206-535-2932
Musika Quick Stats
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
- Have questions? Check out our
- FAQ
- CONTACT US
-
![call-icon]()
206-535-2932
Lesson Special - Up to 20% OFF! Get Started Now with a Risk-Free Trial!
Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Federal Way . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
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 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 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 Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
Nothing compares to the feeling you get when you see your pupils happily growing and accomplishing every goal they set up for themselves. Since everyone is unique and works at their own pace, I don't think it's fair to approach every student the same way. It is of paramount importance that instructors not only pay close attention to their student's progress, but also their lack of progress in whatever areas they may be struggling in. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice French Horn Music
Music lessons should be a playground for exploration! It is my job to meet students where they are and invite them to rise to new heights in their performance. Lessons are a series of small steps. The journey of learning music is a marathon, not a sprint. I work to gauge where students are coming from, attempting to engage the experience from all the different dimensions of their lives in order to create a pace that is meaningful and effective for each student. Read More
Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Keyboard
It all depends on the areas of music the student would like to focus on. No matter if it's music theory, composition, or performance, my main idea is to intricately learn the about the music that interests you, learn how to apply it on your instrument, and then use your creativity to create something new. Of course, I make sure that all the bases are covered such as basic sight-reading and transcription skills, but the emphasis is on learning how to channel your imagination so that you can connect your instrument with your inner-ear. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
When I was eight, my second-grade class went to a Milwaukee Symphony youth concert. I thought the conductor - Kenneth Schirmerhorn - was a magician. The orchestra played a piano concerto by Bartok, and I went home and told my mother I wanted to be a professional musician.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite is classical, which is actually a very broad category, as there are so many styles of classical. I love playing Bach (Baroque) and Romantic (Brahms).
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I always played piano but I never had lessons till I was 18 and went to college! My mother showed me where Middle C was on the keyboard and on the staff, and from there I taught myself, winning awards as a high school student and accompanying school choirs and playing in the jazz band. I began trumpet lessons at age 10, but in college, I decided to switch to voice, as I mentioned above. I have started to learn guitar - I have been able to play a few chords for many years, but I would like to do more. I also have played the organ for church services for over twenty years but am not a concert organist.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes, my parents both play the piano and organ and love to sing. My father also played trumpet in his youth and my mother played French Horn and euphonium. My brothers play the organ and string and electric bass, and my two sons play violin and guitar. My husband is a good choral singer.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I might be a holistic medical doctor. I actually became certified as a medical assistant while I was also an undergraduate music student. I decided not to go to medical school because I knew I would not be able to dedicate enough time to music if I did that. Now, I am no longer interested in medical school, but I think I would also have liked to be a park ranger. I also enjoy writing - creative and non-fiction.
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I chose performance degrees (Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts, Graduate Artist Diploma) because I was chiefly interested in diving deeply into performance.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
For voice, I would love to perform the role of Solveig in Grieg's Peer Gynt.
On piano, there are so many things I love - the Bach concertos are a favorite, as well as the Mendelssohn G minor concerto.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use James Lykes books for adults and Microcosmos and sometimes Fabian for adults and children.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
On piano, I begin with improvising, then play through a section, then narrow down to concentrate on details. I have to remind myself to take breaks. I find that frequent shorter sessions (30 minutes to an hour) are much more effective than marathon sessions.
In voice, I restrict the length of a practice session to 45 minutes. I begin with stretching, exercises to help me find my vocal balance, and then focus on a specific section of a piece and concentrate on different aspects of that section - ease, evenness, text, acting, etc.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
In voice, the biggest challenge is reducing tension and finding resonance without forcing. The voice is so sensitive to daily activities and stress that it is important to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle and exercise, stretch, and relax in order to keep the voice functioning well.
In piano, the most difficult thing for me is making the piano "sing," creating a legato line in which every pitch is exactly the right dynamic level.
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Several of my college music students have gone on to graduate school in music and have won special awards and fellowships. One of them sings with the Detroit Opera chorus. Another has become a professional ethnomusicologist, studying the music of Japan. Another is a graduate student in music theory. And one is a professional composer and bass player who works as a music copiest. Many of my students have gone on to other professions but still sing in choirs and musicals.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Performing in the Inge Pitler competition in Germany both on piano and voice was a wonderful experience. I have played and sung many recitals that were great experiences. But my biggest accomplishment is my opera, Verlorene Heimat (Lost Homeland), which has been performed by professional opera companies. It tells the true story of refugees during World War II. I wrote the libretto (the "book") and the music.
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Federal Way to students of all ages and abilities.
We'll then reach out to the teachers for you.
Schedule the risk-free trial lesson directly with the teacher.
Continue with that teacher or try someone else.
