Music Lessons in Arbor Heights, WA

Instruments: Saxophone

The first few students I ever had were actually swimmers! My first teaching experience came as a swim instructor for people of all ages at a local club. Because of my work there I was able to convert a small number of those kids into saxophone students as well and the teaching itch began! For the most part these students were family friends, and very much beginners so my strategies revolved around basic practice routines, some tone development work and helping with parts for school band or the like. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I welcome students of all ages and abilities into my studio. Lessons are structured around the student’s goals, whether to play professionally or as a hobby. Stylistic choices in musical expression and phrasing are taught by incorporating music theory, music history, and ear-training skills into lessons. Students learn to produce a beautiful tone and to express themselves freely. As an AmSAT certified Alexander Technique teacher, I firmly believe that the psychophysical mechanism is paramount to success in healthy music-making. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Orchestral Percussion Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I strive to teach the basics of music theory while learning the fundamentals of producing characteristic tone on their instrument. I typically start by working through the Essential Elements method book and introduce solos, ensembles, and orchestral excerps when appropriate. If the student is a part of a school or community ensemble, I work with the student on any pieces that their ensemble is preparing for performance. Read More

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

I am a professional percussionist with a wealth of performing experience in many styles including rock, funk, jazz, classical, and world music.  I have toured throughout the USA performing at distinguished concert venues, festivals, and clubs. Currently I am a very active freelance percussionist in the Pacific Northwest performing with symphony orchestras, rock bands, jazz trios, and others. As an instructor I have been teaching (both privately and in the classroom) without interruption for over twenty years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have a very laidback, low-pressure approach - if you didn't practice, it's not the end of the world! I think back to my own days of taking lessons and remember how much more I improved in this type of environment, and how much more I loved the process. The difference between these approaches can be night and day, both in results and morale out of the student (which, again, I know from experience as a teacher, but also from my experience as a student). Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My instructional methods are customized to fit the individual student's preferences, goals and learning style. I never force my "agenda" or "method" on anyone. I cater to my students' guitar and musical goals. If a student wants to learn to read music, I generally suggest method books such as Hal Leonard Guitar Method or Alfred Guitar Method. Some students do not have any desire to learn to read music, so in that case, I use tablature to write out the songs for them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My motto is my students create their own lesson. I formulate lesson plans off of the styles of music you are most interested in. If my student has a more "just for fun" attitude, the lesson will inevitably be a more light hearted feel. If the student would like to focus on more technicalities, that as well is a different approach. However, I do have a more structured plan for younger students. Read More