Composition and Songwriting Lessons with a Professional Composer

From 66.38 € /h

This course is for students, musicians, singers, songwriters, and composers who want to develop their own musical ideas with the guidance of a professional composer. I can help you write, organize, revise, and develop your music, whether you are working on a song, a piano piece, a chamber piece, a vocal work, a composition exercise, or a larger creative project. My approach is practical, analytical, and personalized. I will not impose one single style on you. Instead, I will help you understand your own musical language, identify what your piece needs, and build the technical tools to make your ideas clearer, stronger, and more coherent.

We can work on:

• Composition technique
• Songwriting
• Melody writing
• Harmony and chord progressions
• Form and structure
• Arranging
• Counterpoint basics
• Text setting
• Writing for voice
• Writing for instruments
• Developing musical ideas
• Finishing unfinished pieces
• Score review
• Creative process and artistic direction

The first session works as a diagnosis. We review your current level, musical background, goals, references, and any material you already have. From there, we create a focused plan. You may also book 2 sessions (diagnosis and follow-up) to receive general commentary and a review on your song or music piece.

Extra information

Please bring any musical material you already have: sketches, lyrics, chord progressions, recordings, scores, MIDI files, references, or unfinished pieces.

If you are starting from zero, that is also fine. In that case, please bring a few songs or pieces you like so we can use them as references.

The first session is diagnostic and will help us define your level, goals, style, and work plan.

Location

Online from Colombia

About Me

I am a professional composer, singer, music educator, author, and academic consultant with more than 10 years of experience in music education, composition, artistic research, and one-to-one mentoring.

I teach because I believe music is not only a technical discipline, but also a way of developing attention, memory, creativity, cultural understanding, and self-knowledge. My work combines rigorous musical training with a clear, practical, and human approach to learning.

As a teacher, I work especially well with students who need structure. I have plenty of experience with students preparing for university or conservatory admission, self-taught musicians who want to organize their knowledge, composers who need feedback, and university students working on essays, thesis projects, music analysis, or interdisciplinary research.

My lessons are not generic. In the first session, I assess the student’s current level, objectives, deadlines, strengths, and gaps. From there, I design a focused plan. Depending on the student’s needs, we may work on music theory, harmony, ear training, sight-reading, composition, songwriting, music analysis, research structure, academic writing, portfolio preparation, or admission-test preparation.

We may also work with a 2-session plan to adress one specific problem or to provide feedback on your research text, music piece or artistic portfolio.

My method is based on diagnosis, conceptual clarity, guided practice, and concrete feedback. I explain complex ideas in a clear way, but I also expect students to engage seriously with their own learning process. My goal is to help each student understand what they are doing, why it matters, and how to keep improving independently.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Universidad Central, Bogotá, Colombia.

Diploma in Professional Voice, Vocology Center, 2022.

Diploma in Creation and Pedagogy of Musical Artistic Practices in the Regions of Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2023.

Additional training in composition, contemporary music, vocal practice, music pedagogy, artistic research, cultural management, and interdisciplinary creative processes through workshops, festivals, and academic programs in Colombia and abroad.

Experience / Qualifications

I have more than 10 years of experience as a music educator and more than 8 years of professional experience as a composer for solo instruments, chamber ensembles, theatre, film, animation, and interdisciplinary artistic projects.

I am the author of the music pedagogy book I Got Music, and my work has been performed, commissioned, cited, or consulted in academic and artistic contexts in Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Ireland, Spain, and the United States.

As a composer, I have written for solo instruments, chamber ensembles, experimental formats, voice, theatre, musical theatre, film, animation, and electroacoustic media. My work includes traditional formats such as string quartet, woodwind quintet, and solo pieces, as well as less common formats such as accordion and cello, accordion and clarinet, toy piano and fixed media, and open experimental ensembles.

As an educator and consultant, I have supported students and researchers in music theory, composition, music analysis, academic writing, research structure, music pedagogy, portfolio development, and interdisciplinary projects involving music, education, psychology, sociology, design, archive documentation, and cultural studies.

I have collaborated with institutions and organizations such as Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Círculo Colombiano de Música Contemporánea, Ensamble Vasto, Taller Sonoro, and other artistic and academic projects. I am also associated with the Círculo Colombiano de Música Contemporánea, adn I am the current Treasurer, accumulating experience as a cultural manager, music festival curator and organizer, and academic speaker.

My professional profile combines composition, pedagogy, research, and cultural management, which allows me to support students not only as a music tutor, but also as a mentor for artistic, academic, and professional development.

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

90 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Spanish

Skills

Music composition

Song writing

Music theory

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

Academic Music Research Consultancy for Thesis, Essays, and Artistic Projects

66.38 € /h

This course is for students, artists, musicians, educators, and researchers who need expert guidance for a thesis, essay, article, research project, artistic portfolio, or interdisciplinary academic work related to music, arts, education, humanities, or culture. I can help you clarify your research question, structure your argument, organize your sources, improve your writing, review your theoretical framework, analyze musical or artistic material, and help you prepare your project for academic presentation or thesis disertation.

What we can work on:

• Defining or refining your research question
• Organizing your thesis, essay, or article structure
• Reviewing your argument and theoretical framework
• Improving clarity, coherence, and terminology
• Connecting musical examples with theoretical ideas
• Reviewing sources and bibliography direction
• Preparing presentations or defense materials
• Developing a writing, revision, or research plan

Important: I do not write your thesis or assignment for you. This is an academic support and consultancy service. I help you think, organize, revise, and strengthen your own work.

Pre-College Music Admission Preparation or Autidion review

49.78 € /h

This course is designed for students preparing for admission to a music university, conservatory, pre-college program, or undergraduate music program. I help students prepare the theoretical, practical, creative, and portfolio-related components of the admission process. The goal is not only to study more, but to identify the exact gaps that could affect your admission and build a focused preparation plan. My approach is structured, clear, and adapted to the student’s real objective. This course is especially useful for students who feel overwhelmed before admission exams, students with uneven theoretical foundations, self-taught musicians, singers, composers, songwriters, and applicants who need help organizing their musical knowledge before entering formal music studies.

We can work on:

• Music theory
• Harmony
• Ear training
• Sight-reading
• Rhythm
• Melodic dictation
• Basic music analysis
• Composition
• Songwriting
• Portfolio preparation
• Interview preparation
• Repertoire organization
• Study habits and practice planning

In the first session, I assess your current level, your target program, your timeline, and the type of admission test, interview, or portfolio you need to prepare. From there, we create a practical plan. I recommend a minium of 5 to 10 sessions to prepare the admission in depth, but I can also provide a 2-session programm to provide general commentary and review the admission or auditions.

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

Natia

4.87

(84)

Hello!

I’m Natia, a lifelong music enthusiast with a deep passion for sharing the transformative power of music. My journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Tbilisi State Conservatoire, followed by a Master’s degree from Zurich University of the Arts. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of nurturing budding musicians, having started teaching when I was just 16 years old.

My teaching style is dynamic and tailored to your unique goals. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of Classical music, the charm of Jazz, or the rhythm of Pop, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll unlock your potential and transform your love for music into a lifelong skill.

No matter your level of experience, all you need is motivation, determination, and a little time to practice—I’ll take care of the rest!

Let’s make music together and bring your passion to life. 🎵

Jelena

4.87

(84)

Private piano lessons in English, learning how to play piano and how to understand music, learning music theory, solfeggio and training technic. For absolute beginners to advanced level students, with lots of fun and challenges, together we are enjoying the process of learning. The entire program is based on the individual needs and abilities of a student, so every kind of student can fit! There are a few different programs and plans that we follow for any level and a kind of student.

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.

Andrea

4.87

(84)

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!

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.

Kathrine

4.87

(84)

Hello, I am Kathrine from Malaysia! :)

I am a professional piano teacher with 10 years of teaching experiences in Malaysia, Singapore, and now in Japan!
I provide private piano lesson in English, Mandarin, Japanese, and Cantonese, mainly in Tokyo, Kawasaki, and Yokohama area.

Here are some of the things you can expect from my lessons:
I enjoy incorporating music games (Kodaly method) and arts into my lessons, regardless of your age! (I believe learning through play is highly effective.)
I don't only teach "music knowledge." I value cultural exchange with my students. Through lessons or specific pieces, we can share our languages, songs, backgrounds, and more!
Whether you're preparing for exams or pursuing music as a hobby, my ultimate goal for students is to find JOY in every lesson. While learning an instrument can sometimes be challenging, I'll use my experience to guide you, and together, we'll overcome any hurdles. :)

Feel free to contact me if you are looking for a piano teacher in your native language! 😊
Thank you.

Brent

4.87

(84)

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 theory and analysis (classical 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.

Marcus

4.87

(84)

Hi! I am a violinist currently studying at the University of Southampton. I offer violin lessons and grade 5 theory tutoring across wide levels no matter a beginner, preparing for 1 - 8 grade exams, working towards GCSE practical exams, or just learning for some fun! I specialise in helping students progress through ABRSM grades and Grade 5 Theory as well as GCSE practical exams.

I hold a performance diploma for violin (ARSM) and have achieved distinction in ABRSM grade 8 violin. Academically, I achieved GCSE music Grade 9, A-level music A* in performance and composing, A in appraising. Outside of my academic life, I have performed as a first violinist in youth orchestras as well as being the concert master in inter school orchestra (ISSP). Moreover I have had experience playing as a wedding violinist and gained extensive solo recital and chamber performance experience being in quartets.

My teaching focuses on clear and measurable progress that are applicable in exams especially in core techniques: posture, bowing, intonation and musical interpretation. My teaching style is not not strict nor textbook like, I prioritise engagement with students, tailoring on what your goals of learning are, exploring different repertoires, playing styles and practice methods that works the best for you. I am able to provide detailed personalised notes, practice materials and theory past papers. Always feel free to ask questions or submit practice videos for some feedback anytime!

What I offer:
Strong understanding in ABRSM, GCSE, A level exam requirements
Personalised lesson notes + practice plans
Music score materials
Grade 5 theory notes and past papers
Feedbacks between lessons

All my lessons can be taught in English, Cantonese and Mandarin depending on what helps the student learn most effectively. I am based in Southampton, will be more than happy to teach face to face if possible!

Pietro

4.87

(84)

Hey there! Do you want to start a new hobby? Do you already play the piano and you want to improve your skills with a creative approach to the instrument? Then I think I can help you!
I can teach you basic and advanced concepts of any style on the piano (classical, jazz, pop-rock...), and if you like improvisation and jazz then we get along even better!
I offer very personalized classes based on your level and interests. My approach to teaching strongly takes the student's CREATIVITY into account, but without forgetting that a good knowledge of MUSIC THEORY and PIANO TECHNIQUE are essential.

About my philosophy in teaching music:
In a creative field like music, education is a delicate matter. I firmly believe that a teacher must do everything possible to avoid suppressing the student’s personal voice. Each of us — regardless of age or skill level — has a unique approach to music, even before touching the instrument!
My goal is to help students discover their own musical identity at the piano, drawing on my experience and offering a solid theoretical foundation tailored to their interests and level.
That said, as in any discipline, there are no shortcuts in music. Passion and dedication are essential to achieving meaningful results. Furthermore, a solid technical and theoretical foundation is indispensable, no matter your musical interests.
I look forward to sharing my deep passion for music with you. Feel free to reach out for more information!

Victor

4.87

(84)

This course is designed to give students practical and in-demand digital skills in Computer Science, Graphic Design, and Music Composition. Whether you are a beginner or looking to improve your existing knowledge, this class provides a hands-on learning experience focused on real-world applications.

In Computer Science, you will learn the fundamentals of computing, including Microsoft Office tools, basic programming concepts, and how to use technology effectively for productivity and problem-solving.

In Graphic Design, you will explore creative design principles and learn how to create visually appealing content using modern design tools. You will gain skills in image editing, layout design, and digital creativity useful for branding, social media, and professional projects.

In Music Composition, you will be introduced to the basics of creating and arranging music. This includes understanding sound, rhythm, and using digital tools to produce and edit audio, helping you bring your musical ideas to life.

By the end of this course, you will have developed a strong foundation across these three areas, with practical skills you can apply academically, professionally, or for personal projects.

Arwa

4.87

(84)

I offer beginner-friendly lessons that combine music theory and piano, so you don’t just learn how to play, you understand what you’re playing.
These lessons are designed for students starting from zero. We build everything step by step, connecting theory directly to the piano to make learning more natural and effective.
We will cover:
Piano basics (hand position, simple pieces, coordination)
Notes, rhythm, and reading music
Scales and basic chords
Playing simple songs while understanding how they work
My approach is simple: learn, apply, and enjoy the process. I keep lessons interactive and adapted to each student, especially for kids, so progress feels natural instead of overwhelming.

André

4.87

(84)

My name is Andre. I'm a professional musician with more than 10 years living through music. Despite having Jazz as the main focus of my study and practice I've learned to love all genres and absorb each unique values and strengths. Having them integrated in the musical projects I've created or participated on. Projects which revolve around Jazz, Pop, Rock, Psychedelic, Electronic and Reggae.
Throughout my professional career I've worked with music schools and private students (+200). During this years I've encountered a plethora of different kinds of students, all levels ranging from kids to seniors and even a good quantity of autistic or down syndrome students, which always made me more and more interested in the art of teaching and helping people grow, by balancing challenge and empathy.

My lessons are characterized by a practical approach combined with a theoretical component, that always caters to the student's interests, stimulating their musical taste and creativity. For this, I like to go across the board with disciplines such as:
Musical Theory
Technique
Ear training
Performance
Composition
Improvisation
Band/project guidance
Study methodoly
Reportoire

My main objectives as a mentor are:

- To captivate students with music and their learning process

- To stimulate healthy learning methods based on their own goals

- To develop the spirit and discipline of self-learning.

Frequency, duration, and format depend on each student's goals.