Music Lessons in Maple Leaf, WA

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

I use Samuel Applebaum's String Builderbooks 1 and 2 as my beginning texts and his Scales for Strings, Early Etudes, and First Position Etudes (especially for viola) before moving into First Etudes by Whistler/Hummel for violin and then the Wohlfahrt/Aiquoni Foundation Studies, books 1 and 2, Mazas, and advanced etudes such as Kreutzer and Campagnoli for both violin and viola. Beginners useConcertTunesbooks 1 and 2 by Dale Brubaker for first (immediate) solosthat reinforce note reading and other instruction. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I believe that teaching is a journey we take together, and theres nothing more fulfilling than seeing a student light up with excitement as they discover their love for music. My approach is centered on creating a supportive and encouraging environment where each student can progress at their own pace. I set realistic, personalized goals that match their individual learning style and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, to keep them motivated. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I like to start by asking about a student about their prior experience (if any), interests and goals on their instrument. With my students, I generally start by tackling basics like healthy breathing and posture, producing good tone, note-reading, and rhythm. Depending on students interests, we may then gradually incorporate more advanced techniques such as playing by ear, learning longer, more complex classical or jazz pieces, music theory, and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I've been teaching for over forty years. Many of my students have been successful in various auditions and life in general. There are many factors that enter into that, and I am happy to be one of those factors that helped them on their way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For my younger students I usually start with major and minor scales tied in with simple to challenging etudes. I do not have a specific book that I work out of, though if the student has one that they work out of I would be happy to accommodate. For adults I usually have the same approach, but we will focus more on a specific genre or style that they may want to emulate. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I began teaching cello while in high school, serving as a Teaching Assistant to my own teacher and mentor, Olga Ruvinov. I assisted her younger students (ages 6-14) in employing effective practice methods to overcome difficult technical concepts encountered in their main lessons. Having the opportunity to teach under the guidance of an experienced pedagogue was instrumental to my development as a musician and inspired a love of teaching from a very young age. Read More