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Music Theory Lessons for All Levels with a Composer-Conductor
Do you want to explore music theory at your own pace, whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your existing knowledge? My Music Theory for All Levels course is designed to be flexible, meeting the needs of beginners and advanced learners alike.
We can cover any and all elements of music theory, tailored to your current skills and goals. Beginners can start with the basics, while more experienced students can dive into advanced concepts like counterpoint, modulation, extended techniques, and analyzing complex scores.
We’ll use your favorite music and instruments (or voice!) to make the learning process relevant and enjoyable. With creative exercises, engaging discussions, and personalized instruction, you’ll gain both practical skills and a deeper understanding of the music you love.
Whether you're a curious beginner, a performer looking to refine your knowledge, or a composer aiming for a deeper dive, this course is for everyone who wants to connect with music theory in a meaningful way.
We can cover any and all elements of music theory, tailored to your current skills and goals. Beginners can start with the basics, while more experienced students can dive into advanced concepts like counterpoint, modulation, extended techniques, and analyzing complex scores.
We’ll use your favorite music and instruments (or voice!) to make the learning process relevant and enjoyable. With creative exercises, engaging discussions, and personalized instruction, you’ll gain both practical skills and a deeper understanding of the music you love.
Whether you're a curious beginner, a performer looking to refine your knowledge, or a composer aiming for a deeper dive, this course is for everyone who wants to connect with music theory in a meaningful way.
Location
At teacher's location: Wilsnacker Straße, Berlin, Germany
At student's location: Around Berlin, Germany
Online via webcam
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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) |
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Student level: | Beginner Intermediate Advanced |
Duration: | 30 minutes 45 minutes 60 minutes 90 minutes 120 minutes |
The class is taught in: | English, German |
About Me
American Conductor and Composer Stephen 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 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
Reviews (1)
Stephen's lesson on harmony was just what I needed! I had a few specific questions to brush up on, and he explained everything super clearly and in a way that made it easy to apply to my work. He's knowledgeable and approachable—I’d definitely recommend him to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of music theory! Or if you're like me and need a quick refresh of all the things you forgot years ago from school 😅
As an American with a C1 Goethe-Institut certificate in German, I understand the long journey of learning this difficult language! I can help you wherever you are on your German path, from the basics to complex grammar, from understanding everyday language to working on your pronunciation.
I have spent time carefully collecting resources that help native English speakers...for example, things that help with speech rhythm and accentuation...which not a lot of teachers teach, but which make a huge difference. In any case, I can custom-tailor our lessons based on your needs.
Are you a composer hoping to hone your craft? In my composition lessons, we’ll explore both traditional elements of music, like pitch and rhythm, and also what makes music like poetry. You will work on how to get more music from fewer ideas to create a consistent musical language, and also explore the idea of opposites in your compositions, encouraging you to blend contrasting elements to add depth and complexity to your work.
Through the analysis of great music, 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 for any level of composer, whether you're a beginner or an experienced composer seeking to enhance your creative skills. Let’s bring your musical ideas to life!
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from 25€At teacher's location
from 25€Online via webcam
from 25€At 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
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from 25€At teacher's location
from 25€Online via webcam
from 25€At 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.
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