Music Lessons in Westlake, 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: Piano Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard

It is my intention that all of my students understand the importance and opportunities of music. Music is reviving for the soul, academically productive, and a lucrative choice of career if done right. My practice materials for beginner students are flexible. I often use the Alfred or Nancy Faber series, however I find it more important that beginning students grasp general concepts, while simultaneously practicing fine touch on the keys. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I began teaching cello while in high school, serving as a Teaching Assistant to my own teacher and mentor, Olga Ruvinov. I assisted her younger students (ages 6-14) in employing effective practice methods to overcome difficult technical concepts encountered in their main lessons. Having the opportunity to teach under the guidance of an experienced pedagogue was instrumental to my development as a musician and inspired a love of teaching from a very young age. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I really began teaching when I was in high school and then going into college. During high school I was discovered by different middle school and elementary school music teachers and asked to come teach their students. As I began working at different schools, I was asked to give private lessons. I taught beginner masterclasses, private lessons, and traveled to different schools for about two years. In 2017 I was offered a visual and musical teaching position with the Grants Pass Highschool Marching Band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

The first half of each of my lessons willaddress the basics of music theory(i.e. rudiments, scales, etc.) and technique. The second half of each lesson is about having fun! We will digdeeper into the musicmy student isinterested in,consideringthe songs from a musician's point of view. In dissecting the song we will learn about phrasing, feel, meter, melody, chord analysis, commonalitiesamong styles and the history behind the music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Music Keyboard

When I teach teenagers or adults I usually start with Alred’s Basic Adult Piano Course Book, as well as a music theory book that is suited to the student. I like Alfred’s series for the young beginner as well, but have also used the Bastien series. For voice students I use a warm up book and a sight singing book. My students keep a music notebook of the week’s assignments in which I also make music theory notes and explanations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I teach not only how to play the chosen instrument, but also about its history and its role across musical styles. Music is fun, and while hard work and practice are important and essential, so is enjoyment of music and enjoyment of one's instrument. I also strive to include music related field trips such as to opera dress rehearsals, to music related sites such as the EMP or to other local performances. Read More