Crafting the Sonic Narrative: Sound Design, Composition, Production & Songwriting Essentials

From 60 € /h

As a multi-award-winning producer, composer, sound designer, and audio engineer with over a decade of industry experience (from music production and commercials to immersive art installations and new media projects) I’m passionate about sharing my expertise with like-minded individuals. Whether you're eager to deepen your understanding of music creation or simply refine your unique sound and taste in music production, I’m here to guide you.

I offer tailored lessons to help you master:

-Sound Design
-Composition
-Music Production
-Songwriting Essentials

Location

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At student's location :

Around Amsterdam, Netherlands

At teacher's location :

Audio Production Studio Mert Gencer, Turnhoutplantsoen, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Online from Netherlands

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

90 minutes

120 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Music composition

Sound (music)

Audio production

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

From Basics to Brilliance: Creative Use of Ableton Live for Production, Mixing & Mastering

60 € /h

As a multi-award-winning producer, composer, sound designer, and audio engineer with over a decade of industry experience (from music production and commercials to immersive art installations and new media projects) I’m passionate about sharing my expertise with like-minded individuals.

If you're ambitious and eager to deepen your knowledge in audio production, elevate your 'sound,' and refine your skills in music production using Ableton Live, I can help you take your skills to the next level.

Areas of focus include:

-DAW 101 (Ableton Live)
-Recording Techniques
-Sampling and Sound Design
-Creative Mixing
-Mastering
-Music Production

Whether you're just starting out or looking to polish your advanced techniques, these tailored classes are designed to guide you on your creative journey.

Valeria

5.0

(1)

I am a classical and baroque bassist. Graduated from Amsterdam Conservatory (Bachelor and Master )
With more than 15 years playing my instrument and 3 years of teaching young kids and people from all ages and levels!

If you always wanted to learn the double bass is never to late to start!

Santiago

5.0

(1)

Learning to play the guitar can be an amazing experience at every stage of the process! My ultimate goal is to help my students to develop their skills and musical understanding by learning and playing music that they like.

Therefore I adapt my teaching methodologies to the tastes and needs of every student. Throughout every lesson, we will work on three main courses of development: technical aspects, theoretical knowledge, and performative practice.

My classes are open for anyone who would like to enjoy exploring the universe of music: beginners and advanced, children and adults, you are all welcome to book the first lesson.

Lucy

5.0

(1)

[EN below]

Do you have a passion for music and dream of learning to sing, play the piano, write your own songs, or even discover the magic of music production in Logic Pro X? Search no further!

Together we can search for the perfect lesson content that is specifically tailored to you, so that I can always offer what you want. Multiple interests? – then we can even combine different disciplines for an even richer learning path. The lesson material is infused with my personal experiences as a professional musician in the pop industry, knowledge from previous classical piano and theory lessons, singing lessons and the insights I gained during my completed studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Pop).

Expect a professional approach during class, combined with a fun and unique teaching experience designed especially for you.

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Are you passionate about music and do you dream of learning to sing, play the piano, write your own songs, or dive into the enchanting world of music production using Logic Pro X? Look no further!

Together, let's embark on a journey to tailor the perfect lesson content to your desires, ensuring that I can always provide exactly what you're looking for. Multiple interests? – then we can even combine various disciplines for a more enriching learning experience. The teaching material is infused with my personal experiences as a professional musician in the pop industry, insights from earlier classical piano and theory classes, singing lessons and the knowledge acquired from my studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Pop).

Expect a professional approach during the lesson, paired with a warm and distinctive learning experience crafted just for you.

Diana

5.0

(1)

Hallo! If you love cello, it is the right time to start learning!

As a teacher with 12 years of experience I offer private lessons for all ages and all levels.
I have learned my teaching skills from famous cello pedagogues from all over the world. I have experience in teaching to children as well as adults and I consider essential that we both have fun while learning such a wonderful thing as playing music! Lessons will be adapted to your needs and we will develop together your musicality and technical skills.
Also possible to ask for academic support with the instrument, music theory or history.

Lessons can be in English, Spanish, French and Dutch. If you still don't have an instrument yourself, I can give some suggestions about where and how to find it - please don't hesitate to contact me if interested!

Hope to hear from you soon!
Diana

Iara

5.0

(1)

Hi there! Have you always wanted to learn the flute or do you feel like picking up this beautiful instrument again after a break?

As a teacher with more than 6 years of experience, I offer private lessons for all ages and all levels.
I learned my teaching skills from famous flute teachers of our time. I have experience teaching both children and adults and I think it is essential that we both have fun while learning something as wonderful as playing music! Lessons are adapted to your needs and we will develop your musicality and technical skills together. In addition to Classical music, we can also work on other music styles if necessary. For example, I am familiar with Brazilian folk music, Baroque music, Modern Music and Jazz.
It is also possible to request academic support with the instrument, music theory or history.

Lessons can be given in English and Dutch. If you don't have an instrument of your own yet, I can give some suggestions on where and how to find/rent one - don't hesitate to contact me if you're interested.

I hope to hear from you soon!
Iara

Jim

5.0

(1)

Hi, my name is Jim. I'm an electronic music producer with a Master’s degree in Music from the Fontys Academy of Arts (Rockacademie) in Tilburg, Netherlands. Music has always been my way of exploring the world — through raw field recordings, synthesis, and emotional storytelling. Over the past 12 years, I’ve developed a complete, self-sufficient creative process: from concept to composition, sound design to vocal production, mixing, mastering, and live performance. I’m passionate about helping others gain those same end-to-end technical skills — so they can bring their own musical vision fully to life.

As Malvae, I’ve written, sung, recorded, produced, mixed, mastered, and performed all of my work. My music reached #17 in the Spotify Viral 50 charts in the USA, gathered millions of streams, and featured in international film productions including King of the Streets and Netflix’s Terrace House Japan. One of the most formative moments in my career was my Amazonas album project, where I traveled into the Amazon rainforest to record and manipulate natural sounds. 90% of that album was created entirely from these field recordings, reshaped through granular synthesis and advanced sound design into a cohesive sonic journey. That experience deeply shaped how I approach my music and how I teach sound design and composition.

I’ve headlined shows at iconic venues like Melkweg Amsterdam with immersive, self-built audiovisual live sets using Ableton Live, modular gear, sequencers, and Resolume for live integrated visuals. I curated my own events and performed at venues like A’dam Tower, OT301. I also teach at studios such as Wisseloord in Hilversum, guiding students through the technical and creative intersections of sound and performance.

Selected Works & Collaborations:

My EP Like Bees to a Hive began as a soundscape for fashion brand Lobomar’s collection Final Orders, Please, presented at the Amsterdam World Museum. I collaborated with South African poet Julia-Beth Harris, integrating her spoken word into a seamless, atmospheric release. From sequential Prophet 6 textures to ADX1 drum machine layers and detailed field recordings, I handled every layer, from concept through multitrack production to the final live performance in London.

My Chrysalis EP, released as a limited-edition heavyweight red vinyl, pushed that even further, combining ethereal vocals, analog grit, and unique textures to craft an emotionally rich release. I personally led every part of the project’s technical and creative execution, from arrangement and vocal production to final mixing, mastering and vinyl press preparation.

In addition to my own projects, I’ve worked as a vocal producer and mixing engineer, including on Esther Veen’s EP Before I Go, where I handled recording, complex vocal layering, creative processing, production, multivocal arrangement and final mixing to deliver a polished, high-impact sound.

About the lessons:

My sessions are fully customised to your experience level, goals and grounded in real-world music production. Whether you’re just getting started or want to deepen your technical ability, you’ll learn how to develop professional workflows and the creative independence to finish what you start.

We can explore:

- Building advanced music production workflows and creative strategies
- Recording, Composition, arrangement, and storytelling through sound
- Full-stack mixing and mastering — from bedroom setups to pro-level delivery
- Synthesis and sampling — from sound shaping basics to high-level manipulation
- Multi vocal production, vocal recording, editing, layering, FX, and creative processing techniques
- Translating your music into a compelling live set with Ableton Live
- Applying music theory practically in electronic, cinematic, and contemporary music

Lessons are available online or in-person at my studio in Amsterdam. For online students, I use high-quality real-time tools that allow us to collaborate with full-resolution audio directly from your DAW — no screen sharing limitations, just real work in real time.

My own musical path often started by blending the sounds I encountered in the world, whether from distant rainforests or my own voice , into something personal and expressive.
I found my sound that way, and I’d love to help you find yours.

(And don’t worry — we won’t have to go to the ends of the earth to do it. I’ll show you how to turn the sounds you already have into something truly your own.)

Whether you're just starting out or ready to go deeper, I look forward to helping you grow through structured, creative, and technically grounded electronic music education.

Stefano

5.0

(1)

Discover your inner musician and take your talent to the next level with my classes in songwriting, music theory, and arrangement! Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned musician, I'll provide you with the tools and guidance you need to unlock your full potential and unleash your creativity.

As a musician, singer, piano player, composer, and songwriter myself I am experienced in a variety of genres, including pop, jazz, soul, and classical music, so you can choose the style that speaks to you. With my personalized approach, I'll help you develop the skills and techniques you need to create your own unique sound.

In my songwriting classes, you'll learn how to craft compelling lyrics and melodies that truly resonate with your audience. In my music theory classes, you'll delve into the fundamentals of music and gain a deeper understanding of the building blocks of your favorite songs. And in my arrangement classes, you'll discover how to take your songs to the next level with intricate, thoughtful instrumentation.

Join me today and take the first step towards realizing your musical dreams! My classes are designed to be fun, engaging, and inspiring, so you'll never want to put down your instrument. Let's make some beautiful music together!

Antek

5.0

(1)

Hello there!

My name is Antek and i'm a cellist and composer who graduated from Conservatorium van Amsterdam. As a cellist I've had the pleasure and honour of collaborating with renowned artists such as Hans Zimmer, being part of his 2022 European Tour Orchestra, touring over 15 countries and playing in locations such as London's O2 Arena or Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. I am now mainly active as a performer of contemporary/experimental music, as well as classical music, freelancing in various orchestras in the Netherlands, having played in venues such as Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, Concertgebouw or TivoliVredenburg. I offer cello lessons, regardless of the level - whether you are a curious beginner or more advanced player, i'm happy to collaborate and share my knowledge and experience with you, as well as inspire your creativity regarding both playing the right notes, and making artistic choices.

I can also help you prepare for conservatory entrance exams by providing Solfege, Ear-training and General Music Theory lessons.

As a composer, I'm currently pursuing a degree at Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp. I can help you work on your ideas, and how to write them down, to sound exactly how you want them to sound. That includes tutorials on engraving rules, orchestration, working in DAWs (Ableton) and using sheet music software (Sibelius, MuseScore), as well as building your craft and workflow. I'm experienced in writing both instrumental and electronic music, as well as performance art, live electronics and multidisciplinary projects. I have also collaborated with institutions like National Polish Radio or CelloWercken Festival Zutphen.

I hope to hear back from you soon and I'm looking forward to start working on your musical journey!
Peace and Love
Antek

Samuel

5.0

(1)

Hello

I'm a professional bass player living in Amsterdam. I have a passion for teaching and passing on some of the knowledge that I have acquired during my studies at several schools and heard from the musicians I look up to. I've done my bachelor degree at The Royal Academy of Music in Denmark, and I finished my Masters at Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2024.

I teach double bass, electric bass and composition.

Musically I try to be as open as I can. For me it doesn't matter if it's free jazz, traditional jazz, pop or metal as long as it feels good.

I'm a leader of my own group where we combine jazz and indie rock. we will release our debut album this fall.

I'm also a sideman in several groups.

As for composition I have experience with composing for regular jazz groups, big band, string quartet and irregular constellations such as my band with three guitars and three horns.

Some thoughts about teaching:

I believe that the most important thing when teaching is having a good relation to one another and generally just having a good time. If we don't enjoy the process we don't learn.
You should feel comfortable saying how you feel and what you want to learn/don't want to learn. With that transparency I will be able to customize the teaching and balance the curriculum so that I meet your needs while pushing you into unknown territory.

If you're reading this I'm happy that you took your time to read through it all, and hopefully we'll get to meet and talk about music!

César

5.0

(1)

Embark on a transformative journey into the world of musical composition, guided by the expertise of a Chilean jazz composer with a passion for creativity and innovation. These lessons are designed to help you discover and refine your unique musical voice while mastering the art of crafting compositions in jazz and popular music styles.

You’ll explore the essential elements of music creation—melody, harmony, rhythm, and structure—while delving into the rich language of jazz and the expressive possibilities of popular music. Through a blend of theory, practical exercises, and improvisation, you’ll learn to create music that speaks from the heart and resonates with your audience.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your skills, these personalized lessons are tailored to your level, goals, and aspirations. You’ll gain not only technical proficiency but also the confidence to bring your ideas to life, creating compositions that are both authentic and inspiring.

Step into the world of composition with guidance that blends professionalism, creativity, and a commitment to your artistic growth. Unleash your potential and master the tools to turn your musical dreams into reality.

Kinan

5.0

(1)

Arabic music, Turkish music and world music, also Makam, improvisation.
I can teach Saz, Baglama or any instrument in this family.
You will learn everything about orientel music.
If you want to be professional this is the right place to start.

Sofiia

5.0

(1)

Lessons are specifically tailored to the needs of each student, with a focus on their personal requests. I offer various approaches — teaching, coaching, mentoring. My lesson style ranges from diving into music theory and analysing great music works of the past, to developing a musical concept for your compositions and working on your personal style.

I am proficient in jazz arranging and composing, classical orchestration and composition, jazz and classical theory, solfege, rhythmics, as well as working within interdisciplinary fields — combining different art forms with music.

I offer a wide range of possibilities — writing your own compositions/songs; arranging for a big band (or any other ensemble); songwriting; working with strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion.
Your motivation is the limit:)

I am also working with Sibelius as a software, so I can teach you to use it.

Deniz

5.0

(1)

In this class, we use Ableton Live as a creative tool to explore music production, composition, and sound design. Whether you're a beginner or already producing, the lessons are tailored to your goals. whether that’s making beats, writing songs, or designing experimental soundscapes. You'll learn how to turn your musical ideas into finished tracks, while gaining practical knowledge of arrangement, audio effects, MIDI, sampling, and more. Theory is introduced in a simple, intuitive way to support your creativity, and improvisation is encouraged to help you find your own sound. My goal is to give you the tools—and the confidence—to create music that feels truly yours.

Bea

5.0

(1)

The world of electronic music can feel overwhelming at first, and knowing where to start isn’t always easy. My goal as a teacher is to help you create the music you truly want to make, or further develop your skills regarding:
- Ableton Live: From Basics to Advanced levels
- Electronic Music practice: recording, looping integrating acoustic instruments, MIDI instruments, sound synthesis, audio manipulation and sound design.
- Ear Training & Music Analysis: Analyse songs and sounds that inspire you to understand their musical elements.
- Sound Effects & Mixing: EQ, compression, distortion, reverb, panning, etc.
- Sound Processing & Manipulation: Advanced techniques to design unique sounds from scratch (stretching, pitch shifting, deconstruction, sampling and more).
- Music theory and creative tools.

I always focus on personalised guidance (no matter if you have not started yet, or want a more advance and concrete guidance) by helping you overcome doubts and supporting you on your journey into the exciting world of music creation!

Joris

5.0

(1)

Looking for high-quality piano lessons? Joris offers personal coaching for beginning and advanced pianists in Amsterdam East. With me, you will not only learn to play the right notes, but also understand how to make them sound. With 'the best ears in town,' I guide you like a sound architect in developing technique, musical insight, and the art of listening.

Whether you want to perfect your piano technique, compose your own pieces, or learn how to create a professional production: I offer meticulous, tailored guidance.

My expertise includes:
• Piano lessons (Classical, Jazz, Pop, Crossover)
• Music Theory & Composition
• Coaching in Music Production (Editing, Mixing & Mastering)

In my studio on Zeeburgereiland (or at your home in Amsterdam), your musical development and enjoyment of playing come first. Professional guidance with a personal approach.

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