Music Lessons in Briarcliff, WA

Instruments: Cello

My teaching method incorporates elements of the Russian school of cello playing (what I myself grew up learning) in addition to elements of Suzuki style aural training and Alexander Technique total body awareness. Often teachers just focus on the physical mechanics of cello playing and wait to teach aural skills or music theory until the student enters a collegiate music program. This inhibits the student's natural potential for growth and fails to teach the student comprehensive musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Piano lesson advantage! Learning the piano is an excellent instrument to branch out to other instruments if desired. This polyphonic tool also helps teach basic chord structures (major/root, minor, augmented, diminished, etc.) much sooner than a single toned instrument. Piano lessons helped me learn other instruments very fast and would like to teach to this end if desired!   PERSONAL EQUIPMENT - Kawai acoustic piano, Korg 2200 digital piano, Yamaha MM6 synthesizer and a Yamaha E213 keyboard. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium Tuba

I emphasize the areas of music that are most relevant to your successful practice and performance. My students reach their maximum potential quickly and with confidence. With my expertise and your dedication, we'll have fun and you'll come away from each lesson with something new to work on. For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, we start with simple scales, fingering patterns, short melodies, and based on that student’s needs and learning style, I decide which lesson plan to use (Suzuki, Hal Leonard, etc.). I use Tonal Harmony textbook excerpts to help with advanced theory lessons. More advanced singers receive more training in classical and musical theater technique. My philosophy is that every singer should be trained classically first. Early art songs and arias really help students focus on breath control, vowel shape, using their passagio, and expressive singing. Read More

Instruments: Violin

In order to enjoy playing our instruments for many years to come, I emphasize the importance of healthy technique in order to prevent injury. Through the process of learning scales and pieces, I make sure to incorporate a focus on correct posture, a relaxed left hand, and healthy bow arm so that playing the violin is a positive experience for each student. I use a wide range of materials depending on a student's interests and background - I often teach music reading to students who are reading for the first time, and for students who are already able to read music I modify our lesson materials to reflect this. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I love to see my student's grow and achieve their goals. I am excellent at catering to my student's needs to make a practical lesson plan to get from A to B. MAny of my student's have not left since I have taken them on. Some of them are in their 7th year of study. I am very proud of that. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I approach each student as an individual. Some students take things slow and steady, while others I can barely fit enough into their weekly lessons to keep them happy, and either way is just fine. My ultimate goal as a teacher is to make myself obsolete - I aim to teach my students how to learn, how to be critics of themselves for more effective practice time, and eventually, how to either need a teacher that can take them to more advanced levels, or to play without a teacher. Read More