
from40.00EUR/ h
Music Composition and Music Theory Lessons with a PhD Graduate
Hello!
My name is Jacques, and I hold a Ph.D. in Composition from the University of California, San Diego. I offer online courses in composition and music theory for learners of all ages and levels.
Additionally, I can assist with preparation for entrance exams at music conservatories.
**Sample Topics for Beginners:**
- Introduction to Western Music Theory Concepts
- Modal Scales
- Harmony
- Modulation
- Counterpoint (Species, Canon, Invention, Fugue)
- Figured Bass
- Material Development
- Twelve-Tone Technique
- Form Analysis
- Historical Styles
- Post-Tonal Harmony
- Polytonality
**Sample Topics for Advanced Students:**
- Advanced Techniques vs. Technique Expansion
- Harmonic Spectrum and Spectralism
- Hybrid Notation Methods
- Timbre
- Orchestration
- Polyphonic Structures
- Microtonality
- Contemporary Approaches to Form
- Complex Rhythms
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine advanced techniques, I tailor each lesson to meet your individual goals and interests. Feel free to reach out for more information or to schedule a lesson!
Earlier in his career, Jacques studied composition and music theory at the CIEM in Mexico with Victor Rasgado and Enrico Chapela. He also holds a Music Diploma in guitar performance from the Royal School of Music, London (2012).
He is the creator of the channels Mexican Scores, where he publishes video-scores of contemporary Mexican composers, and Musica Teórica Online, focused on educational content about music theory. His works have been performed in countries like Mexico, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, the U.S., the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Portugal, and Germany, and have been featured in festivals such as Darmstadt, Gaudeamus, and Wittener Tage für Neue Kammermusik.
Jacques earned second place in the "New Recorder Music" competition in 2016, held in Lausanne. His piece "Xochitepec desde mi cuarto" was chosen to represent Mexico at the UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers in 2012. He has been awarded several scholarships, including the Deutschlandstipendium and the Mexican grants Estudios en el Extranjero (2013) and Jóvenes Creadores (2016, 2021). In 2019, he was selected by the ULYSSES Network for the ULYSSES Journeys program.
My name is Jacques, and I hold a Ph.D. in Composition from the University of California, San Diego. I offer online courses in composition and music theory for learners of all ages and levels.
Additionally, I can assist with preparation for entrance exams at music conservatories.
**Sample Topics for Beginners:**
- Introduction to Western Music Theory Concepts
- Modal Scales
- Harmony
- Modulation
- Counterpoint (Species, Canon, Invention, Fugue)
- Figured Bass
- Material Development
- Twelve-Tone Technique
- Form Analysis
- Historical Styles
- Post-Tonal Harmony
- Polytonality
**Sample Topics for Advanced Students:**
- Advanced Techniques vs. Technique Expansion
- Harmonic Spectrum and Spectralism
- Hybrid Notation Methods
- Timbre
- Orchestration
- Polyphonic Structures
- Microtonality
- Contemporary Approaches to Form
- Complex Rhythms
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine advanced techniques, I tailor each lesson to meet your individual goals and interests. Feel free to reach out for more information or to schedule a lesson!
Extra information
Jacques (*1986) is a Mexican composer based in Berlin, a member of the Sistema Nacional de Creadores Arte de México (National System of Art Creators), and chairman of the Contemporary Insights initiative. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), working with Roger Reynolds. Before that, Jacques earned a Master’s degree and completed a post-master's program (Meisterklasse) at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Leipzig, studying under Claus-Steffen Mahnkopf and receiving private lessons from Johannes Kreidler.
Earlier in his career, Jacques studied composition and music theory at the CIEM in Mexico with Victor Rasgado and Enrico Chapela. He also holds a Music Diploma in guitar performance from the Royal School of Music, London (2012).
He is the creator of the channels Mexican Scores, where he publishes video-scores of contemporary Mexican composers, and Musica Teórica Online, focused on educational content about music theory. His works have been performed in countries like Mexico, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, the U.S., the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Portugal, and Germany, and have been featured in festivals such as Darmstadt, Gaudeamus, and Wittener Tage für Neue Kammermusik.
Jacques earned second place in the "New Recorder Music" competition in 2016, held in Lausanne. His piece "Xochitepec desde mi cuarto" was chosen to represent Mexico at the UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers in 2012. He has been awarded several scholarships, including the Deutschlandstipendium and the Mexican grants Estudios en el Extranjero (2013) and Jóvenes Creadores (2016, 2021). In 2019, he was selected by the ULYSSES Network for the ULYSSES Journeys program.
Location
Online via webcam
At teacher's location: Berlin, Germany








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General info
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) |
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Student level: | Beginner Intermediate Advanced |
Duration: | 30 minutes 45 minutes 60 minutes |
The class is taught in: | German, English, Spanish |
About Me
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Lessons available in English, German and Spanish.Jacques Zafra (*1986) is a Mexican composer based in Berlin, a member of the Sistema Nacional de Creadores Arte de México, and chairman of the Contemporary Insights initiative.
He completed his Ph.D. at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), working with Roger Reynolds. Before that, Zafra earned a Master's degree and completed a post-master's program (Meisterklasse) at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Leipzig, studying under Claus-Steffen Mahnkopf and receiving private lessons from Johannes Kreidler.
Earlier in his career, Zafra studied composition and music theory at the CIEM in Mexico with Victor Rasgado and Enrico Chapela. He also holds a Music Diploma in guitar performance from the Royal School of Music, London (2012).
He is the creator of the YouTube channels Mexican Scores, where he publishes video-scores of contemporary Mexican composers, and Musica Teórica Online, focused on educational content about music theory.
His works have been performed in countries such as Mexico, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, the US, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Portugal, and Germany, and have been featured in festivals such as Darmstadt, Gaudeamus, and Wittener Tage für Neue Kammermusik.
Education
Translated by Google. Click to view original.
PhD in Music Composition - University of California, San Diego (UCSD)Master class (post-masters) in composition, Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Leipzig, Germany
Master in Composition in Composition - Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Leipzig, Germany
Bachelor in Music Theory, CIEM | London College of Music, Mexico City
Bachelor in composition - CIEM, Mexico City
Experience / Qualifications
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Music Theory at UCSD, USA (from 2018)Assistant composition teacher, HMT, Leipzig (2013-2015)
Private music instructor (composition, music theory and guitar (from 2008)
Reviews (1)
A well-prepared, humble teacher who will provide as many resources and much insights from a wide range of aspects as possible. Tailor-made materials suit the student's need, be it compositional or analytical or any aspects else.
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Ex. "Hi, when are you available to meet for a lesson?"
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(GMT -04:00) New York
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from 40€Online via webcam
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
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 July 2020
- Phone number verified
- Facebook connected
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -04:00) New York
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from 40€Online via webcam
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.
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