Music Lessons in West Woodland, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

My method is to help students play the music they want to play, whether it's Miles Davis or the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I like to start my lessons by working on a song of the students choice to spark their interest. From there, I move to focusing on the students needs technically, rhythmically and theoretically. Additionally, I have my students practice improvisation, in some capacity, at each lesson. I want my students to feel comfortably making music on the fly and I set up low stakes environments for them to hone this skill. Read More

Instruments: Cello

My role as a teacher is threefold: to engage, to inspire, and to support. I strive to cultivate a relaxed yet focused lesson environment where students feel safe to express themselves musically and freely. As is often the case with classical music, strict or authoritarian teachers can stifle a student's creativity and passion for music. Every student has different strengths and weaknesses and it is not the role of the teacher to conform the student to their teaching style, but to conform their teaching method to suit the student. 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

Instruments: Guitar

I am a recent graduate of Northwest University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Contemporary Music Industry. I have played guitar for over 10 years and have taught for over 5 years, while teaching over 10 students. Since beginning to play guitar, I have done a lot of writing and learning about music. I have studied music theory for over 4 years and work as a sound tech in a few different venues. Read More

Instruments: Voice

The relationship between student and teacher is foundational for growth. I take time to get to know every student as an individual to help them feel supported and comfortable in lessons. I encourage each student to set realistic goals and work at their own pace. We will work on a piece until it is performance ready, meaning it is note perfect, memorized, and blocked. To inspire the students and our lessons I will share music and singers I feel the student will connect with and ask them to share their tastes with me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

For younger students who are beginning, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. This book has great materials for setting up the violin and bow hold, reading notes, rhythm and other musical markings, and introducing basic music theory such as time and key signatures. Also, this book incorporates the foundation of all musical learning, scales and arpeggios, into fun exercises that are enjoyable for every student.For older students who have more experience, I have a range of etudes from Sevcik to Kreutzer that can futher develop and solidify a good foundation of technique.For musical training, I use solo repertoire from Suzuki and other sources that are appropriate for each student's level so that he/she can be healthily challenged musically and technically while feeling accomplished during performances. Read More