Szabolcs Kozsik
About
Hello everyone,
My name is Szabi and I am an experienced teacher with almost 20 years of experience in teaching both in public and in private settings. I am a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, composer and music teacher who never shied away from learning new things or heading down the lesser known road in the name of personal progress and curiosity.
I've spent the better part of 2 decades studying classical music. During my university years, I studied Classical Harmony, Counterpoint, Aesthetics, and Forms under Boldizsár Csíky, a distinguished Hungarian composer and musicologist whose own piano training traces back to a pupil of Franz Liszt. This direct connection to the Liszt tradition profoundly informs my teaching, blending rigorous classical discipline with a deep appreciation for musical expression and innovation.
I’m also a self-taught producer, mixer, and sound engineer with a deep love for all things music from classical to global sounds. I run my own studio, where I produce my own music and collaborate with artists across genres.
I’ve been lucky enough to tour internationally, win a few local and international talent shows, and even set up an NGO to support young musicians in my community. Working with local governments to preserve talent and make music education more accessible has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. For me, music isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about connection, creativity, and giving others the tools to find their voice.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your craft, I’m here to help you navigate the technical and creative sides of music production, mixing, and composition—without losing sight of what makes it fun.
Teaching Style
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all education, but I do believe in strong foundations. Whether you’re learning guitar, piano, production, or sound engineering, we start with the basics: music theory, note reading, keys, symbols, and sheet music. This isn’t about rote memorization, it’s about giving you the tools to understand what you’re playing, creating, or engineering. Context matters. I refuse to teach the “show-and-tell” way where you can perform something perfectly but have no idea why it works. For me, true mastery means knowing the “how” and the “why” behind every note, knob, or effect.
That said, every student’s journey is unique. My approach is built on three principles: Subjective Progression. Your goals, strengths, and learning style shape our path. If you’re into electronic music, we’ll connect theory to your DAW. If you’re a classical pianist, we’ll dive into phrasing and harmony, always tailored to you.
Interconnected Learning. Music is a living network of history, technique, and emotion. We’ll explore how classical training informs modern production, how harmony affects mood, or how a single symbol on sheet music can change a song’s entire feel. This big-picture view makes learning deeper and more flexible.
And finally, Constant Feedback & Adaptation. Lessons evolve with you. I monitor, analyze, and adjust based on your progress, frustrations, and breakthroughs. We’ll set goals together, then refine our path as we go, because growth isn’t linear, and neither should your lessons be.
Basically, this isn’t just customized teaching, it's you own path. My goal is to help you understand, so you leave each lesson feeling more confident, curious, and connected to your instrument, paper, or DAW.
Curriculum
My method blends classical foundations with modern, student-driven learning, structured enough to build skills, flexible enough to adapt to your goals.
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Foundational First
We start with music theory basics: notes, keys, symbols, reading/writing sheet music, and harmony. This isn’t about memorization, it’s about understanding why music works. Think of it like learning the grammar of a language before writing poetry. No “show-and-tell” shortcuts; we focus on contextual knowledge so you can create, analyze, and innovate with confidence. -
Subjective Pacing
Lessons adapt to your strengths, interests, and learning style. Whether you’re into classical piano, electronic production, or sound engineering, we’ll tailor the journey to what excites you while ensuring you grasp the fundamentals. -
Interconnected Learning
Music is a web of connections. We’ll explore how classical techniques inform modern production, how harmony shapes emotion, or how a single chord progression can define a genre. -
Feedback-Driven
I constantly monitor, analyze, and adapt based on your progress. Lessons evolve with you, so we’re always aligned with your growth and curiosity.
Recommended Student Text
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For Beginners:
- Alfred’s Basic Music Theory (Series) – Clear, practical, and great for all ages.
- The AB Guide to Music Theory (ABRSM) – Structured and comprehensive.
- Music Theory for Dummies – Approachable and engaging.
- Rick Beato’s YouTube Channel – For visual learners who want to see theory in action (e.g., his “What Makes This Song Great?” series).
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For Intermediate/Advanced:
- Harmony and Voice Leading (Aldwell & Schachter) – A deep dive into harmony.
- The Complete Musician (Laitz) – For those ready to geek out on theory.
- Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio (Mike Senior) – If you’re into production/engineering.
- Rick Beato’s The Beato Book – A modern, practical guide to harmony and songwriting.
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For Creators/Producers:
- The Dance Music Manual (Rick Snoman) – For electronic producers.
- Sound Design for the Electronic Musician (Richard Devine) – If you love synthesis and experimentation.
- Beato’s videos on production techniques – For bridging theory and modern workflows.
Credentials & Affiliations
Formal Education & Training
Graduate of Liceul de Artă, Târgu Mureș - Degree in Classical Guitar Pedagogy.
Graduate of Universitatea De Arte, Târgu Mureș – Degree in Music Pedagogy, specializing in classical training and music education.
Founder & Educator
Founder and Educator of "Ad Arte" Cultural Association – An organization dedicated to fostering youth musical development, providing mentorship, resources, and performance opportunities.
Partnerships & Collaborations
Official Partner of Siculus Youth Talent Festival (Odorheiu Secuiesc, 2023) – Through the "Ad Arte" Cultural Association, supporting and promoting young talent in the region.
Official Partner of LEMD (Transylvania’s Most Beautiful Song – Songwriting Contest), 2023 & 2024 – Through the "Ad Arte" Cultural Association, collaborating to encourage creativity and songwriting among emerging artists.
Conducting & Leadership
Conductor of "Balázs Ferenc Vegyeskar" – Official city-backed choir of Odorheiu Secuiesc (2024-2026). Leading and shaping the artistic direction of this prestigious ensemble.
Performance & Recognition
Winner of multiple local and international talent shows in both classical and contemporary genres.
Toured internationally as a performer, conductor and collaborator, bridging classical, world, and electronic music.
Teaching & Philosophy
Self-taught producer, mixer, and sound engineer with years of hands-on studio and live sound experience.
Teaching approach rooted in subjective progression, interconnected learning, and constant adaptation to student needs.
Focus on building strong classical foundations while encouraging creativity and individual expression.