Music Lessons in Sammamish, WA

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: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Electric Guitar

Every student learns at their own pace, and in their own way. Discovering what type of learner your student is (kinesthetic, auditive, visual), is essential in providing examples and assignments for the student to work on. I do believe that with encouragement and patience, anyone can learn the noble art that is the language of music, you just have to find and fuel the student's interests, make that flame grow into a passion, and then lead with the example, 99% of the time the student will follow, the other 1% of the time you just need to get creative :) 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

Instruments: Cello

I recently completed my Bachelor of Music in cello performance at the University of Colorado Boulder, graduating with highest honors. As Seattle native, I have played music all across the United States and Canada, attending such prestigious summer festivals as Académie d’Orford Musique, the Meadowmount School, Bowdoin International Music Festival, Indiana Summer String Academy and Interlochen Center for the Arts. As a passionate chamber musician, I have performed on the Jacobsen Faculty Series at the University of Puget Sound and the Pendulum New Music Series at the University of Colorado Boulder, in addition to working closely with members of the Takács, Tokyo, Shanghai and Altius string quartets. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Music Keyboard

I have a friendly and laid back teaching style, maintaining student/teacher professionalism. How much or how fast the student learns depends a lot on how much they practice. For younger students I use stickers as rewards to help motivate them. I adapt to the student when it comes to the style of music we play or sing. Occasionally we may play or sing duets. I let voice students choose which songs they want to sing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Shakuhachi Conga

I have been an educator and performer in the Seattle area for over 20 years I enjoy working with beginners as well as more advanced students.I am a very patient teacher who both likes to challenge students but puts a priority on having fun and loving music.I also have been performing in the Northwest for over 30 years.I have been a member and co-founder of jazz,blues,reggae,experimental,and world music bands.I have performed at many venues and festivals around the Northwest including: Earshot jazz festival,Bumbershoot, Folklife, New Works for Saxophone, and many others. 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