Music Lessons in Mercer Island, WA

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I started violin lessons at age 7, after 2 years of begging my mom! I can still remember that blustery Saturday morning in November when I had my first lesson, and since then, I have learned so much. I joined the studio orchestra after just a year of lessons, then began teacher training and luthier (violin repair) classes in high school. I took a break from teaching while getting my bachelor's degree, but continued while I got my master's. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For my beginning drum students, I use Mark Wessels "A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum and Drum Set", Rod Morganstein's "drum set musician", and Mitchell Peters' "Developing Dexterity". For students that have a good grasp of the basics, I work through material that caters to their specific interests (jazz, rock, latin, West-African, orchestral/school band, or marching percussion). I also write original etudes for my students based on their needs and include a midi accompaniment to motivate students to work on their assigned material. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My instructional methods are customized to fit the individual student's preferences, goals and learning style. I never force my "agenda" or "method" on anyone. I cater to my students' guitar and musical goals. If a student wants to learn to read music, I generally suggest method books such as Hal Leonard Guitar Method or Alfred Guitar Method. Some students do not have any desire to learn to read music, so in that case, I use tablature to write out the songs for them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Orchestral Percussion Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I strive to teach the basics of music theory while learning the fundamentals of producing characteristic tone on their instrument. I typically start by working through the Essential Elements method book and introduce solos, ensembles, and orchestral excerps when appropriate. If the student is a part of a school or community ensemble, I work with the student on any pieces that their ensemble is preparing for performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Ukulele Mandolin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My lesson structure is very flexible and has plenty of room for input from the student. My job as your teacher will be to give you technique building excercises and songs that will sharpen the fundamentals of playing your instrument. There are 3 parts to a lesson that I always like to touch on. 1) technique and warmups, 2) assigned material designed to be the stepping stones to your personal goals. 3) something that the student has picked out or has special interest in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I have been teaching private lesson on and off since I was in college. I have taken the last few years off to complete my graduate education and begin my formal teaching career. I believe that encouraging my students to find fun in practice by choosing music that keeps the students interested. This means taking music from both the classical and popular repertoires. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Keyboard

As much as I discuss with students what to practice, however, I think it’s more important to emphasize how to practice efficiently. The patience and focus needed to execute a song correctly is as much an exercise in meditation as it is about performing music. As I tell my students, the mind is the true instrument. Once they know what the symbols on the chart mean, where their hands have to go, and how a song is supposed to sound, they will have no trouble making music. Read More