Music Lessons in Renton, WA

Instruments: Cello

My teaching method incorporates elements of the Russian school of cello playing (what I myself grew up learning) in addition to elements of Suzuki style aural training and Alexander Technique total body awareness. Often teachers just focus on the physical mechanics of cello playing and wait to teach aural skills or music theory until the student enters a collegiate music program. This inhibits the student's natural potential for growth and fails to teach the student comprehensive musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am in my late 40's, married, and the father of a crazy 9-year-old daughter. I started studying music on piano at the age of five with my mother (also a musician). I move from piano to alto sax, and continued to play it through to college, later switching to tenor. At age twelve, I started playing electric bass and have continued up to the present day. I started on acoustic bass at fifteen, and guitar when I was 30 years old. 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: Voice Violin

For all beginner students, I begin with the Essential Elements books. Once fingering and bowing have been introduced, I begin incorporating level-appropriate scales. These etudes and scales are vital for learning the technique necessary for more advanced pieces. Once the student has completed the first Essential Elements book, we then select a piece for them to play, and keep this as our main focus while continuing to work on scales and etudes. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar

Teaching guitar is one of the great joys of my life.  I really enjoy meeting people of all different ages and backgrounds, and helping them to discover how music fits into their lives.  I have no preference on a students goals, and I am completely fine teaching beginners, casual players, or students who would like a more serious approach.  I prepare lesson plans for each of my students and I try hard to keep the curriculum fun and relative to the students interest. 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

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