Music composition lessons in Rotterdam

We just have started to work with Yannis, but I am really happy about how we progress and feel inspired and looking forward to future lectures. Yannis teaches me to develop a vision on how to approach working with sound, while recording, processing and using it in electronic composition. I would say he is opening my mind in a way toward the analysing a character of sound as a compositional element. I like that lessons are not only just about a particular technique (and there are so many to learn from Yannis), but about developing a workflow and a mindset. Examples from historical electronic pieces to listen and analyse from legendary electroacoustic composers are really inspirational. After each lesson there is a home task and in the following lecture there is an analysis of the results and based on that Yannis gives lessons on what needs to be changed, improved, pay attention to etc, in order to develop compositional skills. I highly recommend Yannis as a teacher, if you are into modern experimental electroacoustic composition and improvisation.

This is review is based after my very first lesson and I look foreword to doing the other lessons. Cameron was very professional; he knows his stuff and most importantly was able to understand what I was trying to achieve and suggests ways to accomplishing this. He has given me some home work which includes a listening list and feedback on developing some old pieces and a new project. I feel really motivated. I have a lot of experience in learning different disciplines to post grad level so I can say with some authority that clicking and connecting with a tutor is not a guarantee regardless of how knowledge they are..there are other qualities in addition to knowledge that is needed and as a a tutor, Cameron has what it takes. I dont really leave reviews so it is a testament that i have done so.

Our first lesson was an exploration of the feeling of holding the viola and the bow and of playing some notes pizzicato and with the bow. Maya was enthusiastic, patient and flexible in adapting to what I could and wanted to try. Her calm approach (letting learning sink in, allowing a process of getting used to the playing and learning) made me feel very comfortable and inspired!