Composition Lessons by experienced composer in a wide range of genres

From 48 € /h

I am a 32-year old composer, electric guitarist and songwriter based in Den Haag, teaching composition, music theory, and score writing. I teach in English or in Greek. I am half Greek and half Scottish and I have been living in the Netherlands for the last 6 years.

I offer lessons in all styles, to all age groups, and for any experience level (ranging from students who want to learn how to read and write music to create their first score, up to more experienced composers who are looking for fresh ideas and improving their skills to really make their music shine, or who are looking for help polishing their composition portfolio for entrance exams).

Face to face lessons are preferable, but I also teach online.

I am a patient and open minded teacher, and my desire is to help you learn what you want to learn, and make sure you enjoy and take pride in your music, explore a breadth of musical ideas that can inform your work, learn to express your musical ideas as best as possible and nurture your curiosity and excitement about the world of music creation !

My Credentials:
I hold a Bachelors of Music degree from Birmingham Conservatoire (UK), and a Masters of Music from The Hague Royal Conservatory. My compositions have been performed in venues such as The Muziekgebouw (Amsterdam), TivoliVredenburg (Utrecht), Korzo Theatre (Den Haag), Casa de Musica (Porto), Onassis Stegi (Athens) and at music festivals including Music in PyeongChang (South Korea), Tectonics Athens (Greece), Gaudeamus Muziekweek (Netherlands). My experience as a performer range from classical guitar studies, to playing electric guitar in rock bands, as well as experience as an improviser, performer of notated contemporary classical compositions, creator and performer of ambient and electronic music. I also am very experienced in ambient and electronic-influenced guitar music, which has given me an in depth knowledge also of the guitar in combination with technology such as guitar effects, computer software and multichannel setups which expand the audio palette of the guitar. I have written songs, I have written orchestra pieces, I have worked as a DIY home producer, I have released albums, and I've performed in concert halls, rock venues, squats and festivals. I even some experience in beat-making.

My music has been performed in and has taken me to several countries, including Portugal, The Czech Republic, The U.S.A., Canada, Korea, Greece, The U.K., The Netherlands.

My Teaching style:
My emphasis is to teach you based on your interests and your needs. The lessons are based around each individual student. You bring me the music you are creating and the skills you want to develop as a composer, and I build my lessons around that. My primary goal is help you develop your voice as a composer, so the starting point for our lessons will always be your music.
My aim is always to help you find what the heart of your composition is about, and help you to bring this out and really make it shine. To help illustrate ideas about topics we discuss I will bring examples that can help inform the music you are creating, we will explore ideas of arrangement, orchestration, rehearsal leading and / or production to help flesh out your music, as well as music theory and using scores of other composers.

Extra information

Bring your own laptop and notation paper, and a desire to learn and explore music !

I can teach you at your home, or we can do lessons in studio space

-- a creative space that is made up of several artist ateliers spread across its large building. I have a space here where I work on my music and practise, and it is an environment that is surrounded by creative people and works of art that are being created here all the time.

Location

Use Ctrl + wheel to zoom!

At student's location :

Around The Hague, Netherlands

At teacher's location :

Parallelweg, The Hague, Netherlands

Online from Netherlands

About Me

- I am a composer and guitar player currently based in Den Haag. I grew up in Greece to a Greek father and Scottish mother, and I have also lived in the UK and the U.S.A. (in the state of Vermont). I have been living in Holland for the last 4 years.

- My music covers a large range:

----- from playing in alt rock/punky bands such as Quaich --

----- and Trends&Revolts ------

---- to ambient / drone / experimental projects such as Flowers/Ghosts&Echoes ----

----- as well as contemporary classical compositions -----

---- and many more collaborations including with Squee!Collective ------

----- with violinist Laura Sophie ------

----- with Trompo ensemble -----

---- with percussionist Gabriele Segantini -----

- I currently have two albums out which I have co-released with the Polyscope music community, and my music has been featured in concerts and festivals in The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Greece, Korea, The U.S.A.

- Teaching allows me to explore music and the guitar through the eyes of my students. Learning to find a student's interests and teach through what they enjoy, while bringing my own experience and interests to the table as well, has always brought the best results and made the teaching experience the most beneficial for the students.

- I love when the student becomes excited and fascinated in the lessons, and I can see the student develop further this way and get joy from their exploration of music

- I have moved between several different countries and explored many different types of music-making. This allows me to bring a wide range of experiences to the lessons, outside of just teaching a single topic from a single perspective. As today's world is one where culture and music are made up of many influences from many different places, I find this to be the most healthy approach to teaching, and one which my most inspiring teachers always brought to me when I was a student.

Education

Master of Music in Composition from The Hague Royal Conservatory - with distinction "for the development of a new musical praxis and relation with the audience through new techniques and technology"

Bachelor in Music in Composition from Birmingham Conservatoire (England) - graduated with First Class Honours.

International Baccalaureate (I.B.) at Psychico College (Greece).
High-Level Courses: English Literature, Visual Arts, 20th Century European History.
James was the first student at the Psychico College I.B. program to write the required Extended Essay on the subject of Music (as the music was not offered as a topic at this school). His topic was entitled “Erik Satie’s Use of Non-Traditional Harmony” for which he received the mark of “Excellent”.

Classical Guitar Degree from The Greek Ministry of Music
Music Theory and History Degree from The Greek Ministry of Music

Experience / Qualifications

I began my musical education studying the classical guitar, alongside performing and composing music in bands. I have wide-reaching experience in several genres and musical situations, ranging from performing in rock/indie/punk bands (I've also played in a funk/improv and also an electro setting), and then ranging to the creation of ambient and electronic music, to composing for classical musicians and performing contemporary classical music and performing as an improviser.
I also have experience as a bass player, drummer and keyboard player.

Age

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

The class is taught in

English

Greek

Skills

Music composition

Music theory lessons

Sound (music)

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

Electric Guitar Lessons / Acoustic Guitar Lessons / Music Theory Lessons

48 € /h

I'm a 32-year old guitarist and composer based in Den Haag, teaching electric and acoustic guitar, in combination with music theory (if that is of interest to the student). I teach in English or in Greek. I am half Greek and half Scottish and I have been living in the Netherlands for the last 6 years.

I offer lessons in all styles, to all age groups, and for any experience level (ranging from students who have never touched a guitar before, up to advanced players who are looking for new challenges).

Face to face lessons are preferable, but I also teach online.

I am a patient and open minded teacher, and my desire is to help you learn what you want to learn, and make sure you have fun with playing the guitar and nurture your curiosity and excitement about the world of music creation !

My Credentials:
I hold a Bachelors of Music degree from Birmingham Conservatoire (UK), and a Masters of Music from The Hague Royal Conservatory. My experience as a guitarist ranges from classical guitar studies, to playing electric guitar in rock bands, as well as experience as an improviser, performer of notated contemporary classical compositions, creator and performer of ambient and electronic music. I also am very experienced in ambient and electronic-influenced guitar music, which has given me an in depth knowledge also of the guitar in combination with technology such as guitar effects, computer software and multichannel setups which expand the audio palette of the guitar. I have written songs, I have written orchestra pieces, I have worked as a DIY home producer, I have released albums, and I've performed in concert halls, rock venues, squats and festivals. I even some experience in beat-making.

My music has been performed in and has taken me to several countries, including Portugal, The Czech Republic, The U.S.A., Canada, Korea, Greece, The U.K., The Netherlands.

My Teaching style:
My emphasis is to teach you based on your interests and your needs. The lessons are based around each individual student. You bring me the music you like and the things you want to learn, and I build my lessons around that.
I've taught students everything from post-rock, to metal, to K-Pop to Nepalese songs... This way the student gets to explore music on their terms, and not based on a pre-decided set of songs or exercises. Alongside this I bring exercises and other songs that help build around the skills we learn through your songs, and help you develop the techniques needed for you to learn to play the music you love. Whatever music excites you I encourage you to bring it to our lesson, as this also gives me a chance to discover some new music !

What's more, depending on your interest, we can also explore music theory, ideas on composition and songwriting, even the basics of how to record your own songs at home.

For experienced players:
If you are an experienced player looking for new challenges and new perspectives, my wide ranging knowledge of music in a large spectrum of music will help you push your playing and knowledge of music into new worlds !

Topics of our more advanced lessons could include: in depth exploration of the possibilities of guitar pedals, using Ableton live with the electric guitar, reading scores, writing scores, exploring extended guitar techniques, using multi-amp setups, recording your own songs, playing contemporary classical works that include the electric guitar, exploring finger picking, using alternative guitar tunings, going deeper into music theory, exploring genres you haven't heard of (ranging from classical, to experimental, to free jazz, to electronic music)

Song Writing Lessons by experienced songwriter and composer

48 € /h

I am a 32-year old guitarist, songwriter and composer based in Den Haag, songwriting, composition, electric and acoustic guitar, in combination with music theory. I teach in English or in Greek. I am half Greek and half Scottish and I have been living in the Netherlands for the last 4 years.

I offer lessons in all styles, to all age groups, and for any experience level (ranging from students who have never written a song before, up to experienced songwriters who are looking for fresh ideas and improving their skills to really make their songs shine).

Face to face lessons are preferable, but I also teach online.

I am a patient and open minded teacher, and my desire is to help you learn what you want to learn, and make sure you enjoy and take pride in your songs, learn to express your musical ideas as best as possible and nurture your curiosity and excitement about the world of music creation !

My Credentials:
I hold a Bachelors of Music degree from Birmingham Conservatoire (UK), and a Masters of Music from The Hague Royal Conservatory. My experience as a songwriter and composer ranges from writing songs and singing in indie / off-beat rock bands, solo guitar and vocal performances, home-production of my own songs, creation of instrumental post-rock music, collaborative songwriting in bands, composition of works for classical players, creation of ambient, experimental and electronic music, creation of music for film, and I even some experience in beat-making.

I have written songs, I have written orchestra pieces, I have worked as a DIY home producer, I have released albums, and I've performed in concert halls, rock venues, squats and festivals. I

My music has been performed in and has taken me to several countries, including Portugal, The Czech Republic, The U.S.A., Canada, Korea, Greece, The U.K., The Netherlands.

My Teaching style:
My emphasis is to teach you based on your interests and your needs. The lessons are based around each individual student. You bring me the music you are creating and the skills you want to develop as a songwriter, and I build my lessons around that. My primary goal is help you develop your voice as a songwriter, so the starting point for our lessons will always be your music, and then I build our lessons around that.
My aim is always to help you find what the heart of the song is about, and help you to bring this out and really make it shine. To help illustrate ideas about topics we discuss I will bring examples that can help inform the music you are creating, we will explore ideas of arrangement, orchestration, band leading and / or production to help flesh out your songs, and we will explore music theory too when that is helpful for us and / or if that is interesting to you.

For more experienced songwriters we can explore how to write parts for other players, how to notate and orchestrate songs for acoustic instruments, how to record songs, or how to get the best playing out of your bandmates to help your song shine

Gonçalo

4.83

(12)

I specialize in teaching about Music and how to play the Guitar.
In class, I always make an effort to understand what are the goals and interests of all students, as well as their skills. This way we can address the issues at hand more effectively and make sure the student never loses his/her interest and focus in music and his/her instrument. I believe that an honest and friendly relationship between teacher and student is essential for this exchange of ideas to happen more clearly and fluently, so I do my best to make everyone feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts freely.
I offer good and personalized classes. This means that there will be special care with your interest in music and guitar, all basic skills will be worked upon and strengthened, all specific requests and ideas will be addressed, both improvisation and interpretation can be developed, and exploring potential, achieving goals and having fun are main priorities.
Come and enjoy learning more about Music and Guitar!

Alethea

4.83

(12)

I started taking violin lessons at the age of 7. After years of training, I am currently continuing my violin studies at Utrecht Conservatory. I have also attended music theory classes for 6 years because it is very useful to have some knowledge of it when playing any instrument. If you would like, I would be more than happy to share some knowledge of music theory along with the violin lessons. Lessons are private and not in groups.

Giuseppe

4.83

(12)

I am a professional classical musician with years of teaching experience in the UK. Teaching is a passion for me and I always strive to find the best possible teaching approach suitable for the student. I always care about the big themes of learning and teaching and I apply a selection trusted method to my lessons.

With me, you will be able to get a solid instrumental technique, together with a varied and inspired aesthetic understanding of the music. I also always make sure that musical and instrumental goals don't overshadow the importance of music lessons for the development of the child and my focus is first and foremost on students' own holistic development.

Please feel free to get in touch with me and have a chat about what you are looking for.

Nikos

4.83

(12)

Guitar Technique – From scales, chords, arpeggios, sight-reading to fingerings, picking/plugging methods, speed, and accuracy.

Rhythm – Timing precision/freedom, polyrhythms, odd meters, and coordination.

Theory, Harmony, and Composition – Using examples from Classical to Pop and Jazz music to learn how to use harmony in a functional but yet free and creative way.

Improvisation – How to improvise melodically over different chord schemes but also broader aspects such as building and breaking tension waves and telling an artistic story.

Song Learning - Just learn how to play your favorite song and jam with your favorite bands.

Marta

4.83

(12)

Welcome to my introduction site!

My name is Marta and music has been a great love and passion for my entire life.
Singing lessons are not only an opportunity to learn singing and something new about music but also an opportunity to express emotions, forget about everyday worries, and have fun!
Through music theory lessons you can learn about the structure of music and also develop some very useful music skills such as reading music (sight-singing or sight-reading).

All students who have a specific goal in mind, but also all who do not have any specific goal in mind and want to sing or learn theory just for fun, are very welcome!

Different options for lessons that I am offering are described below and all of them can be modified and adjusted according to the wishes and needs of the student:

SINGING LESSONS FOR CHILDREN (individual or group lessons - maximum 10 students*)
Singing lessons for children is basically an integrated method that combines singing with solfeggio, developing basic music theory skills. It consists of playing musical games and singing children's songs and those developing intonation, musical hearing, musical memory, sense for pulse and rhythm, all with attention to healthy singing.

SINGING LESSONS FOR TEENAGERS AND ADULTS (individual or group lessons - maximum 10 students*)
During singing lessons, we will be searching for a deeper meaning of the story and different ways of interpretation, with attention to healthy singing techniques, pronunciation, and style. The lessons consist of breathing exercises, and vocal warm-up exercises with a specific technical goal and work on the desired repertoire - meaning of the words and story, vocal technique, pronunciation, interpretation, and style.
My specialization is in classical singing but I don’t mind working on other genres in my classes.

SIGHT SINGING LESSONS (individual or group lessons)
Intense course where you will be learning how to read music at sight. The lessons consist of sight singing only, beginning from the easiest level and gradually learning how to read more and more difficult music. You will develop skills needed for sight singing as well as a certain way of thinking appropriate for sight singing. (There is no technique of singing or interpretation involved in these lessons.)

SOLFEGGIO LESSONS (individual or group lessons, for children from 8 years old, teenagers, and adults)
In these lessons, you will learn how to bring written music to life (sight-singing), how to discover and put on paper the music you hear (musical dictation), and how to build scales, intervals, and chords. This knowledge is needed and examined in every conservatoire and music academy. For some conservatoires and academies, this is an obligatory pre-requirement and elimination factor on entrance exams. It is an inevitable part of every professional music education.

MUSIC THEORY LESSONS (individual lessons)
Music theory lessons can include, if desired: solfeggio, harmony, counterpoint, music form, analysis, and/or other music theory-related subjects. For each subject, we can make a special program, depending on the wishes and needs of the student.

COMBINED SOLFEGGIO AND SINGING LESSONS
Combined solfeggio and singing lessons are also possible for adults, as separate subjects or integrated with singing lessons. In both cases, the duration of each lesson is 90 minutes and the program is discussed and created based on the wishes and needs of the student. (A combination of individual singing lessons and a group solfeggio lesson is also possible.*)

AUDITION TRAINING AND PREPARATION FOR EXAMS (individual lessons)
Preparation for auditions concerning singing and/or music theory includes preparation for entrance exams, regular exams on conservatories, or preparation for ABRSM exams.

*Please, contact me for more information about group lessons. Prices per person in group lessons are much lower than prices for individual lessons.

If you have any further questions, please, do not hesitate to contact me... I will be happy to answer all your questions!

Filipe

4.83

(12)

My guitar lessons are tailored to the goals, interests, and level of each student. Lessons take place in a friendly and supportive environment, where learning is both enjoyable and motivating. Depending on the student's needs, lessons can be either informal and relaxed or more structured and formal. Whether you're preparing for music education, want to improve specific techniques, or are returning to the guitar after a break, lessons are tailored to your needs. The goal is always to create the best possible learning environment where you can confidently grow and achieve your musical goals.

Janire

4.83

(12)

Highly dedicated and passionate teacher.
Age doesn't matter when it comes to learning, just enjoying it. Lessons for beginners to more advanced students.

I like to play, sing and find the most creative solutions to learn quickly within a space reserved for the student's questions and imagination.

As a musician I consider myself a very motivated person to always try new things. I also like to play from old music to contemporary music, so any style is welcome to try.

During my Bachelor's training in Classical Horn I have trained in different educational skills techniques as well as in teaching ensembles and basic conducting.
In addition to horn classes, I can also teach music theory and basic piano skills.

I am very flexible with lesson times, so reaching a common point shouldn't be too difficult.

Virág

4.83

(12)

Hi!
I’m Virág, a composer and teacher based in Den Haag and Budapest.

IF YOU:
~have ideas for pieces but lack the tools to notate them
~are considering studying composition at a conservatory and need some preparation
~have always wanted to learn the basics of music theory and counterpoint, but found it too challenging
~just want to have fun and write music

Then you’re in the right place!

FOR BEGINNERS:
~Getting acquainted with basic music theory and history
~Learning about different instruments and how to write for them.
~Receiving feedback on your own work
~Listening to and analyzing pieces from various periods of music history together
~Developing increasingly complex compositions

FOR INTERMEDIATES:
~Exploring various compositional techniques from early music to contemporary styles
~Studying instrumentation, music history, counterpoint, jazz, and classical theory (as preferred)
~Analyzing pieces from all periods of music history, focusing on form, instrumentation, and social contexts
~Assisting in creating original pieces and providing feedback on existing compositions

Ege

4.83

(12)

Making your own music is a very personal practice that demands attention and care. It is comforting to learn the craft and to know what to focus on now and what to deal later in the process. This way you can let your creativity lead the way and take care of the technical details after on.

With this course, you'll learn the KNOW-HOW of making your own music from start to finish. We will go through; inspiration, composing, arranging, production, mixing, mastering, and release. You will understand the conceptual frame and the technical craft behind them. In no time you will start applying them to your own workflow as well, no matter what genre you are interested in, electronic, pop, jazz, indie, experimental, classical, and so on.

I try to make sure all my students leave the class with a new idea, a fascination, or a new question in their minds about whatever they want to do but most importantly with a smile. The music gathers people, and so is making it. That's why the lessons can flow into a conversation, a joke, a listening discussion, and a feedback session in which we become not only a teacher and a student but hopefully also friends.

Subjects we can focus on: Music Theory, Composing, Arranging, Ableton Live, Sibelius, Notation, Electronic Music, Synthesizers, Guitar(acoustic/electric), Piano, Mixing & Mastering

Javier

4.83

(12)

Highly dedicated and passionate teacher.

Age does not matter when it comes to learning, just enjoying it. Lessons for beginners to more advanced students.
Always trying to keep a creative environment where the students can express themselves in all aspects.
I believe that it is necessary to be constant. The ideal would be one hour or hour and a half a week, but that depends on the student availability. I would provide a personal adaptation.

I like playing games, singing and coming up to most creative solutions for learning fast inside of a save space for questions and imagination of the student. It is very important to motivate the students regarding to their music tastes.

I consider myself an involved and motivated musician. I am constantly trying to learn new styles and enjoy so much doing it. At the moment I am studying my second bachelor degree in music, specifically in Early Music.

I am very flexible with schedules for lessons so coming to a common point should not be very difficult.

Abel

4.83

(12)

Experience Matters
Join me, Abel, an accomplished violinist proudly associated with Residentie Orkest Den Haag. With a rich performing and teaching violin background, I'm here to share my insights and help you reach new heights in your musical journey.

Tailored Learning Approach
No matter your level of expertise, I believe in a personalized approach to learning. From beginners taking their first bow to advanced players seeking finesse, my lessons are carefully crafted to match your pace, style, and aspirations.

Embarking on a Melodic Journey
While the technique is essential, the violin is also a vehicle for artistic expression. We'll explore the emotional depth and artistic expression that genuinely make the violin a captivating instrument. Let's play melodies that resonate with your soul. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, together we'll craft a harmonious learning journey that's uniquely yours. Take the first step and embark on this musical adventure with me.

Julien

4.83

(12)

Whether you are just putting ideas together for a demo or producing a song from start to finish, Ableton Live is an amazing tool that lets you do more with your ideas. Developing electronic music production skills has become a real advantage for musician in any genre of music.

The lessons can include technical topics - mastering the tools, different approaches to composing and arranging as well as mixing. The lessons are tailor made to fit your level and goals.

I have more than 10 years of experience composing, arranging, recording, producing and playing music and I love sharing the skills that I have acquired along the way.

Francesca

4.83

(12)

As a dedicated harp instructor, my primary aim is to cultivate a passion for the harp in each of my students. I accomplish this through theoretical knowledge and hands-on experimentation, ensuring that learning the harp is engaging and enjoyable. My teaching approach is highly adaptable, and tailored to suit the individual needs and learning styles of my students. Drawing from my background in the Suzuki method, particularly effective with younger learners, I strive to make lessons enjoyable and memorable, thereby facilitating quicker and more effective learning.

Irene

4.83

(12)

Let’s create a safe and creative environment where I can help you to explore music at your own pace.

-If you want to join the viola lessons, my objective is to provide you the tools to improve your playing while enjoying the music and connecting with your instrument. We can play different genres: classical, jazz, pop...

-If you’re more interested on music theory, I’ll help you understanding different fields of music: harmony, ear training, analysis, history of music...

I finished my Bachelor in viola some time ago and now I’m busy with my studies in Music Theory. I have a lot of experience teaching music to people of all ages.

There’s a lot to learn, and I’m here to help you!

Anželika

4.83

(12)

I offer individual music theory and piano lessons tailored to your level, goals, and musical interests. Whether you are a complete beginner, a music student preparing for exams, or simply want to understand music better, we can build the lessons around what you need.
Music theory lessons can include notation, harmony, rhythm, ear training, analysis, sight-reading, and general musicianship. Piano lessons can focus on technique, repertoire, sight-reading, and developing a stronger understanding of the music you play.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Musicology and have professional experience teaching music theory. I am currently studying Sonology at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, with a focus on sound, electronic and contemporary music.