Music Lessons in Retsil, WA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica

My teaching method is... You got to knowthe rules 1st, before you can then break the rules.This is how you develop your own unique style.And its what separates the Pro Players from the restof the pack. But even if you don't want to play professionally,maybe you just want to learn a few chords, licks,songs, for yourself, or to impress friends.That's ok too! I welcome every level and style. 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: Saxophone

The first few students I ever had were actually swimmers! My first teaching experience came as a swim instructor for people of all ages at a local club. Because of my work there I was able to convert a small number of those kids into saxophone students as well and the teaching itch began! For the most part these students were family friends, and very much beginners so my strategies revolved around basic practice routines, some tone development work and helping with parts for school band or the like. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

Although I have a classically trained background, I understand that some students don't respond well to the traditional" Suzuki style learning. So, I like to assess a student before recommending books and or repertoire for them or their parents to purchase. I plan unique lesson plans for each student based on several determining factors including level of playing, age, learning curves, learning styles, what their goals for lessons are, and how much practice time they want to commit to per week (which is usually a different number to students than it is to parents). Read More

Instruments: 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: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

Although I am classically trained and have extensive orchestral experience as a violinist and violist, I was a founding member of an Irish group and several early music ensembles, performed with folk and classical guitarists, and played in a rock and roll nightclub band.I continue to play in many churches and synagogues, do strolling violin work, perform jazz standards, and act as lead violin in an internationally acclaimed big band. Read More