facebook
favorite buttonAdd to Wish List
from3858.09EGP/ h

Composing for Opera, learning an interdisciplinary artform

Composing for opera reaches far beyond music composition and when it's done well it is part of an expansive and complex matrix of disciplines, practices, and approaches. In this class we will consider dramaturgy, structure, multimedia collaborative process, composing for voice (from bel canto to neutral conversation), consider dramatic practices, opera specific methodologies and theatre practice.

Whatever your style the principles, analysis, advice and guidance I can offer will take your opera to the next level.

As the artistic director of Waste Paper Opera, I have composed, collaboratively written, and co-directed 8 large scale operas, worked on projects for film, art installation, and even performed in a swimming pool. I have experience as a director, having trained with the late Sir Graham Vick at Birmingham Opera Company and National Opera Studio. I've performed across Europe and the USA as a singer, clown, actor, and musician, most notably with Brookly-based performance group Object Collection.

Extra information

Bring something you're working on in whatever format you work in.

Location

At teacher's location: Chalk Farm Road, London, UK

|
Use ctrl + wheel to zoom!
+

General info

Age:
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

About Me

I have a holistic and dramaturgical approach to composition. I can help to question what the work is really about, what it needs and how to take it to a level where it is honest and unique.

Sessions with me are very open ended and relaxed and yet highly productive. We will discover, analyse, experiment, and enrich your craft by embracing the multiplicity of composing for opera.

Education

PhD in Composition - University of Southampton (2024)
MMus in Composition - Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (2017)
BMus in Composition - Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (2013)

Experience / Qualifications

- 8 operas composed for, developed with and performed by Waste Paper Opera.
- Assistant Directing with Birmingham Opera Company and National Opera Studio
- Associate Lecturer in Collaborative and Collective Practice at UAL Wimbledon College of Arts

Ask a question

Send a message explaining your needs and James will reply soon:
The more detail, the better.
Ex. "Hi, when are you available to meet for a lesson?"

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00) Chicago
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
0
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
2
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
3
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
4
  Monday at 4:00
  Tuesday at 4:00
  Wednesday at 4:00
  Thursday at 4:00
  Friday at 4:00
  
  
5
  Monday at 5:00
  Tuesday at 5:00
  Wednesday at 5:00
  Thursday at 5:00
  Friday at 5:00
  
  
6
  Monday at 6:00
  Tuesday at 6:00
  Wednesday at 6:00
  Thursday at 6:00
  Friday at 6:00
  Saturday at 6:00
  
7
  Monday at 7:00
  Tuesday at 7:00
  Wednesday at 7:00
  Thursday at 7:00
  Friday at 7:00
  Saturday at 7:00
  
8
  Monday at 8:00
  Tuesday at 8:00
  Wednesday at 8:00
  Thursday at 8:00
  Friday at 8:00
  Saturday at 8:00
  
9
  Monday at 9:00
  Tuesday at 9:00
  Wednesday at 9:00
  Thursday at 9:00
  Friday at 9:00
  Saturday at 9:00
  
10
  Monday at 10:00
  Tuesday at 10:00
  Wednesday at 10:00
  Thursday at 10:00
  Friday at 10:00
  Saturday at 10:00
  
11
  Monday at 11:00
  Tuesday at 11:00
  Wednesday at 11:00
  Thursday at 11:00
  Friday at 11:00
  Saturday at 11:00
  
12
  Monday at 12:00
  Tuesday at 12:00
  Wednesday at 12:00
  Thursday at 12:00
  Friday at 12:00
  Saturday at 12:00
  
13
  Monday at 13:00
  Tuesday at 13:00
  Wednesday at 13:00
  Thursday at 13:00
  Friday at 13:00
  
  
14
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
15
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
16
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
17
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
18
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
19
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
20
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
21
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
22
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
23
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
from 3858.09 EGPAt teacher's location

Good-fit Instructor Guarantee


If you are not satisfied after your first lesson, Apprentus will find you another instructor or will refund your first lesson.

Online reputation

  • Instructor since May 2024
  • Google connected

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00) Chicago
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
0
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
2
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
3
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
4
  Monday at 4:00
  Tuesday at 4:00
  Wednesday at 4:00
  Thursday at 4:00
  Friday at 4:00
  
  
5
  Monday at 5:00
  Tuesday at 5:00
  Wednesday at 5:00
  Thursday at 5:00
  Friday at 5:00
  
  
6
  Monday at 6:00
  Tuesday at 6:00
  Wednesday at 6:00
  Thursday at 6:00
  Friday at 6:00
  Saturday at 6:00
  
7
  Monday at 7:00
  Tuesday at 7:00
  Wednesday at 7:00
  Thursday at 7:00
  Friday at 7:00
  Saturday at 7:00
  
8
  Monday at 8:00
  Tuesday at 8:00
  Wednesday at 8:00
  Thursday at 8:00
  Friday at 8:00
  Saturday at 8:00
  
9
  Monday at 9:00
  Tuesday at 9:00
  Wednesday at 9:00
  Thursday at 9:00
  Friday at 9:00
  Saturday at 9:00
  
10
  Monday at 10:00
  Tuesday at 10:00
  Wednesday at 10:00
  Thursday at 10:00
  Friday at 10:00
  Saturday at 10:00
  
11
  Monday at 11:00
  Tuesday at 11:00
  Wednesday at 11:00
  Thursday at 11:00
  Friday at 11:00
  Saturday at 11:00
  
12
  Monday at 12:00
  Tuesday at 12:00
  Wednesday at 12:00
  Thursday at 12:00
  Friday at 12:00
  Saturday at 12:00
  
13
  Monday at 13:00
  Tuesday at 13:00
  Wednesday at 13:00
  Thursday at 13:00
  Friday at 13:00
  
  
14
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
15
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
16
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
17
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
18
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
19
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
20
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
21
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
22
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
23
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
from 3858.09 EGPAt teacher's location

Good-fit Instructor Guarantee


If you are not satisfied after your first lesson, Apprentus will find you another instructor or will refund your first lesson.

Share


Jocelyn
Music class( Composition, piano, screen composition)
Music composition Piano Music composition software Composition for film From the basic level or choose whatever you can. Music composition for screen you must have laptop Piano you must have piano please;) Piano lesson it will have practice work after lesson

Alexander
Music Production - Learn from a producer in the charts.
Comprehensive education offered for Protools, Logic Pro X & Ableton, as well as many other DAW’s. Full in-depth education from beginner to advanced, songwriting, composing, producing, mixing and mastering. I was educated at the legendary Abbey Road Industry and am active in the industry, with my tracks in the UK and Global electronica charts.

Georgia
Singing lessons with an italian lyric-coloratura soprano. From opera to modern and pop. (Masters degree in singing with honours, cum Laude)
My classes are different depending on your level and age. With children from 7 to 12, we start by doing easy vocalization and start training the ear with intonation, we then have fun singing your favorite songs. With teenagers, I also start with some vocalization, a little more elaborate. Depending on the student's capabilities, we start establishing a comfortable range for them and then proceed to singing. For my older students ideally, I divide our lesson into 2 sections. We work on respiration and how the diaphragm works. We do scales and arpeggios and work on intonation. We then proceed to singing and putting into practice our technique. Some students might need more technique before they actually sing, I like to take things slowly and make sure the student feels confident and comfortable singing. I teach children, teenagers, and adults, from beginners to more advanced. Classical training enables you to sing in any kind of way, so don’t hesitate and let’s sing!

Aleylah
Music Fundamentals: Music Theory & Music Appreciation
Music Fundamentals: Music Theory is an intro-level class that breaks down the building blocks of music. You’ll learn how to read music, understand rhythm, scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, and basic harmony. It’s all about giving you the tools to understand how music is written, played, and structured—whether you’re composing, performing, or just trying to make sense of what’s on the page. Think of it as learning the grammar and vocabulary of the music language.

Francesca
Singing Lesson - Italian Soprano - Soloist and voice teacher for any style!
I am an Italian soprano, graduated from the Dutch National Opera Academy. I work as a soloist as a freelance singer, and I teach singing to students of different levels and ages for many years. The most important thing during my lessons is to help the student find a healthy and comfortable way of singing! During the first part of the lesson, we will focus on Technique and breathing, while during the second part of the lesson we will focus on the repertoire chosen together with the student, applying the aspect of the technique that we worked on previously in the lesson.

Jim
Electronic Music Production – Ableton Live, Synthesis, Sound Design, Composition, Mixing, Mastering, and Live Performance
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.

Sebastián
Piano Lessons (Classical Music and Non classical), Music Theory, Harmony, Musical Arrangement, Composition
At my studio my students will not only learn how to play the piano, but they will receive a complete musical education in order to achieve their musical dreams. I will give all my best so everybody will get the tools for developing their own voice, helping them to master the instrument and teaching them all the theoretical knowledge they’ll need to make their particular personality shine. Openness, joy, dedication, creativity and passion for music are some of the things that you will find in the international environment of my studio. I care about who my students are and what they have to say to the world, and I will help them to develop it from the very first lesson. In my class you will not only be able to receive piano lessons but also will learn to understand how the music works as a language. If the interest and the profile of the student goes in the direction of the purely classical music performance, the lessons will be focused on a deep and conscious piano technique development, practicing techniques, musical interpretation, history of music, history of the piano, applied harmony on the keyboard, analysis, and score reading by a method that I have developed for over 15 years of experience. And if the students wish, I can help them to prepare for the ABRSM exams and competitions as well. All this is aiming to achieve in a very practical and exciting experience the best results in the fastest way possible. But if the profile and the interests of the students goes on another way, I will give them all the tools they need to understand the language of music in depth, so they can find their own voice on the instrument. In that case the lessons will include contents of piano technique, score reading, applied harmony on the keyboard, composition, improvisation, musical arrangement, music production, recording techniques, jazz and pop music analysis and performance. Both programs can be combined depending on the focus and the profile of the student, or in case the student would like to go deeper in one of the previously mentioned subjects there is the opportunity to take an independent course of specialization on the desired topic. At the end of the semester every student will perform at the winter and summer concerts held every year and will have the possibility of making a recording session with the material worked during the term. With this, the student will not only be able to see his progress and work, but also will give him a direct experience of performing and working on a live or studio recording session, which is a fundamental part of the developing process of every musician. Hope you can join and if so, I’ll be very happy to teach you!

Tamara
Voice lessons online with an international singer!
🎤 Unlock Your Voice with an International opera Singer with over 15 years stage experience Are you ready to discover the true power of your voice? Get ready for personalized voice lessons that will transform your vocal abilities, no matter your age or skill level. 🌬️ Master Your Breath: Learn the secret to breath control! Strengthen your diaphragm and achieve flawless vocal control. 💃 Perfect Your Posture: Discover how proper posture can elevate your singing performance. I will guide you to a posture that maximizes your vocal range and projection. 🎶 Find Your Authentic Voice: Uncover the unique beauty of your voice with expert guidance. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced vocalist, I will help you tap into your true, authentic sound. 👩‍🎤 All Ages and Levels Welcome: No matter your age or skill level, I welcome you with open arms. Whether you dream of singing on the stage or simply want to sing your heart out, these lessons are for you. I am an international opera singer, and perform leading roles on the world’s most important stages. I offer lessons in vocal technique, with a great emphasis on breathing technique, body work, as well as techniques to deal with performance anxiety. You will learn the key fundamental aspects of breath and body alignment techniques, and will be given vocal exercises that can help you to achieve your goals. We will focus on getting rid of unnecessary muscle tension, and finding a released and projected sound. I have sung at houses such as the Hamburg State opera, English National Opera London, Semperoper Dresden, Opernhaus Zürich, Gran Teatre Liceu Barcelona, Dutch National Opera, Salzburg, Rome in leading roles such as Carmen, Isabella, Adalgisa, Ariodante, Orfeo, Radamisto, Cenerentola, Hermia. I also joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera for thé first time in 2020.

Ryo
Electric & Acoustic Guitar Lessons ♫ Let's bang out!
Hello, Electric & Acoustic Guitar tuition from complete beginners to advanced. (Also Ukulele lessons would be available if fancy) If anyone considers taking up the guitar exams and becoming a qualified guitarist, I can back you up. Any styles, pop/rock/blues/jazz/funk/classical guitar, etc. Whatever songs/riffs/comps/(16th note) strumming patterns (lead guitar/rhythm guitar) harmony and music theory, solfeggio(aural), and so on. Lessons will be tailored to you. it's not brain surgery. it's going to be a lot of fun! I can travel to your house or you come to my place. Also, Skype lessons would be available. Lessons are always for students. So enjoy playing the guitar and lessons to move up to the next level. Any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thanks for reading and look forward to working with you. You can't afford to miss it!! Cheers, Ryo

Gema
Learn Piano and Improvisation and practice other languages :)
The most important matter that I could write here about is my passion to teach. I've been teaching already for more than 10 years, from kids to adults. I'm a classical pianist, but I am opened to other musical styles. What I want you to get from your lessons with me, is not only a huge knowledge of theorical stuff or a great technique, I would like to show you my musical world, the imagination and inner exploration that is required to understand and to love music in a whole new level. Once you have found them, it will be very hard to quit playing! The class duration: You can choose! 20 minutes (Great for the youngest : 3 years old) 30 minutes (Ideal for young beginners from 4 years old) 45 minutes (Intermediate+ adult beginners) 1 hour (Intermediate and combined with some Music Theory) I use different methods depending on: 1) The goals of my student 2) The language that we will use on class 3) Age and musical preferences: I start to teach children from 3 years old, we make games and they learn to play through musical stories that I have created throughout my pedagogical career.

Andrea
Let's talk about music! Musical language, harmony, composition, various analyses, music in its sociocultural context or commented readings
Hello! I've been teaching nonstop for over 10 years, and I'd love to tell you what a class with me offers: 100% personalized approach: The first step is to define your goals. Learning for pleasure? Preparing for entrance exams? Or taking the professional leap? I'll adapt the methodology, curriculum, and even the repertoire to your goals. Dynamic environment (without losing rigor): Relaxed but demanding classes, where practical methods (and my irremediable sense of humor) prevail. Hearing + Musicality + Analysis: We'll work on listening, understanding, and analyzing your musical references. The goal: for you to make artistic decisions with confidence and feel music as your own. No stylistic biases: For me, all music is valid. We'll explore everything from classical to electronic, using each style to work on key aspects: melody, harmony, production... We'll even explore genres you're unfamiliar with together! Important! I balance classes with concerts and projects. Although you're my priority, I appreciate the occasional flexibility to reschedule (only when strictly necessary). If you like this approach, write to me! Learning music is an exciting journey, and I'd love to be your guide.

Jasper
Music production and recording technology class in Gentbrugge
Do you want to learn to write, record or produce your own music? Or are you interested in sound design? Then I can help you further! Music production and recording technology may seem complicated at first glance, but in our 1-on-1 private lessons we can discuss the creative and technical tools you need to unleash your own creativity. Whether it's songwriting, recording techniques or beat making, we can do it all together. All genres are welcome. During the lessons we can learn to work with different programs, such as Logic, Pro Tools or Ableton. The lessons are for students of all ages and levels. Knowledge of solfège is not required. I studied guitar and music production at the Conservatory in Ghent and have been active as a professional musician for several years. I have 12 years of experience as a private teacher. Lessons take place in Gentbrugge near the Keizerpark. We can determine the exact time of the lesson together. All very flexible. Does this seem like something for you? Don't hesitate to send me a message. Hope to see you soon! Jasper

Haotian
Composition and music theory lessons, in Berlin or online
Internationally active composer and music theorist (M.Mus) currently accepting students for the following subjects (online sessions): -Music theory (basic to college level), including harmony, counterpoint, analysis -Western music history (medieval to contemporary), music appreciation -Composition, music notation (software + score preparation), electronic music, university application portfolio feedback and general application advising -English (for academic writing)

Alfred
Online/In-Person (BCN) Bass Guitar Lessons – All Levels
Do you want to start playing bass, or are you already an experienced musician looking to deepen your connection with the instrument? It doesn't matter if your goal is to develop new skills or enhance the ones you already have. These lessons will be tailored to both your level and personal musical taste. My goal is to make you a better bass player, and to achieve that, we can cover a variety of topics depending on your needs, such as: Stylistic variety: Jazz, Funk, Soul, Hip-Hop, Pop, Rock, Latin... Technical skills Audio production Rhythm perception, polyrhythms, odd meters... Music theory: Jazz harmony, sight-reading... Ear training

Maria
Classical singing/Opera/Vocal technique/Music Theatre
Hey, I am a professional opera singer and a highly educated vocal teacher currently working as a soloist at the Opera of Cologne in Germany. I am a very dedicated and passionate singing teacher with almost 8 years of experience in the profession. I approach my students with great attention and care and together we achieve wonderful results! I hold a Master of Music in Opera degree with Distinction from the Dutch National Opera Academy in Amsterdam; a Master of Music with Distinction degree in Vocal Perfomance from the Royal College of Music in London; and a Bachelor of Music degree with Honours in Vocal Pedagogy from the Moscow University of the Humanities. I teach students of all ages and abilities, preparing them for vocal exams and auditions or simply helping them find and develop their voices for everyday life. Teaching voice is my true passion, I always work closely with each student and tailor my lessons according to my student's needs and wishes. During our lessons we will focus on developing a proper singing technique which will allow you to perform a wide range of repertoire from operatic arias and musical theater to pop songs. We will free and strengthen your voice, expand your vocal range, and make you feel secure and confident when singing. Together with the technical aspects, we will also work on the expressive side of music developing your artistry and musicality. I am looking forward to meeting you in my class! :)