Music Lessons in Kirkland, WA

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I start most beginning students (and evaluate more advanced ones) on snare drum or practice pad. This is a central instrument to the percussion family and most techniques used on other percussion instruments are based on sound snare drum technique.  I like the Alfred Drum Method book for students just starting out regardless of age as the ability to read and understand written music is important no matter what stylistic path one follows. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Music Keyboard

When I teach teenagers or adults I usually start with Alred’s Basic Adult Piano Course Book, as well as a music theory book that is suited to the student. I like Alfred’s series for the young beginner as well, but have also used the Bastien series. For voice students I use a warm up book and a sight singing book. My students keep a music notebook of the week’s assignments in which I also make music theory notes and explanations. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Advanced students help develop their own curriculum. ChildrenThe guitar is a great friend as it always gives back to us whatever we give to it. It is never unfair. The more we practice, the better we sound. We all need a friend like that at times (regardless of our age). Is the student excited or overwhelmed? Bored or just tired? As a parent, I have a pretty good idea what signals your son or daughter is sending and can adjust the lesson accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am a motivated classically trained piano instructor who enjoys working with students of all ages, who before teaching was a performer as a very young student. I changed from performance to graduate with a B.Mus. degree in teaching, musicology and performance. I have been teaching for over 30 years either in High or Elementary Schools. For the past 14 years I have had a successful piano studio. Successful because most of my students have stayed with me from grade 1 until going into college. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard

Each student gets a chance to listen, write, read, and play music at every lesson. The emphases of lesson materials will depend on the student's goals, but each element of music is important in its own right. It is also crucial to listen to other genres and styles that may be out of the scope of the lesson. Music is a complex and wonderful creation, and there have been many contributions to it over many years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

For younger students who are beginning, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. This book has great materials for setting up the violin and bow hold, reading notes, rhythm and other musical markings, and introducing basic music theory such as time and key signatures. Also, this book incorporates the foundation of all musical learning, scales and arpeggios, into fun exercises that are enjoyable for every student.For older students who have more experience, I have a range of etudes from Sevcik to Kreutzer that can futher develop and solidify a good foundation of technique.For musical training, I use solo repertoire from Suzuki and other sources that are appropriate for each student's level so that he/she can be healthily challenged musically and technically while feeling accomplished during performances. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a musical teacher, I believe one of the most important goals is to learn to have fun while you practice. If your goal is to become a serious musician, many hours of practice is key but that cannot happen if you don't have the drive and motivation for it, so you must first enjoy what you are doing. I have always found that young children give up on their instruments too quickly because they find it to be too tedious or even boring. Read More