Music Lessons in Downtown Seattle, 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: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Organ Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been inspired with music since the age of 10. My dad was a big influence being profession jazz guitarist himself. He taught me so much about the guitar and other instruments. This influence has led me to be the teacher as well with guitar, bass, piano, drums and voice, which I have been doing during these years of teaching. I want the students to have fun during the teaching sessions, having them learn what style of music inspired them, and grow on that which gives me much pleasure watching them progress, thanks Al Pignataro Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

I have been teaching violin for 30 years, starting as a bluegrass and Irish fiddle teacher in a folk music store run by a family of performers who were related to the von Trapps of The Sound of Musicfame. Since then, I have tried to continually grow as a performer, musician, and teacher. I have collected a vast amount of muic and resource materials along the way, so I am able to meet each student's needs--from child-friendly beginning repertoire, holiday music, fiddle tunes and jazz standards, to concertos and orchestral excerpts for youth and college orchestra auditions and beyond! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I use Bela Bartok's Microcosmos, a series of small, fun, interesting pieces designed for teaching piano, and as students gain musical fluency, I introduce easy classical pieces. I have also used the "Russian method." For adults, I find James Lykes piano method book to be wonderful. For voice students, I often use Clifton Ware's "Adventures in Singing," which includes valuable information, exercises, and a variety of songs. I help students discover and explore their voices and find music that is appropriate for their age, range, and timber. 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: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

Below is a short list of positions that I have held over the last 20 years. I have worked with students grades 3 through 12 in a variety of styles and setting. Student Equity Director & Introductory Instrumental Teacher - Seattle JazzED (www.seattlejazzed.org) 2015 - Present Certified Music Teacher (California and Washington) Music Teacher - Virgil Middle School (Los Angeles, Ca) 2010 - 2015 Asst. Director and Coordinator- Los Angeles Unified School District Honor Marching Band - 1997 - 2015 Read More

Instruments: Voice

The relationship between student and teacher is foundational for growth. I take time to get to know every student as an individual to help them feel supported and comfortable in lessons. I encourage each student to set realistic goals and work at their own pace. We will work on a piece until it is performance ready, meaning it is note perfect, memorized, and blocked. To inspire the students and our lessons I will share music and singers I feel the student will connect with and ask them to share their tastes with me. Read More