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.

Estela

5.0

(5)

Have you ever dreamed of playing the violin or viola? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, I’m here to guide you on your musical journey.

I’m a classically trained violist (and saxophonist) with a passion for teaching and a diverse background in world music, theory, and history. My lessons are tailored to your goals and interests — making learning both inspiring and enjoyable.

✨ What you’ll get:

-Personalized lessons for all levels and ages
-Guidance in technique, expression, and performance
-Opportunities to deepen your understanding of music theory & history

A supportive and motivating learning environment

🎶 Whether you want to master your instrument, build confidence as a performer, or explore music on a deeper level, I’ll help you grow as a musician in a way that’s meaningful to you.

📩 Get in touch today!
Tell me about your musical interests and what you’d like to achieve — I’d love to help you reach your goals.

👉 Let’s make music together!

Sergio

5.0

(5)

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

5.0

(5)

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

5.0

(5)

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.

Piano

5.0

(5)

This is the time to finally learn some music playing, and we are here to help you reach your goals, no matter how big they are!
Pianoma is an online school where you can learn piano at home and with schedule flexibility. Our school works with teachers that speak 7 different languages.

Our main purpose is to make your music as valuable in your life as it is in ours. No matter the age, we adapt to you and to your musical tastes. We teach from 4 years old kids to our eldest student who is currently becoming 74 this year.

-> About our classes and planning

Our classes will focus on you and your musical expertise, if you have previous experience playing piano. If you are completely taking it from zero, we are also here to help.

We will also help you choose a perfect teacher for you based on your profile and what you tell us. He or She will always be teaching you, so no worries, there won't be changes all the time.

On our first class we will show you a bit how we work and our virtual platform so you can access to a private profile to check your weekly notes from your teacher, videos and other content that shall be relevant to you. Of course, there will also be some piano played involved ;)

The rest of the lessons will be planned based on your time. We will focus on what you are able to do with the time you have got. No need to stress or to rush, we want you to progress at your own pace.

Classes can be held on a weekly basis, but we also accept free scheduling classes by the student's availability. Do not hesitate to write us if you need more information!

-> Our courses

These are the courses that we are currently offering are focused on:

- Piano for Children: a fun method for beginners to learn and to experience music. Pedagogically based on Montessori, learning by collaboration and self motivation.

- Piano: no matter the style or the level

- Improvisation and Composition: for curious and creative minds

-Preparation to official exams such as Trinity and ABRSM: these exams take place in official examination centers in several parts of the world, but are also held online. They are highly recognized throughout the globe.

- Preparation to musical competitions

-> Online classes: how and why?

Our classes take place by several platforms as Google Meet or Skype, but if you feel more comfortable with others we are also open to suggestions. Our Professional Studios are set with 2 video cameras, so you can see us perfectly and also hear us perfectly with a studio microphone. Do not worry about your settings, as long as you have a stable connection this is all what we need.

Why online classes? We think online classes are a valid asset for the future. Students learn comfortably from their homes and the education that they receive is proved to have the same validity as in person lessons, if performed with the right means and the right method, obviously! This is what we have been researching and testing for the past 5 years. So far, we have reached a 90% of students that actually got top results at ABRSM examinations by being prepared exclusively online by us.

-> What you need for class?

- A phone, tablet or computer with internet connection
- A keyboard.

If you do not have a keyboard yet and need assistance, feel free to let us a message, and we will try to help you find something that adapts to your budget.

-> Who are we?

We are a positive and energetic team of teachers formed mostly in different conservatories in Europe (Belgium, Georgia, Italy, France and Spain). We have more than 10 years of experience in music teaching, and it is not our only passion: film scoring, composing and playing concerts take a big part of our daily lives too. If you want to get to know us a bit more, scroll down to our Profile.

Quentin

5.0

(5)

This course is above all there to make you want to play the guitar, so that it is a pleasure!

It will be based on the practice of the instrument, on the understanding and role of the guitar.

Theory will be based on the progress of practice. Step by step, practice and theory will thus be complementary, and will necessarily be useful!

Have you always dreamed of being able to play the guitar? it's time to get started!
Let the magic of music take hold of you and become the accomplished guitarist you always wanted to be!

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

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

I am also here to advise you on the equipment you might need.
Advice on choosing an amplifier that suits your needs and fits your budget.
Choosing your first guitar, bass or ukulele, according to the criteria you want.
Also for small equipment, jack cables, plectrum/pick, tuner or instrument stand.

Possibility of offering this course to one of your loved ones, a very appreciated gift for people who would like to embark on a musical adventure!

Andrea

5.0

(5)

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

5.0

(5)

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

David

5.0

(5)

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

5.0

(5)

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.

Steve

5.0

(5)

Would you classify improvisation as composition or performance? Well actually it is both! When you improvise you are composing music on the spot, performing what you have made up at the same time as you have composed it.

For many people improvisation is a scary word and having to improvise in a group or band is an alarming prospect. However, this really does not need to be the case. As long as you have a basic knowledge of how to play your instrument you will be able to improvise. Once you know the principle of how chords are formed you will soon be improvising with ease.

The key to success is understanding chords. Once you know how chords are formed and know what notes make up a few chords you will be well on your way towards being able to improvise. We will, therefore, start by ensuring a firm knowledge of certain chords. After this we will progress to improvising a simple melody over the top of these chords. The next stage is to start using notes that are not in the chord. The process is then open ended with emphasis on developing the melody.

If you play a keyboard instrument you will be able to improvise your own pieces and be able to entertain your friends at a moments notice. On the other hand if you play in a band or a group you will be well equipped to do a real 'jam' session.

Whether you play a single line instrument (flute, saxophone, trumpet, violin etc.) or keyboard instruments, this class is for you.

Thal-Indra

5.0

(5)

Even though music is universal, specific terms and method learning differ from one culture and another one. This is why I propose some individual courses of music and piano for people curions about discovering or maybe improving their artistic skills in the language of Moliere.

At the beginning of the lesson, the student will be trained by some theory, not the best part for most people. But with the help of mnemotechnic methods, those basics won't have a secret for him/her anymore ;)

Then, I will adapt the pratical part depending on the student's level...and will of course ;) He/She can bring the music piece he would like to play.

Shubha

5.0

(5)

Hii, I'm a Professional Music Tutor. I teach Hindustani Classical Music Vocal with 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 of 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 and Professional 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,

Pranav

5.0

(5)

Sound healing, also known as energy medicine, is recognized as one of the fastest holistic healing techniques, using specific sound vibrations to promote relaxation, balance energy, and support both physical and mental wellness. Techniques such as sound baths, chakra healing, and full body sound healing therapy are used to help address various conditions, including stress, anxiety, pain, and even some chronic diseases.

Sound healing operates on the principle of resonance and vibrational medicine, where specific frequencies interact with the body on a cellular and energetic level to restore harmony. The body, being largely made of water, conducts these vibrations effectively, allowing sound to impact tissues deeply and trigger physiological responses such as endorphin release and pain relief.
Techniques and Applications
Sound Bath: Involves immersion in the soothing vibrations of instruments like singing bowls and gongs, inducing a deep state of relaxation and meditation.

Chakra Healing: Targets the body’s energy centers by using sounds matched to each chakra frequency, aiding in emotional release and energy flow.

Therapy for Diseases: Some studies and practitioners report benefits of sound healing for conditions like high blood pressure, insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and even support through cancer and behavioral disorders.

Full Body Healing: Promotes overall wellness by balancing mental, physical, and spiritual health, leaving individuals feeling refreshed and at peace.

Benefits of Sound Healing
Reduces stress, anxiety, tension, and fatigue.

Improves mental clarity, emotional well-being, and sleep quality.

Enhances blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, and supports natural healing.

Balances chakras, promotes deep relaxation, and fosters a spiritual sense of connection.

Sound healing is generally considered safe for most people, but those with certain sound sensitivities, epilepsy, or pregnancy should consult with practitioners before sessions.

Maya

5.0

(5)

Throughout her years studying performance, Maya has created a studio of young clarinetists. In her studio, she fosters a supportive environment where young musicians can develop their skills and express their creativity. Through personalized lesson plans and encouragement, Maya helps each student reach their full potential, instilling a love for music that lasts a lifetime.

Maya is an accomplished clarinetist hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a deep passion for both chamber and orchestral music. She completed Masters Degree at Bard Conservatory where she studied with NY Philharmonic Clarinetist, Pascual Martinez Forteza and renowned soloist, David Krakauer. She has performed in venues such as Orchestra Hall and the Kennedy Center. As a soloist, Maya performed the Weber Clarinet Concerto no.1 with string orchestra in 2018. She has performed with various esteemed ensembles, including The Orchestra Now (TON), The Bard Conservatory Orchestra, The Phillippsburg Academy Orchestra, The Northern Lights Festival Orchestra, The Saluzzo Opera Academy Orchestra, and The University of Minnesota Orchestra.