Music Lessons in Edmonds, WA

Instruments: Voice Violin

I always make sure the student has a proper say in all of the proceedings. I want to make sure that the student enjoys the piece that they are working on, and that it challenges their skill levels while still being able to be performed by them. I also make sure that their personal tastes are reflected in the pieces selected, and make sure they listen to performances of the piece before it is selected. 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

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

I foster a fun and supportive learning environment. In addition, it is important to me that my lessons are student led. Rather than dictate to students exactly what and how they should practice, I always use my students' curiosity as a guide, and work on what is most interesting to them. For young learners, I do everything possible to make the learning environment as fun and engaging as possible, practically not even introducing the concept of a mistake until around 1 year of lessons. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Shakuhachi Conga

I have very high standards for teaching.That is why I did not start teaching until my fourties.At that point I felt that I had both the life experience and skills to be a good teacher.There is a lot more to playing music than just playing the right notes.That is what I call the mechanics of music but the not the soul.Obviously you must start with the basics to get to any deeper level of expression.That is what I am most passionate about.Why does anyone want to play an instrument? Read More

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

For just about any instrument, a key approach of mine is to teach students how to play the songs they love - and then the musical building blocks that make up said songs. Then, I teach the rudiments, patterns, and music theory behind those building blocks, and teach the students to be able to figure this all out on their own in the future through ear-training. I tend to like the Essential Elements series for band instruments, the Alfred books for piano and guitar, the Real Book for a wide variety of jazz repertoire. Read More