

from97.78CAD/ h
Composition for Beginners & More Experienced Composers, Harmony, Counterpoint, Orchestration
Barney's Teaching Manifesto:
Dear Composer,
The only true teacher is hearing your works rehearsed and performed. This is the most important element to realizing your destiny, but if you have come here, you probably do not yet believe it. Teachers will keep you trapped in the belief that you do not have what you already need. But everything you need you can get on your own.
I cannot teach you anything, or rather, I can teach you everything but composition itself: You are the final expert on your own works. A teacher is a shortcut. And when we take shortcuts, we must always go back. But this is not a bad thing. Going back is a way to go forwards. If you have tried to advance through the no-teacher method and you feel that you cannot wait any longer, then perhaps it is time to try the teacher method.
You are the king, queen, or ruler, shall we say. I am just your advisor, should you so choose. I can tell you what I think, I can warn you of pitfalls, and I can even stop you for a moment in time. But it is you, dear composer, that must choose. I cannot teach you to be what you already are: The Composer. Sometimes my advice may be of help. And other times it won’t be. And then one day you must rule your kingdom on your own. Let’s hope that that day arrives very soon.
I seek students who are hardworkers, strong-willed, or a combination of the both. Composition requires an obscene amount of work and determination. We live in a world that seeks our silence and complaisance. The act of completing a piece is itself a declaration of war, because the amount of effort and energy required to bring this child into existence is unfathomable to the general public.
With Eternal Love from my Compositional Pen,
Classes for Beginners
1)Composition (60 mins)
2)Introduction to Composition (60 mins)
3) Introduction to Composition & Harmony (90 mins)
Prerequisites:
0-3 years of composition experince
3 years of instrumental study
Classes for Composers with Experience
1) Composition (60 mins)
2) Composition & Harmony (90 mins)
3) Composition & Counterpoint (90 mins)
4) Composition & Orhcestration (90 mins)
Prerequisites:
3+ years of composition study with a teacher
OR
5+ years of self study in composition
If you feel that I can be of assistance for a short time on your compositional journey, then you may contact me to arrange a trial lesson. If we deem that it is a mutual fit, then we can work together for a period of time.
Have a great day,
Dear Composer,
The only true teacher is hearing your works rehearsed and performed. This is the most important element to realizing your destiny, but if you have come here, you probably do not yet believe it. Teachers will keep you trapped in the belief that you do not have what you already need. But everything you need you can get on your own.
I cannot teach you anything, or rather, I can teach you everything but composition itself: You are the final expert on your own works. A teacher is a shortcut. And when we take shortcuts, we must always go back. But this is not a bad thing. Going back is a way to go forwards. If you have tried to advance through the no-teacher method and you feel that you cannot wait any longer, then perhaps it is time to try the teacher method.
You are the king, queen, or ruler, shall we say. I am just your advisor, should you so choose. I can tell you what I think, I can warn you of pitfalls, and I can even stop you for a moment in time. But it is you, dear composer, that must choose. I cannot teach you to be what you already are: The Composer. Sometimes my advice may be of help. And other times it won’t be. And then one day you must rule your kingdom on your own. Let’s hope that that day arrives very soon.
I seek students who are hardworkers, strong-willed, or a combination of the both. Composition requires an obscene amount of work and determination. We live in a world that seeks our silence and complaisance. The act of completing a piece is itself a declaration of war, because the amount of effort and energy required to bring this child into existence is unfathomable to the general public.
With Eternal Love from my Compositional Pen,
Classes for Beginners
1)Composition (60 mins)
2)Introduction to Composition (60 mins)
3) Introduction to Composition & Harmony (90 mins)
Prerequisites:
0-3 years of composition experince
3 years of instrumental study
Classes for Composers with Experience
1) Composition (60 mins)
2) Composition & Harmony (90 mins)
3) Composition & Counterpoint (90 mins)
4) Composition & Orhcestration (90 mins)
Prerequisites:
3+ years of composition study with a teacher
OR
5+ years of self study in composition
If you feel that I can be of assistance for a short time on your compositional journey, then you may contact me to arrange a trial lesson. If we deem that it is a mutual fit, then we can work together for a period of time.
Have a great day,
Extra information
Please contact me for more information about my teachingLocation
At student's location: Around Amsterdam, Netherlands








|
Use ctrl + wheel to zoom!
General info
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 |
About Me
My strategy is as follows: the first lesson you tell me what your goals are, and then I will craft our lessons arond your goals. Once your goals are met you are free to leave. If your goals change over time, make sure to communicate them to me, so that I can do my job well. Very important: your music scores must be handwritten. You can type them up as well for legibilty, but they still must be handwritten. Copies of your handwritten score are acceptible. We will look at your music either at the piano or discussing between us.Education
University of California, Santa Barbara: Masters in Music Composition (2014)State University of New York, Purchase College: Bachelors in Music Composition (2011)
Experience / Qualifications
teaching positions at SUNY New Paltz, Union County College, Chamber Music Center of New york, JCC Thurnauer School of MusicAsk a question
Send a message explaining your needs and Barney will reply soon:
The more detail, the better.
Ex. "Hi, when are you available to meet for a lesson?"
Ex. "Hi, when are you available to meet for a lesson?"
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -04:00) New York
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | |||||||
1 | |||||||
2 | |||||||
3 | Monday at 3:00 | Tuesday at 3:00 | Wednesday at 3:00 | Thursday at 3:00 | Friday at 3:00 | Saturday at 3:00 | Sunday at 3:00 |
4 | Monday at 4:00 | Tuesday at 4:00 | Wednesday at 4:00 | Thursday at 4:00 | Friday at 4:00 | Saturday at 4:00 | Sunday at 4:00 |
5 | Monday at 5:00 | Tuesday at 5:00 | Wednesday at 5:00 | Thursday at 5:00 | Friday at 5:00 | Saturday at 5:00 | Sunday 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 | Sunday 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 | Sunday 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 | Sunday 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 | Sunday 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 | Sunday 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 | Sunday 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 | Sunday at 12:00 |
13 | Monday at 13:00 | Tuesday at 13:00 | Wednesday at 13:00 | Thursday at 13:00 | Friday at 13:00 | Saturday at 13:00 | Sunday at 13:00 |
14 | Monday at 14:00 | Tuesday at 14:00 | Wednesday at 14:00 | Thursday at 14:00 | Friday at 14:00 | Saturday at 14:00 | Sunday at 14:00 |
15 | |||||||
16 | |||||||
17 | |||||||
18 | |||||||
19 | |||||||
20 | |||||||
21 | |||||||
22 | |||||||
23 |
from C$97.78At student's home
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 2022
- Google connected
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -04:00) New York
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | |||||||
1 | |||||||
2 | |||||||
3 | Monday at 3:00 | Tuesday at 3:00 | Wednesday at 3:00 | Thursday at 3:00 | Friday at 3:00 | Saturday at 3:00 | Sunday at 3:00 |
4 | Monday at 4:00 | Tuesday at 4:00 | Wednesday at 4:00 | Thursday at 4:00 | Friday at 4:00 | Saturday at 4:00 | Sunday at 4:00 |
5 | Monday at 5:00 | Tuesday at 5:00 | Wednesday at 5:00 | Thursday at 5:00 | Friday at 5:00 | Saturday at 5:00 | Sunday 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 | Sunday 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 | Sunday 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 | Sunday 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 | Sunday 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 | Sunday 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 | Sunday 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 | Sunday at 12:00 |
13 | Monday at 13:00 | Tuesday at 13:00 | Wednesday at 13:00 | Thursday at 13:00 | Friday at 13:00 | Saturday at 13:00 | Sunday at 13:00 |
14 | Monday at 14:00 | Tuesday at 14:00 | Wednesday at 14:00 | Thursday at 14:00 | Friday at 14:00 | Saturday at 14:00 | Sunday at 14:00 |
15 | |||||||
16 | |||||||
17 | |||||||
18 | |||||||
19 | |||||||
20 | |||||||
21 | |||||||
22 | |||||||
23 |
from C$97.78At student's home
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
You are here
Private lessons
in Amsterdam
Similar classes
Stefano
Songwriting, Music Theory, Arrangement Lessons (Individual) - Pop, Jazz, Soul, ClassicalDiscover 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!
Samuel
Double bass, electric bass and composition lessonsHello
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!
Sofiia
Composition and Arranging in jazz, classical and contemporary stylesLessons 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.
Antek
Cello, Composition and Music Theory lessons in AmsterdamHello 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
Ludovic
Creative guitar lessons for beginners and intermediateHey peeps!
I love to give guitar lessons in a relaxed mood that will not put pressure on you, only giving you feedbacks that will improve your practice. The first lessons will generally consist of covering the basics by learning simple songs. Depending on how it goes, we will go straight into learning songs that you want to play, where you will learn even more!
I can teach you how to play across several appointments during the week so you'll learn faster and enjoy playing straight from the beginning :)
Keep growing ♥️
Karlina
Singing Classes For Everyone!Music is one of the art forms closest to speaking and communicating. For me singing is my greatest passion and a way to express myself like I could never with words. I want to share this passion with the world, guide you through the journey of discovering the endless possibilities of your voice and help you achieve your goals.
We will learn both the technical and emotional sides of singing, discover vocal techniques, body awareness and learn from other legendary singers. Any genre and wishes are welcome! I myself specialise in jazz, indie and pop singing, songwriting and music theory and am studying at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
Stijn
Acoustic and/or electric guitar lessons from a certified guitar teacherGuitar lessons in Amsterdam Center from a certified guitar teacher with more than 20 years of teaching experience!
Pop, Rock, Blues, Funk, Jazz: I am familiar with many styles and can help you discover the guitar and your musical development!
Accompany yourself on guitar while you sing? Do you want to write songs yourself? With my tips, lessons and coaching you will go further and get even more pleasure and satisfaction from music and your guitar
Markas
Music Production (Ableton), Piano, Classical, Electronic musicLesson in Ableton Live, preparing for live performances, sound engineering, piano and composition.
- classical music
- electronic music with Ableton live and other DAW’s
- composition with traditional methods and notation
- orchestral writing and part preparations
- sight reading, scales
- harmonic theory and chord progressions
- elements of jazz harmony and voicing
Elizabete Beāte
Piano and Music Lessons for Beginners of All Ages.I give piano and music lessons in Dutch and English, both for children and adults. Group lessons are also possible!
Lessons are tailored to students interests and goals. I combine technical tasks, with music theory knowledge, as well as creative assignments to reach their desired goals.
Aviv
Saxophone lessons: Enjoy becoming an all-round musician (EN, NL, HB)Enjoy becoming an independent & all-round musician!!
My aim as a Saxophone & music teacher is to give you the ability to develop skills that will make you enjoy "music-making" and love exploring all kinds of songs/musical pieces. Also, I give you tools to be able to cooperate with other musicians.
The methods I use are focused around goals that I create together with each individual student (and/or parents). Our goals are based on both the student's passion & musical desires together with the technical needs to make these desires sound! (control over the instrument, reading music notation, music theory, Improvisation, composition, ear-training and more). Music is a powerful language that everyone around the world can understand, but not all can speak yet...
Music-making involves Joy, curiosity, self-expression and a feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself!
Practical Info:
- Normally, lessons take place at my location in Amsterdam. (call to discuss other options)
- I work with both kids (from age 8/9) and adults, (total) beginners, amateurs & semiprofessionals alike
- I play & teach: Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones (Flute & Bass-Clarinet for beginners as well)
** FOR PARENTS **
- Music making teaches you about how to build long-lasting dedication & successful work ethics that can be implemented throughout life, in any filed!
- Music teaches you how to express thoughts & feelings and can be important for a growth of a child.
- Music is a rich lifestyle, and opening a child to that world is a great gift that a parent can give to his/her child.
Minja
Jazz, Pop, Classical Piano; Music Theory; Solfege; Composing and ArrangingThis class can be anything you choose from the specified lessons. I teach piano, any genre is welcome since I have been playing and studying all of them, anything you choose is possible. We could start with absolute beginner lessons, or if you are already have been playing and you want to upgrade your skills, we will continue to make you a better player, or composer. I can also provide help and guidance with preparations for exams or auditions.
Luc
Electronic Music Production (Ableton, Beatmaking, Sound Design, Recording, Mixing)I can help out beginner to intermediate producers. We can start all the way from the beginning or focus on specific topics that you would have questions about. I can teach you to produce tracks in an intuitive way without the use of music theory but can also incorporate the basics of music theory in the lessons. I’m specialised in sound design, playing live sets on stage and developing the identity of artists. It helps me to get intermediates to the next level.
When you want to start with music production you need to work in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). I work mainly with Ableton because it's very intuitive and "jammable". It's a great DAW to work in, especially for beginners. Preferably my lessons will be focused on Ableton but I can also work in other DAW's because the fundamentals are mostly the same in all of them.
The following aspects will be covered in Ableton Live:
1. The Basics (overview of the layout)
2. Arrangement, session and clip view
3. Working with sequencers and MIDI
4. Recording and routing
5. Audio and MIDI effects
6. How to work with the built-in instruments in Ableton Live.
7. How to go from a basic beat to a finished track.
8. Mixing and mastering
9. The basics of music theory
10. Intermediate: sound design, synthese, synthesizers, sampling, field recordings
11. Intermediate: developing your own liveset with MIDI controllers, drumcomputers and synthesizers
12. Intermediate: developing your own sound and identity
If you have any question, don't hesitate to message me!
Davide
Jazz & Pop Vocal lessons with Prof. Davide Join Davide, a professional jazz vocalist and master's student at the Conservatorium Van Amsterdam, for an engaging and enriching vocal jazz/pop class. With years of performing experience across Europe and a deep understanding of voice techniques, Davide offers personalized coaching to help you unlock your vocal potential.
What You’ll Learn:
Fundamentals of Jazz/Pop Singing: Explore jazz and pop phrasing, rhythm, and improvisation to bring your performance to life.
Voice Technique: Strengthen breath control, tone, and pitch with targeted exercises.
Repertoire Building: Learn to interpret and perform classic jazz standards and pop songs while developing your own unique style.
Stage Presence: Tips on engaging audiences and developing confidence through live performance techniques.
Multilingual Singing: Benefit from Davide's expertise in Italian, English, and Spanish to master songs in multiple languages.
This class is perfect for singers of all levels looking to refine their vocal technique, enhance their jazz/pop repertoire, and explore improvisation.
Jon
Guitar and modern music lessons.Individual guitar lessons.
15 years+ Experienced guitarist, 400k views on Youtube, 300k views on instagram
Experienced in teaching:
Beginners to expert level Creating TikTok / Instagram / Youtube content All ages Live performance Gear, effects and equipment advice
Diego
Contemporary drums, theory and music reading classesIn this course you will learn techniques, patterns, phrasings and drum vocabulary to be able to play whatever interests you. This course is not limited to any specific level. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced, this course will focus on your personal interests as a musician. We will explore the instrument from a contemporary perspective based on tradition in order to not only survive in any musical context, but also exceed expectations. We will work together to develop all aspects of a good contemporary drummer: technique, control, coordination, independence, creativity and expression. As a teacher and student, I can assure you that the development of a musician is not only born from training and theory, but also from the enjoyment of playing the instrument, so in this course you will have 50% technical work and 50% development of skills. repertoire (songs you want to play).