Online composition, music theory, and songwriting lessons for beginners and up

From 54 € /h

I'm Yuta, a composer, and bassist from New York. I have been teaching composition, arranging, songwriting, music theory, and bass performance online. All levels and ages are welcome! I completed a Master's degree in Composition at Aaron Copland School of Music in New York City, and my teaching method is based on its rigorous curriculum. My music draws influence from Jazz and Classical music as well as other music that I love to listen to. If you want to write music or deepen your understanding of music theory, now is the time to start!

Location

Online from United States

About Me

Yuta is a composer and bassist with a background in jazz and Western Classical music, who seeks to indulge in crafting music he loves. He recently graduated from Aaron Copland School of Music in New York City with a Master of Arts in composition, where he has earned multiple awards including George Perle Award. In 2019 he held a fellowship at Talis Music Festival at Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he had a premiere of a chamber piece. He is a skilled composition/arranging, songwriting and music theory teacher that can teach music in broad style and level. Upon request, he can also teach contrabass and electric bass lessons for Jazz, Classical, and Rock -- with professional performance experience over 10 years in New York City.

Education

City University of New York at Queens College, NY, United States 2018
Master of Arts in Composition – GPA 3.933

City University of New York at Queens College, NY, United States 2015
Bachelor of Arts in Music – GPA 3.718 with Cum Laude

Kwansei Gakuin University, Nishinomiya, Japan 2005
Bachelor of Policy Studies

Experience / Qualifications

Music Major Tutor
Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens, NY
• Designated as a qualified tutor by the college to offer tutoring sessions for undergraduate music major students
• Tutoring experience include musicianship, ear-training, counterpoint, keyboard-harmony, and theory

Private Double Bass Teacher
• Taught private lessons of double bass performance in both Jazz and Classical to college-level students

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

Japanese

Skills

Music composition

Music theory lessons

Song writing

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Lou-Indigo

4.87

(84)

The course that I propose is BILINGUAL FRENCH / ENGLISH, as well as 2 BOOKS.

Age and musical taste are not restrictive when in the program, you can with qualitative daily work (not quantitative) quickly observe your progress.

Here the pleasure of playing music is put forward.

The kind of music you love most will be the focus of the course, their codes and secrets will be the focus of our study, that's what I want to share with you.

We can do technical lessons and simply learn together how to play one or more songs of your choice or mine, enrich your game with this approach and your repertoire!

(For example, We can re-arrange the pieces and make them more original by approaching the system (CAGED), and enriching their chords, resulting in new positions, new techniques and new sounds, using arpeggio techniques rather than strumming for 4-chord pieces, voicing and fingerstyle techniques, in short, expanding the instrument's playing fields and playing skills to keep progressing in your game and improve your rehearsals ...)

If you make a request, this program is obviously accompanied by the pleasure of learning more in theory and being able to directly apply new knowledge on its instrument and identify its common or rare use in the pieces discussed in class.

In this case, the theory is translated to be accessible to anyone, both for those who are connoisseurs and for those who discover everything from absolute zero.
The exercises, songs, and theoretical explanations offered throughout the program are organized in an order of progressive difficulty.

I wrote and produced 2 books of my method to learn the guitar and the music, that I sell to accompany my course and your apprenticeship in the best conditions and so that you can continue the course even at home and to review etc ... .
There is ONE BOOK OF COURSES containing all the theoretical and practical program of the year, as well as a BOOK OF EXERCISE on the ranges and the modes that you can obtain directly.

You can find here an indicative list of objectives that I propose in my theoretical program, which can of course adapt to your request.

The general theoretical objectives of the course:

--- Tuning / tuning and knowing his guitar:
* Standard Tuning
* Drop Tuning
* Open Tuning
* Adjust the optimal tension of the strings
* Adjust the shaft axis
* Adjust the action of the strings
* Choose the strings adapted to the style of play / tuning
* Change his strings

-Know his chords:
* Triads: Fundamental State & Inversions
* Tetrads: Fundamental State & Inversions
* The chord progressions of the Range
* Arpeggio techniques (tapping, sweep, 1/2/4 fing.shape, etc ...)

--- Know his scales and his modes

* The Mode of the Major scale
* 3 Modes of the Minor scale: Natural / Melodic / Harmonic
* Modes of the Pentatonic range: 5 positions
* Modes of the Blues range: 5 positions
Etc ...

--- Technique to the Pick / Plectrum / Tab / Pick (Electric Guitar):
* Alternate Picking
* Fast Picking / Tremolo Picking
* Hybrid Picking
* Palm Mute
* Natural Harmonics
* Pinch Harmonics
* Artificial Harmonics
* Shredding
* Tapping
* Sweep Picking
* Legato Picking

--- Strumming / Hand Picking (Acoustic Guitar)
* "SnareDrum" percussion on the guitar
* Arpeggios pinched with 4 fingers + thumb
* Rasgueado (Flamenco Technique)
* Generic Strumming
* Fingerstyle Picking
* Two-finger picking + Legato for fast melodies (eg a solo)

-Play the metronome
* exercises on click
* practice on song riffs

-Learn his favorite songs
* without thinking about the difficulty, nothing is impossible with the right methodology

-Improvise
* choose ranges and positions
* to place oneself rhythmically, to finish on the judicious notes

-Theory of Harmony
* Understand harmonization and its practice

-Theory on the Melody

-Theory of Rhythm

Ryo

4.87

(84)

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

Frederic

4.87

(84)

A conservatory graduate and music theory teacher gives piano lessons.
All styles combined (classical, rock, accompaniment piano, etc.)
Method suitable for the little ones 4-5 years old
First course without obligation.

Jan-

4.87

(84)

No matter which style, you want to make progress in, i am here to guide you through the first steps/years! With 20 years of experience in playing both on el-guitars, and spanish guitars.

- all basics
- intuitive learning by blending practice and theory in well balanced portions.

Sebastián

4.87

(84)

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!

Angel

4.87

(84)

I provide fun and personalized piano lessons, by adapting lessons based on your proficiency(beginner, intermediate or advanced), age group, and goals (hobby and leisure, grade exams). For beginners, I start with the basics of the piano and begin with teaching Tutor books. Not only will you be playing songs and pieces in no time, but you will be building a strong foundation of note-reading, music theory,sight-reading, technique, and more!
My approach is to teach very thorough foundations so that my students are well prepared for exams and performances such as Trinity, ABRSM, School/ church performances

Get in touch to start your lessons! ( Please note: There may be a waiting list)

Jim

4.87

(84)

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.

Paolo

4.87

(84)

My lessons are aimed at teaching a method that can allow student's autonomy in using Max/MSP programming language and the Gen/Gen~ environment. The neophyte can benefit from a practical method, which focuses on the constant exchange between theory and practice; the advanced student will benefit from the refinements of their practice in patch design.
Ideally, the student will be able to be independent in some months.

Students can expect partial covering of DSP topics for music. If needed, a specific lesson can be requested.
Students are invited to present their works and patches, and can expect to discuss them in detail.

Students are expected to be present for each scheduled class, not late, and to avoid a rude or disrespectful beahviour.

DISCLAIMER

I am learning Dutch as for September 2024. As you can understand, I am not able to sustain a lesson in Dutch. So, for the moment, only in English or Italian...

Brent

4.87

(84)

Do you want to explore the world of (electronic) music production or take your skills to the next level? Whether you're a complete beginner or already have some experience, I can help you elevate your music production to new heights!

What I offer:
🎧 Music Theory & Sound Design: Discover how to create catchy melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. Learn sound design techniques, music theory, and tips & tricks to develop your own unique sound.
🎛️ FL Studio Expertise: Master the ins and outs of FL Studio (Fruity Loops) – from the basics to advanced techniques (VSTs, creating melodies, writing drum patterns, mixing, mastering, and more).
🎶 Work with Your DAW: Do you use a different program like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or Cubase? No problem! I adapt to your preferred software.
🎹 Practical & Accessible: No prior knowledge required! Everyone is welcome, whether you want to produce house, rap, techno, pop, or any other genre.

About the lessons:
- Personalized Guidance: Lessons are tailored to your needs and skill level.
Online and In-Person Options: Flexibility to choose the format that suits you best.
- Use of Professional Tools: You'll learn to work with professional tools, ensuring your tracks sound polished and ready for release.

What you need:
- A laptop/computer.
- Motivation to bring your musical vision to life!

Who am I?
Hey, I’m Brent! With over 8 years of experience in music production and a degree to back it up, I produce music under the name Pai Napple. You can find my tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more. I’ve garnered millions of streams and collaborated with well-known artists. My main genres are rap, pop, R&B, and EDM. I also sell music to other artists and for TV and film.

Interested?
Ready to start? Send me a message to learn more or book a lesson directly. Let’s kickstart your musical journey together! 🎶

Sofiia

4.87

(84)

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.

John

4.87

(84)

I teach online via Zoom, using software which allows you to see the exact keys I'm playing on my keyboard.

My teaching method is to focus on whatever type of music the student loves most, and to build from there. I believe that many people give up their dream of playing an instrument simply because they aren't inspired enough, so my goal is to instill a love for music, whatever that means personally for each individual student.

Everyone learns differently and has their own pace and rhythm. I have some students who like to have a regular weekly or biweekly lesson, and others who just get in touch once in a while when they have digested the previous lesson and feel ready to build on it. Whatever the case, I am very flexible and we can figure out what works best for you.

A bit about me:

Originally honing my skills on the British jazz scene and holding residencies in restaurants and bars around the country, I then went on to tour the world playing on cruise ships, hotels and festivals. I returned to London to complete my master's in jazz piano at the Guildhall School of Music, and during this time performed regularly at Ronnie Scotts, The Vortex and many other venues across the UK. I then spent two years in South America learning about salsa and Cuban music. I now mainly work as a transcriber, writing sheet music for all instruments including full Big Band scores. I have also worked extensively in musical theatre, most recently as musical director for 'Jersey Boys', and on the first US national tour of 'Summer: the Donna Summer Musical'. The video shown below is from my stint playing and directing 'After Midnight', a show set to the music of the Duke Ellington Big Band.

Federico

4.87

(84)

I propose music lessons tailored to your level and interests.
Whether you are a complete beginner or already advanced, child, teenager or adult, the courses are adapted to your goals and musical desires.

You can choose from a wide variety of instruments and styles:

Guitar (classical, acoustic, electric, flamenco, folk, Latin American styles, fingerpicking, and more)

Ukulele and bass guitar

Singing lessons to develop your voice and interpretation

In addition, I offer training in music theory, harmony, and solfège, to give you a solid foundation and help you progress more quickly in your musical journey.

Learning is fun, creative, and personalized — so you can enjoy making music at your own pace while exploring different repertoires and techniques.

James

4.87

(84)

This class is for aspiring composers, musicians, and anyone who wants to learn how to write your own music! After we determine your goals, I'll support you in developing your skills in melody, harmony, orchestration, and more. As a conservatory-trained composer and producer, I have written and worked in a variety of styles, including classical, film music, avant-garde, electronic, pop, and folk - no matter what your style is, I'll help you bring your music to the next level!

Enrico

4.87

(84)

My lessons are friendly, relaxed and interactive. We start from the music you enjoy and build your skills step by step.
In class we work on songs, chords, rhythm, technique and improvisation, always in a practical and musical way. Lessons are adapted to your level and goals, whether you are a beginner or already have some experience.
My goal is simple: help you understand the piano, enjoy music and feel confident playing.
Feel free to send me a message and tell me what music you love!

Samuel

4.87

(84)

Do you want to learn music production software, produce your own tracks, improve your mixing skills, or finally finish your productions?
I offer tailor-made DAW courses in Bègles / Bordeaux and via webcam, for beginners as well as more advanced profiles.
Specializing in FL Studio, I can help you progress in composition, beatmaking, arrangement, sound design, music theory and mixing, with a practical, results-oriented approach.
I have worked with labels like Lofi Girl and on projects related to film and video games, but my current objective remains simple: to help you progress quickly, clearly, and on your own music.

Universes I particularly love: lofi, hip-hop, ambient, synthwave, electronica, soundtracks / cinematics.

I can help you if you want:
getting started with FL Studio or DAW
create your first beats / tracks
improve your mixing
better structure your arrangements
develop your sonic identity
make progress on an EP, album or professional project

For beginners :
getting started with the DAW
basics of rhythm, harmony, structure
first pieces

For intermediaries:
cleaner mix
improved sound management
more lively arrangements
faster workflow

For the advanced:
finishing pieces
artistic direction
in-depth sound design
support on a real project