Pantelis Protopapas

Hi ! I'm Pantelis a Greek jazz guitarist and composer based in Den Haag.

I've been playing music for the largest part of my life. I started learning classical guitar at the age of 9. During my teenage years I was playing in various rock bands and on high school I discovered jazz.

I had classes on jazz guitar and started being an active member of Athens jazz scene before coming to study in the Netherlands.

Last year I graduated from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague with BaMusic in Jazz Guitart Performance.

I lead my own quartet where I perform original compositions in the Netherlands, Belgium and Greece. I have composed the music for 3 theater performances in Greece during the last 4 years.

As a teacher I try to always listen to my student's need, make sure that the classes are interesting, fun and are helping each individual achieve their goals.

Some important aspects of my teaching :

Communication

Adaptability

Various musical styles

Inspiration

Step by step approach

BIO

Pantelis is a jazz guitarist and composer based in the Netherlands. He was born and raised in Corinth.At the age of 9, he began taking classical guitar and musictheory lessons with teachers Nikos Soukaras and Sofia Riga. During his teenage years, he participated in concerts featuring classical and rock music. In 2010, he studied classical harmony with Philippos Tsalachouris.

In 2016, he began jazz guitar lessons with teacher Yiotis Samaras and took courses in Jazz Ensembles, Jazz Theory, and Jazz Piano at the Athens Conservatory.He studied Jazz Guitar Performance under the guidance of professors Martijn Van Iterson and Ella Zirina at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, graduating with a "Nine” in June 2024.

Alongside his studies in the Netherlands, he formed the 'Pantelis Protopapas Quartet,' a contemporary jazz ensemble focusing on his personal compositions, with which he frequently performs on venues in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Greece.

In 2022, he composed the music for the theatrical play "Sizué Banzi is Dead," directed by Nikolas Lambakis, as part of his thesis project in the Directing Department of the National Theatre of Greece.In 2024, he composed the music for the theatrical play "PLITS PLATS PLOUTS," directed by Giorgos Pavlou, which was presented in Athens during the 2024–2025 season.In 2025, he composed the music for "The Film Storyteller," a play by Nikolas Lambakis, set to be performed at the PLIFA Theatre in Athens in the winter of 2025.

He has attended masterclasses with Peter Bernstein, Pedro Martins, Simon Moullier, Gregory Hutchinson, The Bad Plus, Eric Ineke, Juraj Stanik, Ronan Guilfoyle, Mike Stern, Mary Ann McSweeney, and Giorgos Kontrafouris.

Education

2020-2024

Bachelor of Music at Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag (graduated in 2024)

Instrument : Jazz Guitar

Teachers : Martijn Van Iterson, Ella Zirina

2016-2019

Private Jazz Guitar Lessons with professional jazz guitarist and teacher Yiotis Samaras

Jazz Ensembles - Fundamental Jazz Piano - Jazz Music Theory in Athens Conservatory

2010-2012

Classical Music Theory Lessons with Philippos Tsalahouris

2006-2010

Classical Guitar Lessons and Music Theory with teachers Nikos Soukaras and Sofia Riga in Madrigal Music School (Corinth, Greece)

Experience / Qualifications

Private Teaching for two years

Gigs in Greece, Netherlands and Belgium

Composer for 3 theater plays

Band Leader and Composer

As a teacher, I take a student-centered approach, prioritizing each individual's needs. I believe that lessons should be engaging, enjoyable, and tailored to help students achieve their personal goals. 

Every student progresses at their own pace, and I emphasize clear communication and adaptability to foster a supportive learning environment. I also aim to inspire my students in the same way my teachers have inspired me, as motivation plays a crucial role in their musical journey.

I treat all students with equal importance, whether they are pursuing guitar as a hobby, learning their favorite songs, starting a band, or seeking a career in music. 

Through a step-by-step approach, I focus on developing technique, rhythm, song learning, improvisation, soloing, and music theory, ensuring each student progresses according to their unique goals.

Do you want to learn your favourite rock guitar solo, accompany yourself while singing a pop song, play jazz and learn improvisation ? Are you a beginner or you arleady have some knowledge and wanna develop further ? Whatever your answer is, together we will find the approach that fits you to become the musician that you want to be.