Online lessons — worldwide

Teaching

Individual and group lessons in ABRSM Music Theory, Aural Training, Tar and Persian Music — online, in English, Italian or Persian.

ABRSM

Music Theory

Music theory is the study of the language of music — how it is constructed, how it works, and how to read and write it. A solid grounding in theory opens the door to understanding any piece of music more deeply, composing with greater confidence, and succeeding in formal examinations.

I offer music theory lessons following the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) syllabus, from Grade 1 through to Grade 8. The ABRSM is one of the world's leading music examination boards, and its theory syllabus provides a thorough, internationally recognised foundation in music literacy.

Lessons are available both individually and in small groups, online. The course materials are in English, though lessons can be conducted in English, Italian or Persian according to the student's preference. Suitable for students of all ages, whether preparing for an ABRSM examination or simply wishing to deepen their understanding of music.

Format Individual or small group

Level ABRSM Grades 1–8

Language English, Italian or Persian

Delivery Online — worldwide

What is covered

The ABRSM Music Theory syllabus builds progressively across eight grades. Early grades cover the fundamentals — note values, time signatures, scales, key signatures and basic intervals. As grades advance, the syllabus introduces chords and harmony, transposition, orchestration, musical form and analysis, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of tonal music and its structures.

Each lesson is tailored to the student's current level and goals, with exercises designed to reinforce understanding and build confidence for examinations.

ABRSM

Aural Training

Aural training is the development of the musical ear — the ability to hear, identify and internalise the elements of music: rhythm, pitch, dynamics, articulations, harmony, form, period and style. It is an essential skill for any musician, and forms a compulsory component of all ABRSM practical examinations.

My approach to aural training is rooted in active listening and direct musical engagement. Rather than treating aural skills as a separate academic exercise, I integrate them closely with the student's broader musical experience, making the ear a natural and reliable tool for understanding and performing music.

Aural training lessons follow the ABRSM syllabus and can be taken alongside music theory lessons or independently.

Format Individual or small group

Level ABRSM Grades 1–8

Language English, Italian or Persian

Delivery Online — worldwide

Persian Instrument

Tar

The tar is a long-necked plucked lute at the heart of Persian classical music. With its distinctive waisted body and rich, resonant tone, it is one of the most expressive and technically demanding instruments in the Persian tradition.

I have studied tar since 1997, learning the instrument and the Persian musical repertoire (Radif) in the class of the prominent master Mohammadreza Lotfi, as well as with renowned musicians and tar teachers including Sahba Motallebi, Fariborz Azizi and Behrouz Hemmati, and having participated in the masterclasses of Master Hossein Alizadeh. I have performed as a soloist and ensemble player in Iran, Europe and North America. My teaching of tar is rooted in the classical Persian tradition, with an emphasis on authentic technique, musical expression and a deep understanding of the Persian musical system of Dastgah.

In my teaching I cover the traditional repertoire of tar, and I approach the Radif — the canonical body of Persian classical music — not only as a source of technique and expression, but as a living reference for improvisation. I work closely with students on developing their improvisational voice, guiding them to build it organically from their technique and their understanding of the Dastgah system.

Lessons are available individually, online, and are taught in English, Italian or Persian.

Format Individual

Tradition Persian classical music

Language English, Italian or Persian

Delivery Online — worldwide

Theory & Practice

Persian Music

Persian classical music is one of the world's great musical traditions, with a sophisticated modal system, a rich repertoire, and a deeply expressive performance practice rooted in improvisation and oral transmission.

This course covers both the theory and the structure of the Persian classical system. On the theoretical side, students explore the fundamental concepts that govern Persian music — the grouping of pitches into tetrachords and larger modal units, the intervals specific to the Persian system, the hierarchy of pitches within each Gusheh and Maqam, the basics of rhythm and metric organisation, and the principles of melodic development and ornamentation. This theoretical grounding gives students the tools to understand and analyse what they hear and perform.

On the practical side, the course focuses in depth on the different Gusheh of each Dastgah — the individual melodic sections that make up these modal frameworks, each with its own character, register, and expressive weight. Students are also introduced to the main genres of Persian classical music: the Pish-daramad, the Chahar-mezrab, the Reng and the Tasnif, each representing a distinct form and function within the tradition.

The course is developed primarily through listening and vocal practice, building an intuitive and embodied understanding of Persian musical language before moving to instrumental application. This approach — rooted in how Persian music has always been transmitted — allows students to absorb the tradition from the inside out.

The course is suitable for musicians of any background who wish to understand and engage with Persian music seriously.

Format Individual or small group

Focus Dastgah system & oral tradition

Language English, Italian or Persian

Delivery Online — worldwide

Academic teaching

Since 2016 I serve as lecturer of the course Introduction to Persian Music at the BIHE — Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education.

Free Resource

Interactive Exercises — ABRSM Grades 1 to 5

I have designed a set of free interactive music theory exercises for ABRSM grades 1 to 5. Each grade is organised into chapters covering all the main topics of the syllabus. Students can work through the exercises independently at their own pace, then copy and send their results to me directly. No account or registration needed — just open and start practising. The exercises are fully accessible and screen-reader friendly.

How the exercises work

Each grade is divided into chapters corresponding to the main topics of the ABRSM syllabus. After entering your name, you choose a chapter and work through a series of multiple-choice questions. At the end of each chapter, and at the end of the full grade, you receive a summary of your results which you can copy and send to me by email or Telegram.

The exercises are designed to complement lessons — not replace them. They are a tool for independent practice and self-assessment between sessions.

Get in touch

Ready to start?

Whether you are a student, a parent, or simply curious about any of the courses — I would be glad to hear from you. Get in touch by email or Telegram and we can discuss what would suit you best.

saeedm19@gmail.com

@saeed_m19