Music Theory & Composition Lessons

Music theory can often be seen as complicated or intimidating, but it doesn't have to be!

All music theory is, is a tool – it allows us to break down what we hear into it's component parts, and gives us the language to be able to communicate it to other musicians. It can speed up writing with other people, allow you to play like your favourite musicians, and even push your own composition in directions you wouldn't expect.

With years of both classical training and practical experience in contemporary music, I can offer you the support and guidance you need to take your understanding of music to the next level. My music theory and composition lessons take a practical approach, always linking back to why what we're looking at is important to us, and how this can apply to our own music making.

All lessons are tailored to your interests and needs, with custom learning material specifically made around the content we work through. I also prefer a relaxed approach – music is something we should love, why does it have to be super formal or boring? Let's work out what makes your favourite artists sound like they do, then add it to your musical bag of tricks.

Music Theory Lessons

Knowingly or not, music theory affects the way we write and perceive music. I can help you begin to understand the fundamentals, develop your ear, or even explore the more advanced facets of theory.

Music Theory Lessons for Beginners: Learn the fundamentals of music theory, as we cover note reading, scales, intervals and basic chords. Get these locked in, and the rest is easy!

Advanced Music Theory Lessons: Refine your existing knowledge or explore fascinating new concepts with my advanced music theory lessons. We'll cover topics such as more advanced harmony, musical structure and arrangement, and ear training. You'll learn how to use formal analysis to break down music into it's constituent parts, and replicate the parts you like for yourself!

Music Theory for Guitar: I always encourage playing by ear first, but theory helps us makes sense of what we've just played. My guitar-focussed theory lessons are firmly rooted in practical application – we'll transcribe guitar parts by ear, work on using different scales and modes to express different sounds, and learn how to approach learning the entire fretboard. We'll also start to understand the role of the guitar within a band, and how we can perfectly compliment our bandmates' playing at any given moment.

Music Theory for Bass: Playing by ear is the way to go at first, but music theory helps us figure out what we've just played. I can teach you all aspects of music theory, but here, we'll focus on practical stuff like 'how does this help me create the perfect bass part?' We'll cover how to figure out and transcribe parts by ear, what to play under different chords, and cover some more complex scales and modes. Plus, we'll use theory to break down the styles of various artists and genres, so you can learn to play like them.

Composition Lessons

One of the most useful applications for music theory is in your own composition.

Composition and songwriting are two very direct methods of creative expression, and the process can be enlightening, cathartic, rewarding – and above all, fun. In our composition lessons we'll break down your favourite pieces of music, analysing their structure, harmony, and melody; gleaning important insight and giving you tools for you to use in your composition.

Composition Lessons for Beginners: The best way to start writing music is to just start writing music. But understandably, it can be overwhelming at first! In our beginner composition lessons we'll cover the basics of using melody, harmony and structure. We'll tackle small, manageable challenges as we work out the necessary tools to start expressing yourself through your own music.

Advanced Composition Lessons: For more experienced composers looking to explore some new musical directions or get a second opinion on their work. We'll cover more complex facets of composition – such as melodic development, modern compositional techniques, arrangement and orchestration. We can also workshop some work in progress if you're looking for guidance.

Classical Composition Lessons: Let's go back to the source! Study the techniques and forms used by classical composers. From sonata form to counterpoint, these lessons provide a thorough grounding in the traditions of classical music composition.

Songwriting Lessons: It doesn't all have to be classical. I have years of practical experience playing and writing with musicians from a very wide range of genres and backgrounds. In our songwriting lessons we'll look into the relationship between melody lyrics, and the music, learn how to use song structure to our advantage, and what the conventions are for our chosen style of music. I also focus on how to keep creativity flowing and generate song ideas, and can optionally workshop with you on your own music.

Orchestration Lessons: We will discuss the overall arrangement of a piece of music, how certain effects can be achieved and how changing certain facets of the orchestration will affect the overall impression the music gives. You'll learn the fundamental do's and don't's of orchestration, and the strengths and limits of each instrument you write for.

Harmony and Voice Leading: We're likely to come across this in our advanced music theory lessons – but the main goal of sessions on this topic is to achieve a natural understanding and strong practical application of sound harmony and voice leading within an arrangement. Let's keep those chord changes clean, no matter how weird!

Melodic Development in Music: The best melodies are created organically and instinctively, but sometimes they might need a bit of help. In lessons on melodic development, we'll cover the fundamentals of creating a simple melody, and how to develop sound note choices. We'll learn how to develop simple melodies through techniques such as ornamentation, augmentation, and thematic transformation. How just applying different dynamics and articulations to a melody can completely change it's impact. Everything you need to convey the emotional content your musical ideas deserve.

Specialized Topics

Music Theory Ear Training: Learn how to pick out chord progressions, scales and modes by ear. Begin to recognise patterns and develop a musical intuition that will have you able to jam along to any song on first listen. See how many options open up to you musically as you improve your link between your theory knowledge and the actual notes you hear!

Notation Software Training: My work as a freelance composer and arranger means I have extensive hours logged with Sibelius and Guitar Pro. Allow me to share my knowledge with you! We'll also look into how these programs can feed into the production/recording side of creating music – how they can link into the likes of Logic Pro and Reason.