Music Lessons in Mercer Island, WA

Instruments: Voice Music

My mission statement is To teach with encouragement, humor, patience, and simple terminology, using applied science and body-awareness, all with the goal of vocal expressiveness. I always create a safe, supportive environment where my students can learn to express themselves through singing effectively. I use the McClosky Technique that employs applied science to help my students to sing with complete relaxation and freedom applied to any style of singing. My philosophy of teaching is based on the fact that working on voice technique is really an athletic process, and follows these principles: o A good voice teacher will let your true voice reveal itself, then follow it wherever it goes with encouragement and well-informed instruction. o A good voice teacher wont jump to conclusions about your voice but listen to how you describe your own experience and take it from there. o A good voice teacher will engage in deep listening with the goal of achieving complete relaxation when singing and speaking. o A good voice teacher will help you learn how to feel your body guiding you. 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

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I incorporate composing and improvising into all of my teaching. My goal is to help my students not only become fluent in the language of music so that they can pursue music as an activity throughout their lives, whether as professionals or amateurs, but also to develop physically and mentally healthy, positive approaches to their practicing and performing. I am fluent in German and have studied French, Italian, Norwegian, and Swedish, so I am also able to coach advanced singers in diction. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing compares to the feeling you get when you see your pupils happily growing and accomplishing every goal they set up for themselves. Since everyone is unique and works at their own pace, I don't think it's fair to approach every student the same way. It is of paramount importance that instructors not only pay close attention to their student's progress, but also their lack of progress in whatever areas they may be struggling in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a recent graduate of Seattle Pacific University and happily teaching in the Seattle area from my Magnolia home and in surrounding student's homes as well. I enjoy performing and teaching, and strive to give my students the best music lessons I can give supplemented by great recitals and performance opportunities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium Tuba

Your lessons with me will be custom oriented to your goals.You will learn confidence in your abilities to perform well and have fun. I emphasize the areas of music that are most relevant to your successful practice and performance. My students reach their maximum potential quickly and with confidence. With my expertise and your dedication, we'll have fun and you'll come away from each lesson with something new to work on. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I teach all levels (exclusively online using the Zoom platform until after the pandemic). 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