Piano Lessons in Downtown Seattle, WA

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

My studio is in Olympia, and I travel to students' homes in the Seattle area including Bainbridge Island and Bremerton. I am a member of the Musicians' Association of Seattle and the American String Teachers' Association. Music has played a vital, formative role in my life for as long as I can remember. My parents are both excellent musicians. I started piano lessons at the age of 5 and began studying violin when I was nine. 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

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I have been teaching music privately since 2005, as well as acting asmusical coach for Solo and Ensemble contests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

No single approach works with every student when teaching drums. There are simply too many styles and methods to choose from. But when working with beginners, I tend to focus mostly on developing a good internal sense of rhythm and good listening skills. Then if the student wishes, we may specialize in classical, jazz, rock, latin, or whatever style the student is interested in. There are many excelent published methods to choose from and I occasionally assign etudes and excersizes of my own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have a very laidback, low-pressure approach - if you didn't practice, it's not the end of the world! I think back to my own days of taking lessons and remember how much more I improved in this type of environment, and how much more I loved the process. The difference between these approaches can be night and day, both in results and morale out of the student (which, again, I know from experience as a teacher, but also from my experience as a student). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching style is very much tailored to what each of my individual student’s needs. This is the glory of private lessons! We can take our time. I like to give my students a mix of my required repertoire and songs that they have passions for. This keeps me restocking and updating my library, and helps the kids to have more fun in their lessons. Sometimes doing something fun that we love can take away from the stress that learning the language of music can be. Read More

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

With younger students, I focus on rhythm, simple ear training, and light reading. I will gradually introduce harmony and more intensive ear and rhythmic studies as the student progresses. I think it is important for students to apply their knowledge through performance opportunities and songwriting. Every student is different, of course, but we should all be able to leave lessons with the ability to excel and learn on our own. Read More