Music Lessons in Gold Bar, WA

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I first started teaching saxophone lessons while in high school in Ferndale, WA. I was still taking private lessons at the time; as my skill level advanced, my teacher saw my potential as a teacher and started referring some beginning students to me. Throughout college, I gained experience working with youth and adult students of all levels. As I gained more experience teaching and continued my own musical studies, I became a better, more confident teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano

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 a solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in depending on the ability level. I would also start with books for adult beginners if needed. My goal as a teacher is to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I teach all levels. I specialize in beginner pedagogy, for which I have created my own series of exercises that simultaneously teach the student basic technique on the clarinet while also teaching them counting and rhythm. I am an orchestral clarinetist, with many years of experience playing in many orchestras, but I have also played in wind bands, as well as other genres like flamenco, Latin music, and rock/pop. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar

My teaching style is structured primarily on learning to play by ear with light theory instruction.  For advanced and more serious students, I am a huge theory nerd and I really enjoy teaching a more technical approach as well. My philosophy is to improve a student's skills by nurturing each person's specific interest and goals.  I do not find it effective to try and force my own taste in music on my students, although I do make suggestions based on skills a student is trying to acquire. Read More

Instruments: Viola

I expose my students to a wide range of musical genres, from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions, broadening their horizons and nurturing their musical versatility. Central to my teaching philosophy is the recognition that each student is unique, with individual strengths, weaknesses, and goals. I tailor my instruction to meet their specific needs, recognizing their progress and providing constructive feedback. I encourage open communication and dialogue, allowing students to voice their questions, concerns, and aspirations. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching experience began in 2015 when I served as the Musical Director for On Center Performing Arts in Missoula, MT. In 2016 I moved to the Seattle area to continue my journey as a teacher. I served as an instructor for Voice in the Valley Music Studio in Maple Valley and as a Music Leader for Musically Minded. The past 2 years I served as Director for Voice in the Valley's Musical Theatre/Disney summer camp. Read More

Instruments: Flute

For all of my new students, I gauge where they are at in their musical development and start to create a plan for them. I assess their strengths first and then go right into areas that need work. I work a lot on fundamentals such as breathing, sound development, and comfortable hand position so that students can use their bodies most efficiently in their music making. I also insist on students learning to develop musical ideas right from the start so they realize that playing the flute is not only about blowing air and pushing buttons. Read More