Michalis Kailis

My name is Michalis Kailis and I am coming from the island of Cyprus. I am a professional music composer.

I started playing the guitar at the age of 6 and then at the age of 13, I began writing songs. My composition education started four years later when I started taking composition classes under the guidance of Cypriot composer Tasos Stylianou. Later, I moved on to Rotterdam where I began my studies as a classical composer. Six years later, I managed to finish both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the aforementioned conservatory.

I mainly compose chamber music. However, I have composed music for a short film I have made and orchestral works.

My goal for these classes is to develop each of my student’s talents. Every person is different so a slightly different approach will be taken for every student in hopes I can assist everyone in achieving their goals to the best of my abilities.

I have been studying composition for 10 years now. I started taking classes at the age of 17 by Cypriot composer Tasos Stylianou. At the age of 21, I was accepted at Codarts university for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Classical Music Composition. Four years later, I was accepted into the same conservatory for pursuing a master’s degree under the guidance of Paul van Bruggen.

Creativity is the main tool a composer needs! In these classes, your creativity and confidence as a composer will be developed. The aim of these classes is to develop the student’s composition skills. You will be taught how to transcribe every sound you imagine into paper and how to turn it into music!

When it comes to me, my main influences are Toru Takemitsu, Giacinto Scelsi, Tasos Stylianou, Gyorgy Ligeti and Krzysztof Penderecki.

My piece "Schizophrenia" is the result of extensive research on ancient Greek music elements. In addition, the use of non-pitch gestures are highly inspired by composers such as Tasos Stylianou and Penderecki.

My piece "Loss of Innocence" is inspired by a greek tune by Manos Hadjidakis called "The Waltz of lost dreams". The piece is built around the melodic line of the aforementioned tune. All other gestures are placed around that melodic line as "gestures in space" creating an eerie atmosphere.

Lastly, my piece "Aurora Borealis" is highly inspired by the works of Giacinto Scelsi. The Italian composer is greatly known for constructing his compositions using mainly one single pitch.

For Trial Lesson: I will be very interested in looking into one of your scores or a short fragment of music or a song that you have composed.

Music Theory is a term that includes different subjects around the world of music; harmony, analysis, counterpoint, solfege, music history, etc. I specialize in classical harmony, analysis, and counterpoint. I will teach you everything you need to know about those three subjects. Classes can be given to both beginners and advanced students.

For young students that desire to enter a conservatory, you can expect to be greatly prepared for auditions in relation to those subjects.

I have been studying composition for 10 years now. I started taking classes at the age of 17 by Cypriot composer Tasos Stylianou. At the age of 21, I was accepted at Codarts university for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Classical Music Composition. Four years later, I was accepted into the same conservatory for pursuing a master’s degree under the guidance of Paul van Bruggen.

Creativity is the main tool a composer needs! In these classes, your creativity and confidence as a composer will be developed. The aim of these classes is to develop the student’s composition skills. You will be taught how to transcribe every sound you imagine into paper and how to turn it into music!

When it comes to me, my main influences are Toru Takemitsu, Giacinto Scelsi, Tasos Stylianou, Gyorgy Ligeti and Krzysztof Penderecki.

My piece "Schizophrenia" is the result of extensive research on ancient Greek music elements. In addition, the use of non-pitch gestures are highly inspired by composers such as Tasos Stylianou and Penderecki.

My piece "Loss of Innocence" is inspired by a greek tune by Manos Hadjidakis called "The Waltz of lost dreams". The piece is built around the melodic line of the aforementioned tune. All other gestures are placed around that melodic line as "gestures in space" creating an eerie atmosphere.

Lastly, my piece "Aurora Borealis" is highly inspired by the works of Giacinto Scelsi. The Italian composer is greatly known for constructing his compositions using mainly one single pitch.

For Trial Lesson: I will be very interested in looking into one of your scores or a short fragment of music or a song that you have composed.