Music Lessons in Monroe, WA

Instruments: Piano Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium Tuba

I began playing tuba, trombone and bass in middle school. I won the grand-prize and special prize in National Youth wind instrument players contest (1985) competition at the age of 19, and made my concerto debut with the State Opera Orchestra later that year. I got my Bachelor degree from Music College in 1985, and Master's Degree from Gnessin Academy of Music - 1990, Moscow, Russia. In 1991-96 I was the Soloist at a State Jazz Orchestra in Moscow.I played with all major jazz musicians of post-Soviet era and frequently toured around Russia, Spain, Finland, Poland, Germany, Israel, Egypt, Greeks, Italy and Switzerland. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I am a professional percussionist with a wealth of performing experience in many styles including rock, funk, jazz, classical, and world music.  I have toured throughout the USA performing at distinguished concert venues, festivals, and clubs. Currently I am a very active freelance percussionist in the Pacific Northwest performing with symphony orchestras, rock bands, jazz trios, and others. As an instructor I have been teaching (both privately and in the classroom) without interruption for over twenty years. 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: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica

I studied music at Washington State Universityformally, then many, many years by ear on my own,along with my many teachers.. I have played with small bands, as well as bands that have had some success,. My Specialty - is teaching students the basics 1st, then how to copy your favorite artists off the CD,almost note for note. Believe me, it can be done. Youjust have to know what to listen for.. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I prefer lessons to be focused on a curriculum, however customized it may be, as I have found that approach to be the most efficient, especially with younger players.While I believe that it is very important to learn the fundamentals of drumming (as learned largely through a curriculum approach), I also believe that some of the most rewarding experiences a student can have may be achieved through realizing their own unique creative potential. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Shakuhachi Conga

I orient every lesson plan to each student as an individual.I focus on making learning music fun and challenging. I have prepared many students for both High School and college auditions.I also conduct student workshop small bands where students learn how to play and cooperate in a small group setting.Private lessons are based on what the student wants and needs to learn depending on their situation.I am very comfortable teaching to the foundations of music including: reading, counting. rhythms, musical interpretation,playing in tune, sound production, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For just about any instrument, a key approach of mine is to teach students how to play the songs they love - and then the musical building blocks that make up said songs. Then, I teach the rudiments, patterns, and music theory behind those building blocks, and teach the students to be able to figure this all out on their own in the future through ear-training. I tend to like the Essential Elements series for band instruments, the Alfred books for piano and guitar, the Real Book for a wide variety of jazz repertoire. Read More