Sadiel Cuentas

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Classical Orchestration, Composition, Counterpoint, Orchestral Arranging, Songwriting Harmony, Music Analysis
Lesson Fees
$30.00 / 30 Minutes

About

I am a Peruvian composer with a strong classical background, specialized in contemporary chamber, orchestral, and choral music. My works are frequently premiered by leading performers, orchestras, and choirs in Peru, and some of them can also be heard on my YouTube channel.

Alongside my classical training, I have extensive experience teaching harmony and analysis in both classical and popular styles. My approach combines solid technical foundations with openness to creativity, guiding students to develop their own musical voice with confidence.

Teaching Style

I like to create a relaxed and encouraging environment, where academic rigor goes hand in hand with fun and optimism. I see every class as a shared journey of discovery. My approach is centered on practical work: guiding students through their own exercises and compositions, and offering feedback that helps them build solid musical proficiency and confidence.

Curriculum

My teaching method is centered on practical work and constructive feedback. I guide students through their own exercises and compositions, helping them strengthen their skills in harmony, counterpoint, orchestration, and musical analysis. While I provide a rigorous foundation in classical techniques, I also encourage exploration of contemporary approaches and creative individuality. Classes often include the study of selected scores, short writing assignments, and critical discussion of the student’s work.

For consultation and deeper study, I recommend the following texts:

  • Tonal Harmony by Stefan Kostka and Dorothy Payne.
  • Counterpoint and Harmony by Diether de la Motte.
  • The Study of Orchestration by Samuel Adler.

I also encourage students to explore great repertoire available on IMSLP and other sources, including Beethoven’s nine symphonies, Ravel’s orchestral works, the symphonies of Lutosławski, the music of John Adams and Thomas Adès, as well as the film scores of John Williams. These works provide invaluable insight into orchestration, form, and style, and serve as excellent models for developing composers.

Credentials & Affiliations

  • Bachelor’s degree in Composition, National Conservatory of Music (Peru).
  • Master’s degree in Cultural Management, University of Piura (Peru).
  • Former faculty member at Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) and Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), teaching composition, harmony, counterpoint, and analysis.
  • Active composer with frequent premieres of chamber, orchestral, and choral works by leading performers, orchestras, and choirs in Peru.
  • Founder and Artistic Director of Festival Musicantes, a national festival dedicated to contemporary music.
  • Experience as a performer in rock bands, bringing a broad perspective to teaching harmony and analysis across classical and popular traditions.