from35.11GBP/ h
The Foundations of Music Theory with a Composer-Conductor
Are you new to music or looking to understand the basics in a fun and engaging way? My Foundations of Music Theory class is designed for beginners of all ages who want to build a solid foundation in music theory without feeling overwhelmed.
In this interactive course, we’ll explore the essential elements of music in a playful, approachable manner. Topics include understanding notes, rhythms, basic harmony, and how to read simple scores. We can approach music theory through whatever music you love and with whatever instrument you play or voice-part you sing.
Through games, listening exercises, and creative activities, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for music while gaining the confidence to engage with it on a deeper level.
Whether you’re a young student just starting out or an adult wanting to revisit the fundamentals, this class welcomes everyone! No prior experience is necessary.
In this interactive course, we’ll explore the essential elements of music in a playful, approachable manner. Topics include understanding notes, rhythms, basic harmony, and how to read simple scores. We can approach music theory through whatever music you love and with whatever instrument you play or voice-part you sing.
Through games, listening exercises, and creative activities, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for music while gaining the confidence to engage with it on a deeper level.
Whether you’re a young student just starting out or an adult wanting to revisit the fundamentals, this class welcomes everyone! No prior experience is necessary.
Location
At student's location: Around Berlin, Germany
Online via webcam
|
Use ⊞+wheel to zoom!
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) |
---|---|
Student level: | Beginner Intermediate |
Duration: | 30 minutes 45 minutes 60 minutes 90 minutes 120 minutes |
The class is taught in: | English, German |
About Me
www.stephenmulligan.comAmerican Conductor and Composer Stephen Mulligan has served as Resident Conductor with the Cincinnati Opera, Associate Conductor with the Atlanta Symphony, and Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. 2024-25 season highlights include conducting debuts with Ensemble MusikFabrik, the Filarmonica Transilvania, Junges Sinfonie Orchester Wetzlar, and at the Momentum Festival Berlin, alongside return engagements as a guest conductor at the University of North Texas Opera and as an assistant conductor with the New York Philharmonic. As a composer, Stephen will present a new work with Ensemble MusikFabrik at their studio in Cologne and begin a collaboration with percussionist David Moliner and Universal Edition, culminating in the premiere of a new work at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg in January 2026.
A passionate advocate for contemporary music, Stephen debuted on the New York Philharmonic’s Sound ON Series in 2022 and their 65th Street Session Series in 2023. In demand as a guest conductor, Stephen has led performances with the Dallas Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Gulbenkian Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, National Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, San Antonio Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, and Virginia Symphony.
Stephen has assisted, prepared stage works, and served as second conductor for many of the world’s top conductors, including Marin Alsop, Karina Canellakis, Gustavo Dudamel, James Gaffigan, Edward Gardner, Manfred Honeck, Jakub Hrůša, Susanna Mälkki, Zubin Mehta, Ludovic Morlot, Peter Oundjian, Matthias Pintscher, David Robertson, Sir Donald Runnicles, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Leonard Slatkin, Robert Spano, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Jaap van Zweden.
As a Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Stephen stepped in for Gustavo Dudamel on short notice to conduct an all-Beethoven program and led other notable performances, including Stravinsky’s complete L’Histoire du Soldat and an All-Ravel Toyota Symphonies for Youth Concert. During his first season as Associate Conductor with the Atlanta Symphony, Stephen stepped in for three classical subscription programs over six weeks to critical acclaim.
A native of Baltimore, Stephen Mulligan began his violin studies with his father, Gregory, and continued with Kyung Yu at Yale University. His conducting teachers include Gustav Meier at the Peabody Institute, Robert Spano at the Aspen Music Festival, and Arturo Tamayo at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana. He has a degree in composition under Jörg Widmann from the Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin.
Education
Yale University, Bachelor of the Arts, Violin and ConductingPeabody Institute, Masters in Music, Orchestral Conducting
Barenboim-Said Akademie (Berlin), Artist Diploma in Composition
Experience / Qualifications
Los Angeles Philharmonic, Dudamel FellowAtlanta Symphony Orchestra, Assistant/Associate Conductor
Cincinnati Opera, Resident Conductor
Are you an aspiring composer? In my Elements of Musical Composition class, we’ll explore both the traditional elements of rhythm, pitch, color, etc., but also the elements of musical poetry. You will not only learn how to craft music but also how to use constraints to create a cohesive and consistent musical language. We will also explore the idea of paradox in your compositions, encouraging you to blend contrasting elements to add depth and complexity to your work.
Through the analysis of exemplary works, the composition of miniatures, and feedback on your current projects, you’ll both increase your technical fluency and simultaneously learn to love and develop your unique voice.
This class is ideal for intermediate to advanced musicians who want to deepen their understanding of composition, whether you're a budding composer or an experienced musician seeking to enhance your creative skills. Join me on this journey of exploration, and let’s bring your musical ideas to life!
As a professional composer and conductor with a decade of teaching experience, I offer in-depth lessons on music theory, ear-training, and score reading—both online and in Berlin. Whether you’re a student, amateur, or professional, I can tailor the course just for you.
The fundamentals of reading scores have to do with understanding instrumentation and transposition...but in our sessions, we will go beyond that. We'll learn to "reverse-engineer" scores, learning to think like a composer. By seeing the larger patterns and exploring the ‘why,' you’ll learn how to uncover the techniques and strategies that bring music to life, and simultaneously how to feel more at ease looking at complex scores. Lessons are flexible, allowing you to explore your interests at your own pace with a curriculum designed to meet your needs.
Ask a question
Send a message explaining your needs and Stephen 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 -05:00) New York
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | |||||||
1 | |||||||
2 | |||||||
3 | |||||||
4 | |||||||
5 | |||||||
6 | |||||||
7 | |||||||
8 | |||||||
9 | |||||||
10 | |||||||
11 | |||||||
12 | |||||||
13 | |||||||
14 | |||||||
15 | |||||||
16 | |||||||
17 | |||||||
18 | |||||||
19 | |||||||
20 | |||||||
21 | |||||||
22 | |||||||
23 |
from £35.11Online via webcam
from £44.53At 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 October 2021
- Phone number verified
- Google connected
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -05:00) New York
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | |||||||
1 | |||||||
2 | |||||||
3 | |||||||
4 | |||||||
5 | |||||||
6 | |||||||
7 | |||||||
8 | |||||||
9 | |||||||
10 | |||||||
11 | |||||||
12 | |||||||
13 | |||||||
14 | |||||||
15 | |||||||
16 | |||||||
17 | |||||||
18 | |||||||
19 | |||||||
20 | |||||||
21 | |||||||
22 | |||||||
23 |
from £35.11Online via webcam
from £44.53At 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
Similar classes
George
Guitar tutoring in Berlin for all ages and abilities.I am an experienced and enthusiastic guitar tutor from Leeds, England, living in Berlin. I have a bachelor’s degree in jazz guitar from Leeds College of Music although I also play and teach rock, pop, funk, folk, and indie music.
In lessons, I aim to get students to play something they know as soon as possible in order to get excited about progress early on. We balance this with paying attention to proper technique and having one eye on the theory behind what we are playing to broaden your understanding of how music works.
I am actively engaged in playing within the music scene and have a real excitement for all types of music, whether it’s learning your first chords on guitar or working on improvisation or music theory. We'll go at the right pace for you and achieve your goals together.
I have experience teaching all ages and abilities of students, having taught in primary and secondary schools as well as private tuition for adults. From complete beginners to preparing a student for their college auditions.
Lessons are tailored to suit the needs of the student, in order to have lessons that push you to learn to the best of your ability whilst still being fun and musical.
Joshua
Music Theory Crash Course for producers, composers, arrangers and anyone who makes musicThis class is for composers, songwriters, arrangers, music producers or anyone who makes music in any way AND wants to understand more of the background about why things work the way they do.
In this masterclass, we will look at a range of topics such as chords and scales, how to improvise, reharmonization, structure and much more to enable you to create music with confidence and the knowledge that helps many musicians around the globe work more efficiently.
Aneta
Piano * Music theory * Music harmony * Ear training *** Learn easily and effortlessly Piano & Music theory ***
Combined teaching methods that adapt to your individual needs and abilities. You will learn how to use notes, intervals, chords, rhythm, scales and the right playing technique to express yourself through different musical styles.
*** Harmony & Ear training for preparation for university entrance exams ***
- Intervals • Scales • Chords • Tonality and Modality • Harmonic progresions • Four-part voicing (piano and choral) • Cadences • Modulation • Melody dictations (tonal and atonal) •
Choral dictations • Harmonic and formal analysis
Diana
Singing lessons/composition for films/harmony...music lessonsHello!
I'm Diani, I'm a musician (composer and opera/popular singer) I got my degree in composition for films and I learn singing in the conservatory.
I'll be grateful of being your teacher and help you growing up in this wonderful world and teach you as much as I can.
Franziska
Individual cello lessons from an experienced music teacherCello lessons individually tailored to your needs. I will help you to achieve your goals and work with you on cello repertoire, chamber music and orchestral literature. I would also be happy to work with you on a structured practice plan with techniques and helpful tools that is optimally tailored to your needs and helps you to integrate making music into your life. An important focus in my teaching is also on mental health and physical well-being.
With me, every student is welcome, no matter what level!
Madara
Integrated Music lessons for kids - theory, composition, pianoMusic lessons with Madara will be fitting to those young people who are willing to either try themselves in the field of music or have decided to learn music.
With Madara you will learn music in practice and in theory. Usually the lesson would integrate such components as piano playing, singing, tasks for music theory and composing (or improvising). "Composing has become an important and also very fun activity in my music lessons. Children very often show up their will and ability to create their own music which is not only a great way to develop creativity but is also very effective way to learn music theory in practice.
Madara
Composer, Music Teacher, Musician
Elizabeth
Music Theory, Ear-Training, and Composition Lessons in EnglishWhether you're looking to improve your overall musicianship as an already-seasoned musician or learn the basics, I am ready to work with you! As an active composer, performer, and music educator with a Master's Degree, I have years of teaching experience with various ages and levels. Theory topics can range from counterpoint, form and analysis, triads, harmonization, figured bass, 12-tone analysis, to introduction to note-reading, patterns, and more. We'll examine various repertoire from the Baroque through the music of today. Ear-Training instruction can include a mixture of sight-singing, rhythm exercises, melodic/harmonic dictation, chord recognition, and more. Composition lessons will be centered around developing and expanding your compositional voice, with special attention to form, theatricality, expression, and understanding of instruments. Your lessons will be designed to fit your personal level and goals! I bring 15 years of composition experience, 14 years piano study, and 13 years of intensive vocal training to my work as a theory, ear-training, and composition educator.
Ella
Piano, music theory, chamber music lessons and accompanimentPiano, music theory, chamber music lessons, accompaniment.
Experienced piano teacher who is available for private lessons in person or online.
All levels students age 12 and above are welcome, as well as students with special needs (any age)
Familiar with ABRSM, TRINITY, NZMEB, IB exams requirements. Spoken languages: English, Bulgarian
Curragh
Guitar Lessons - all ages and ability levels welcome!Hi everyone! My name is Curragh and I am a guitar teacher from the UK.
Learning an instrument is hugely rewarding and a great investment, one that I believe is accessible to anyone. Perhaps you're intrigued by the guitar and want to give it a go... maybe you are a parent looking to relax for an hour and have fun or enrich your child’s development and give them a skill they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.
I am a lifelong lover of music with a bachelor's degree in Jazz Guitar from Leeds Conservatoire and a BTEC diploma with distinction in Music Practice. I have played in many different ensembles and have attended the Bath International Guitar Festival in the UK, on a scholarship.
My teaching philosophy is that the ears are just as important to train as the hands and I integrate this into my lessons. It is also important to enjoy playing and feel excited by it, however, as this is the best motivator for students! It's how I learned after all...
I am happy to teach absolute beginners through to advanced students, ages 7 and up. If you have a particular style of music you are interested in or some favorite songs you've always wanted to learn, we can cover them!
If you are more advanced and want to bring your playing to the next level, I can coach you so you develop your unique 'voice' on the instrument and have a technique to burn.
Haotian
Composition and music theory lessons, in Berlin or onlineInternationally 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)
Parham
Piano Lessons & Composition with a Classical Music ComposerIf you are looking to start or deepen the art of Piano music or you have a passion for composing or you want any help with music theory, I will help you getting started or improve your knowledge in one or more of the following topics:
- beginner to advance Piano lessons
- starting out or further your study of classical composition
- counterpoint, fugue, harmony, forms and etc.
- Score reading and analysis
- Advanced musical composition
- Orchestration and arrangement
Viktoria
Piano lessons and music theory classes in Berlin or onlineFor everyone:
- piano lessons and music theory classes for all ages in Berlin
- all levels welcome
- comprehensive curriculum
- flexible scheduling options
- lessons in English or Russian
- lessons in practice rooms or at your place
Teaching philosophy:
In my teaching philosophy, I prioritize your unique goals and aspirations. Together, we'll create a tailored curriculum that perfectly matches your musical preferences, whether it's classical music, pop, or any genre that sparks your passion. I believe that music should be a source of joy and self-expression, so our lessons will be a delightful adventure of creativity and exploration, where learning the piano is an exciting journey of discovery.
Rebecca
Querflötenunterricht und Fagottunterricht für alle NiveausPlaying music and expressing yourself through an instrument is something that everyone can do! I believe in music being an inclusive and attainable skill no matter your experience. I have a passion for both teaching and playing the bassoon and flute, and believe in creating a positive and exciting environment for students. I have 10+ years experience as a flute and bassoon tutor across multiple schools in Sydney and London, and have recently moved to Berlin. I am able to teach in English only.
I work as a freelance bassoonist in London and Berlin, and have worked with major orchestras such as the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Berlin Philharmonic Karajan Akademie and the Orchestral of the Royal Opera House, London. I graduated with a Master’s degree from Guildhall School of music and drama, London.
My teaching experience is extensive. I have taught students between the ages of 3-30. I have worked 1:1 with students, and have had lots of experience with groups of up to 40 students across many instruments. I have put many students through practical musical exams and highly encourage them if desired. My students have a 100% success rate in their exams.
As I am currently a performer, teacher and student myself, I am very aware of the balance between hard work and having fun. I believe the best way to create a successful musical journey is through a positive and encouraging environment, where students can develop their skills and take risks without fear! I also take highly into account the individuality of students and their desires, so make sure to adjust my approach as suited.
If you would like to learn the flute and/or bassoon just for fun, you are welcome. If you would like to further develop your musical skills, I offer lessons for competitions, school exams, as well as auditions in orchestras or conservatories.
Sofia
Music Composition and Sound Design for Cinema and VideogameIn this course you will learn how to compose for images exploring different genres of music (orchestral, electronic, pop and underground music), deepening the softwares and tools for recording, editing, mixing your tracks.
What you will learn:
- How to record, edit, and mix live instruments and MIDI in Ableton Live / Cubase
- How to create custom sounds using a synthesizer and how to integrate those custom sounds for your musical compositions
- How to add effects to your vocals and tracks
- How to compose for images: Film, Documentary, Video Game, Trailer and Advertising
Shanice Ruby
Professional bass lessons from a trained musicianHello, I'm Shanice, 23 years old and I studied jazz / pop at the HfMT. I offer bass lessons for beginners and advanced players of all ages.
I am stylistically very flexible because of my work in various bands. I play for Kat Frankie, Sookee and Marla Glen and shared the stage with acts like Akua Naru, KLAN, Alli Neumann and Fil Bo Riva. I also made a studio recording for Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson's guitarist).
My core competency is teaching groove and timing across genres of pop, rock, jazz, funk and especially hip hop (swagtime, in-between timing).
We are also happy to talk about ear training and harmony, as well as synth bass and VST synth programming and music production.
In addition, I also offer band coaching (as soon as it is possible again).
If you are interested in a free trial lesson (30min), I would be very happy to hear from you.
For those who do not have time for lessons every week, there is also the option of purchasing a single lesson or tickets for 5 or 10 courses.
Best regards,
Shanice