The Mathematical Composer

Marc E.

Have you ever wanted to understand the connections between Math and Music? Or wondered about the musical potential of programming constructs like 'for' loops and functions? Or maybe you just want help on your Calculus homework from a tutor with an interesting and varied background?

I have been working as a private tutor/teacher for around 15 years in a wide variety of subjects, both academic (all levels of math including calculus, physics, cs, writing, test prep) and musical (piano, music theory, composition). I hold degrees in Music Composition (BA) and Music Technology (MA) from Stanford University, and a PhD from UC Santa Barbara. With this varied background, I can not only help you gain confidence in the subject at hand, but also help you to make connections between disciplines that you didn't think were related. Did you know that fractions are crucial to the construction of musical scales? Or that melodies can be decomposed into sine waves? Ask me about that some time!

I enjoy working with people of all ages, from middle school through to college, and beyond. I have experience with neurodiverse learners, and have a particular knack for working with people who struggle with math anxiety. In general, my approach is warm and humorous, and one of my favorite things about tutoring is that, because each student approaches a subject from a different background, I have to keep coming up with new and interesting ways of explaining the same concepts.

Outside of tutoring, I'm a Composer, Programmer, Math Enthusiast, and YouTuber. My videos are a good window into the kind of teacher that I am, and I encourage you to check them out!

Looking forward to meeting you, and to beginning our work together!