Music Lessons in Madrona, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard

My teaching experience has been drastically influenced by changes in my life both as a student and a performer. My early education was heavily influenced by traditional teaching methods in classical music. So when it came time to study my first introductory jazz course I was rocked to my core. I began not only to enjoy the music I played, but became more aware of the relationships between keys, chords, scales and notes. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

I have maintained a private voice studio for over 38 years teaching adult singers, beginners to advanced and I've helped hundreds of people find their singing voice or overcome voice challenges as well as personal challenges. I created a Washington State 501(C)(3) nonprofit for amateur adult singers and actors that included 3 choirs, a vocal jazz ensemble, voice workshops, vocal jazz workshops, and a theatrical troupe. I've also conducted other community and church choirs. Read More

Instruments: Piano

This will enhance dexterity and continued strength as well as develop new fingering capabilities to enable the student towards more advanced songs they like or even want to compose!   Formal teaching material will consist of Faber or Thompson; though if the student prefers Alfred, Bastien or Snell, I can work with these. All of these options are good. For beginning students I prefer to start with "on staff" instead of "off staff." I do not start off with metronomes, but will consider later on with the student where this may be needed (i.e. technical attention to the composer’s original intent, prep for adjudications, desired effect with own creative music, waltz or marching songs, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

My lessons are designed to fit each student's level and area of interest. For example, if a student wants to learn how to play blues piano, I'll assign him exercises to compliment learning that idiom, i.e. scales, chords and rhythm patterns. people learn best when they are interested in at that moment. I use the same philosophy teaching drums and trumpet. Specific methods are tailored to the student's current ability and age. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

First lesson: talk a bit about students' goals or if they don't know, or if they're just trying it out, it's all fine, and we'll go from there. I want to know what kind of music somebody likes and what gets them excited. Favorite songs can be goals for new students, so they can see results pretty early on. I had great teachers that showed me chords for my favorite Beatles and Beach Boy songs and that let me have fun while building up dexterity. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I started driving to my students' homes, and that was when I finally fell in love with teaching! That was in 2008, and since then, my teaching has grown and changed so very much, using different method books, teaching at 2 different studio locations, until finally settling in to teach out of my home and with my current method. I especially love teaching the brand new beginner, but I have also had students go on to win college scholarships, and even play beside me in the symphony orchestra! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginning to students I like to have them learn their notes on the bass guitar first and foremost. Once we have become familiar with the neck of the bass we introduce Hal Leonards's Bass Method Book 1. This will build our foundation for learning to read time signatures, notes in bass clef, rhythms, as well as playing complete songs. For intermediate bass students I like to gauge the level and tailor a program for that individual. Read More