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Music Theory and Composition: Inspiration and Technique

What do you love to listen to? How do you create music that expresses the music that has deeply influenced you? The "how do you create that" is where technique, or music theory, shapes what compels you. There are a variety of techniques because there are a variety of sound possibilities (jazz, rock, classical, etc.). "In order to create that" music in your head, the basics of music have to be learned: pitch and rhythmical relationships. The most basic examples of pitch relationships are melody and harmony.

If my availability works, I will gladly take in anyone who desires to explore all the basics and beyond. I greatly hope that any student considering lessons will read all of the information provided about myself on Apprentus. I will not begin a lesson with any student who does not answer the first five questions. Now, I believe I've covered enough ground for potential students to understand what my lessons will be about. So for now... enjoy the sounds and Au revoir!

Extra information

QUESTIONS (Those with a * placed to the left of the number are required)
*1. Describe your musical background and experience.
*2. What do you want to learn about theory and composition? (favorite music artists, styles of music, techniques)
*3. Do you play any instruments?
*4. Do you own a 88-key piano or 88-key electronic keyboard?
*5. Do you have access to a computer? (lessons are online)
6. Do you own a quality computer?
7. Do you own a quality digital audio workstation (Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic Pro)
8. Do you own any virtual instruments (East/West, Vienna Symphonic Library, etc.)

Location

Online via webcam
At teacher's location: 3914 Waverly Bend, Katy, TX 77450, USA

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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

I tend to be goofy and love being around musicians. However, I take my work very seriously and expect my students to find enjoyment while working hard. My favorite composers are Igor Stravinsky (THE KING!), Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, William Walton, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Frederick Delius, Jean-Philippe Rameau, John Coolidge Adams, Steve Reich, and Christopher Rouse. I also love indie bands/music artists like Grizzly Bear (Daniel Rossen's a boss), Animal Collective, Tune-Yards, Broadcast, Deerhoof, St. Vincent, Vashti Bunyan, Yo La Tengo, and many, many others.

Education

University of North Texas, B.A. in Music, Graduated
Studied Music Theory with Joán Groom who studied with Nadia Boulanger and Darius Milhaud
Private composition lessons with Dr. Panayiotis Kokoras, Dr. Kirsten Broberg, and Alain Mayrand

Experience / Qualifications

Specialized in composition at the University of North Texas. Took both beginning compositions classes, Instrumentation, Orchestration, Introduction to Electroacoustic Music, From Pong to Procedural Audio (video game music), and private lessons. These greatly augmented my knowledge of my theory classes with Dr. Groom.

Ask a question

Send a message explaining your needs and Alex will reply soon:
The more detail, the better.
Ex. "Hi, when are you available to meet for a lesson?"

Availability of a typical week

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from £27.69At teacher's location
from £27.69Online 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.

Online reputation

  • Instructor since October 2018
  • Phone number verified
  • Google connected

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00) New York
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from £27.69At teacher's location
from £27.69Online 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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