2019
Germany Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, member 2004 - 2010

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

30 minutes

45 minutes

60 minutes

90 minutes

120 minutes

The class is taught in

English

German

Finnish

Skills

Sound (music)

Children's music

Music theory

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

One-to-one violin and viola lessons for all ages and levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced

58 € /h

Learn to play viola or violin, take up your playing again, or refine your existing skills further!

I offer one-to-one lessons in viola and violin playing. I have over 20 years of performing and over 10 years of teaching experience and am currently working as viola and violin teacher at the East Helsinki Music Institute and the Lappeenranta Music School. I have also in-depth knowledge of working as an ensemble coach and improvisation teacher.
I teach all ages. Alongside teaching, I’m playing as a freelancer in orchestras in Finland and abroad, frequently as section leader.

I have a Master of Music Degree from both the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. My interests in different musical styles are broad, and I’ve been involved in many cross-arts collaborations. I’m a German and British national, currently living in Finland. Whilst German is my mother tongue, I speak English and Finnish fluently.

You can choose the length of the class - 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes. Additional material such as marked scores, exercise sheets, personal plans, and access to teaching videos are included in the lessons.

Lou-Indigo

4.87

(84)

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

Elisa

4.87

(84)

I offer private piano lessons to students of different ages and levels. Depending on the student's final goal we adjust the repertoire and skills that are needed for obtaining the goal.

My goal as a teacher is to keep and increase the students' love for music as well as to offer necessary and appropriate knowledge/skills to keep the student challenged.

Sergio

4.87

(84)

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.

Camille

4.87

(84)

Our teacher using, if necessary, an electro-acoustic guitar to better accompany your voice and guide some of its subtleties, the teaching philosophy is adapted to each level, according to the pace of work and motivation.

Program :
- musical techniques: theory (examples: support, modes, colors, effects such as vibrato, etc.) automatically followed, for each of the exercises, by practice (examples: exercises focusing on accuracy, sound production, "mountains Russian ", time, note hold, diction, vowels etc.)
- work on breathing and breathing management
- body awareness
- stability
- resonance
- improvisation / free expression
- improved vocal comfort
- varied repertoire (adapting to your preference)
- well-being by the vibration of the voice
- personal or artistic development - accuracy, note keeping and precision - vocal modes including timbre
- volumes: softness and power - sound colors: from dark to light - vocal effects, range requirements - nuances: volumes, mimics, attitudes, sound quality - exploration of musical styles (folk, pop, classical, blues, rock, song, World music ...)
- improvisation, effects and vocal games, harmonies
-interpretation: work on emotions, body language, stage presence.

Objective: acquire a solid vocal technique allowing you to sing with accuracy, ease and expressiveness.

Musical learning meanwhile, will develop your ability to listen and reproduce music, your sense of rhythm, your expressiveness, your creativity and musicality as well as reading sheet music.

The work is focused on multidisciplinarity: voice, vocal health, music and bodily expressiveness, with an emphasis on the acquisition of an optimal vocal placement, on stress management in public and on interpretation.

This progressive and tailor-made method aims to develop your voice:
-Breathing techniques
-Vocalises and technical exercises adapted to needs;
- Repertoire work
- Accompaniment for studio recording and scenic performance
-dynamic exploration, diversification and release of one's voice while having fun and going beyond one's limits.

As other people do regularly, you can also please your loved ones by offering gift vouchers, available all year round.

TEACHER / TRAINER

Trained in Grandes Ecoles in France and the United States (Ivy League University), our teacher has specialized and has been working for more than 15 years, in North America and Europe, in the field, in international establishments renowned, and oriented on one axis: effective training with pedagogy and meticulous methodology as the watchwords.

PLACES, FEES
- Locations: Geneva-Lausanne-Friborg-Neuchâtel-Montreux-Bâle-Sion-Sierre-Morges-Bienne. But currently, only by videoconference in accordance with national recommendations on Covid. These sessions also seem to be perfectly unanimous since they have the advantages of direct (example: quality of the interaction), without its disadvantages (ex: loss of travel time), with additional advantages (ex: of notes on the chat, which can be reread afterwards). In this context, these videoconference sessions for which you have requested me, seem to arouse a certain enthusiasm (and a certain enthusiasm). At your request, I therefore continue to offer them.

Giorgia

4.87

(84)

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.

Hiba

4.87

(84)

Piano, Guitar & singing sessions for all levels for kids & adults. Music theory and music education classes. I give my sessions according to the student needs and interests . I help each of my students to achieve his goal in learning music.

Martin

4.87

(84)

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

Shehab

4.87

(84)

Teaching different musical instruments: piano, guitar, oud, oriental singing and oriental maqamat, reading sheet music.

More than 5 years of experience teaching in music academies

Arabic singing: We will learn how to sing correctly, learn the exits of the letters, vocal exercises, and learn how to distinguish the Eastern Maqams in simple ways.

Oud: We will learn how to hold the oud in the correct way, speed exercises, oriental maqams and examples in songs for each maqam.

Piano: musical scales - and we learn about all kinds of chords (harmony) - famous pieces and songs by learning how to read musical notes - exercises to strengthen the fingers

Guitar: We will learn how to hold the guitar correctly, musical scales, chords and chords, technique exercises, pieces

David

4.87

(84)

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.

Steve

4.87

(84)

Sometimes you can sit in a music lesson with your class mates and feel completely baffled as to why others are 'getting it' and you are not! If you are wanting some extra help in preparing for a music exam or even wanting to feel more comfortable with the rest of the class then this class is right up your street. Alternatively, if you would like some extra advice on performance techniques then I can help. Perhaps you are struggling with your composition tasks - that is my speciality. Then there is the analysis of a piece of music that can be so confusing that we could spend some valuable one-to-one time on. I am here to help and below are some reasons why I am well suited to give you the appropriate advice that you need.

I worked in a comprehensive school teaching music for over 35 years. In that time I engaged with many different exam boards at GCSE and A level delivering a range of different courses. This experience and my passion for all aspects of music, whether it be performing, composing or listening and analysis enables me to give you the right advice. Whatever you need help with, I am very keen to be able to offer my expertise in any or all of these areas. Each of the three disciplines is intrinsically connected with the other two and having a good grasp of all three will enable you to improve your ability overall.

Shubha

4.87

(84)

Hii, I'm a Professional Music Tutor. I teach Hindustani Classical Music Vocal and Music Therapy Which improves vocal cords and Singing Voice and also teaches Bollywood songs,Thumri, Dadra, Ghazal, Light Classical Music etc. I have 7 years teaching experience in online platform. My Bachelor's & Master's degree has completed in Hindustani Classical Music Vocal. I teach all ages students. From Beginners to Advanced Level. Interested students contact me.

Teaching method: My teaching method is very simple. I start with the pronunciation of 'SA' by getting you accustomed to Tanpura, eventually moving to other swaras. Then go Music Therapy Which improves vocal cords and singing voice. Then go advanced training Hindustani Classical Music Singing With Rhythm and Taal session and Thumri, Dadra, Ghazal, Light Classical Music, Bollywood songs etc. that's students choice. I have designed a very simple customized syllabus, which should meet the expectations of any beginner to advanced and Professional level singers.

Thanks,

Andrea

4.87

(84)

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.

Quentin

4.87

(84)

Discover the Magic of Ukulele: Your Musical Journey Starts Here

Imagine yourself on a sunny beach, the ocean waves lapping against the shore, and the sweet sound of a ukulele floating through the air. The ukulele is not just an instrument; it is an invitation to a world of playful melodies and serenity.

In my ukulele course, you will be guided step by step, whether you are a beginner or have already taken some lessons. Here is what you can expect from our interactive sessions:

1. Introduction to Ukulele:

Learn about the different parts of the instrument and how to take care of them.

Learn basic chords and start playing your first songs from the first lesson.

2. Playing Techniques:

Master essential techniques like strumming and picking.

Develop your agility and precision with fun exercises.

3. Varied Repertoire:

Learn popular songs to impress your friends and family.

4. Simplified Music Theory:

Understand the basics of music theory applied to the ukulele.

Learn how to read tablature and transpose songs.

Why choose the ukulele?

Easy to learn: Just a few chords and you'll be able to play hundreds of songs.

Portable: Take it anywhere with you and play wherever you want.

Soothing: Its soft, melodious sounds are perfect for relaxing.

Join my ukulele class and let music bring joy and serenity into your life. Sign up now and start your musical adventure!

“Music gives soul to our hearts and wings to thought.” - Plato

Joaquin

4.87

(84)

Music brings joy to everyone, and guitar is one of the most special instruments. Whether it is on a family meeting, with friends, or just while being alone, the guitar is one of the most versatile instruments; you can play practically everything. Here you will learn not only the basics, but also how you can demonstrate your skills and put your emotions, feelings, and ideas on the guitar. From basic chords to playing any song you like, from soft and slow songs to improvising any solo on anything. Let's hop on a musical adventure together and let's begin to learn.

Lucio

4.87

(84)

This class is designed for conservatory students, private candidates and advanced musicians who need solid guidance in harmony, counterpoint and fugue, especially in preparation for exams and auditions.

We work on written exercises, stylistic correction and analytical understanding, with a clear method and step-by-step feedback. Particular attention is given to Renaissance and Baroque practices (modal counterpoint, species, tonal counterpoint, fugue), helping students understand why rules exist, not just how to apply them.

I have many years of experience teaching harmony and counterpoint, and several of my students have successfully passed conservatory composition exams thanks to this guided approach.

Lessons are adapted to the student’s level and goals, with a strong focus on clarity, consistency and practical results.