Music Lessons in Montlake, WA

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, we start with simple scales, fingering patterns, short melodies, and based on that student’s needs and learning style, I decide which lesson plan to use (Suzuki, Hal Leonard, etc.). I use Tonal Harmony textbook excerpts to help with advanced theory lessons. More advanced singers receive more training in classical and musical theater technique. My philosophy is that every singer should be trained classically first. Early art songs and arias really help students focus on breath control, vowel shape, using their passagio, and expressive singing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ

Each of us as individuals are different; therefore each of us as musicians are also different. Therefore, I enjoy crafting a learning environment with each new student that meets them where they are and challenges them to grow in all areas of music. We need to develop technique, deepen expressive gestures, focus on phrasing and attention to musical detail and, of course, have fun! Regular practice and regular lessons unlock almost limitless possibilities inside each given piece of music. Read More

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

I start most beginning students (and evaluate more advanced ones) on snare drum or practice pad. This is a central instrument to the percussion family and most techniques used on other percussion instruments are based on sound snare drum technique.  I like the Alfred Drum Method book for students just starting out regardless of age as the ability to read and understand written music is important no matter what stylistic path one follows. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have honed my skills as a player, a composer and an arranger during my time there, especially in the fields of Jazz, Latin Jazz, Rock, Pop and Funk. I have been taking on students for the past five years and have developed a fun and yet thorough approach to the world of music, whether you just want to learn a specific song, better your technique or you want to further your develop other skills like sight reading and musical theory. Read More

Instruments: Voice

There is no point in learning what to do if you don't know why you are doing it, so teaching "the why" of every exercise is very important to me. The idea is to eventually teach myself out of a job! While I provide a general syllabus to each student, I prefer to customize my lesson plans to the individual, first finding out what their goals are and then deciding what will help us achieve them. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I have been playing drums since I was twelve years old and have performed in many rock and jazz bands. I studied music in college and graduated with a Master of Music Degree in Percussion Performance from San Francisco State University in 1992. Since then I have continued to perform in local rock, jazz and blues groups as well performing with the Berkeley Symphony, The Santa Rosa Symphony and others. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I am a musician who believes that I am a better performer because I teach, and I am a better teacher because I perform. To me, playing the flute and teaching the flute go hand in hand as I have gained so many analytical skills that help me relate to student's musical struggles and I can help students develop solid problem-solving skills. I have studied and performed in five countries and have studied with numerous fine teachers. Read More