LESSONS
Specialization
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guitar
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music theory
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music theory
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solfege / ear training
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harmony and improvisation
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music production
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piano
Motivation
My motto is: the essential thing about learning to play an instrument is to love music; that makes the whole process more enjoyable. I find it a wonderful goal to share my love of music with others. My teaching approach is always creative, positive, and focused on each student's individual development.
My background
I've worked as a teacher for many years in and around Amsterdam, and I also give workshops and private lessons, sometimes abroad. As a musician and composer, I've recorded several CDs (available on streaming platforms under "Mateusz Pulawski Lunar Quartet," "Esther and Mateusz," and my own name). I also work as a session musician, and you can hear my playing on albums by artists like Cles, Deborah J. Carter, Efraim SW, Leah Kline, Karsu, and Frank Paavo. My knowledge and skills are supported by diplomas from two conservatories: the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and WSJiMR in Poland. I'm also a producer/studio engineer (with my own studio) and play bass guitar.
photo: Kim Raad
Lesson content
As mentioned above, my guitar lessons aren't just about practicing the necessary techniques and repertoire on the instrument. Of course, I do all that with the students, but within a broader context. We also listen attentively to the music, consider our feelings about a particular piece, artist, or performance, and record and evaluate our guitar playing.
My strong affinity for musical genres/styles such as jazz, improvisation, blues, pop, rock, folk, soul (and more) gives me the freedom to individually determine the musical direction and goal of the lessons, including the selection of techniques, exercises, and repertoire, with each student. Ultimately, you'll learn what truly interests you. All the necessary music theory supplements the lesson material and is carefully dosed. I also always remain open to students' suggestions and ideas.
You're not really into guitar…?
Read on!
As an alternative, I also offer music theory lessons / piano lessons / solfège lessons / music production lessons for anyone who wants to learn more about the inner workings of music and play their favorite pieces by ear, start and improve their songwriting/composing/producing skills, or prepare for a conservatory entrance exam. In these lessons, depending on each student’s individual goals, we focus on everything from pure theoretical knowledge to figuring out music by ear, recording and producing (complete) songs/pieces, and analyzing existing music.
Trial lesson
During the trial lesson, the content of the lessons will be explained in more detail, as well as what is expected from the student. The student’s level, motivation, and ambition will be assessed, and based on that, the material for the first lessons will be determined.