Music Lessons in Northgate, WA

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar

For students who have played an instrument prior to our lessons, I try and shape a curriculum entirely based upon the specific goals of the student, and I rarely use text books although I use a lot of exercises and educational material when appropriate.  I feel learning to play and transcribe songs and solos to increase a students self reliance and confidence is my most important job.  Most students come to me looking for structure so I try and provide a clear path to their goals. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I have 10,000+ hours of teaching experience, and have been an active professional orchestral clarinetist since 2008. I also play chamber music in various ensembles, and occasionally collaborate in world music settings such as flamenco and Latin music. My students get a solid classical foundation from me, which allows them to freely explore whatever musical style interests them. Most of my students participate in extra-curricular musical ensembles, and many of them go on to major in music in college. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion

Though I have a general flow of lessons for beginner students, diversions from that path are always the most interesting and I like to strike a balance between learning the fundamentals and exploring creative outlets. I like to pepper in lots of listening exercises and a bit of music history to give context to what we're doing. This is especially important for new drummers as the music we're making isn't always instantly recognizable. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I started student teaching in high school, with no great desire to ever be a teacher, but my teachers said I was going to do the teacher training class, and like a good girl I did as I was told. I enjoyed learning, so learned how to teach for the sake of more learning. It wasn't until after I graduated college and found myself working part time retail, desperate for some means to make ends meet, that I remembered that I could teach. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I welcome students of all ages and abilities into my studio. Lessons are structured around the student’s goals, whether to play professionally or as a hobby. Stylistic choices in musical expression and phrasing are taught by incorporating music theory, music history, and ear-training skills into lessons. Students learn to produce a beautiful tone and to express themselves freely. As an AmSAT certified Alexander Technique teacher, I firmly believe that the psychophysical mechanism is paramount to success in healthy music-making. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin

Guitar: For beginners who are kids, I usually start with the FJH Beginner Guitar Method, while also implementing fun melodies they know that can be played on single strings. Once the student has progressed a bit, we will work in chords, more advanced rhythms, and songs appropriate for a recital. For older beginners, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Method, while again finding songs that match their musical taste and working towards their specific goals (i.e., I really want to start a punk band with my friends next summer, or I'd love to play this Taylor Swift song at the school talent show). Read More