Piano Lessons in Magnolia, WA

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

For beginning students, we start with simple scales, fingering patterns, short melodies, and based on that student’s needs and learning style, I decide which lesson plan to use (Suzuki, Hal Leonard, etc.). I use Tonal Harmony textbook excerpts to help with advanced theory lessons. More advanced singers receive more training in classical and musical theater technique. My philosophy is that every singer should be trained classically first. Early art songs and arias really help students focus on breath control, vowel shape, using their passagio, and expressive singing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I have been teaching private lesson on and off since I was in college. I have taken the last few years off to complete my graduate education and begin my formal teaching career. I believe that encouraging my students to find fun in practice by choosing music that keeps the students interested. This means taking music from both the classical and popular repertoires. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ

Each of us as individuals are different; therefore each of us as musicians are also different. Therefore, I enjoy crafting a learning environment with each new student that meets them where they are and challenges them to grow in all areas of music. We need to develop technique, deepen expressive gestures, focus on phrasing and attention to musical detail and, of course, have fun! Regular practice and regular lessons unlock almost limitless possibilities inside each given piece of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Orchestral Percussion Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I strive to teach the basics of music theory while learning the fundamentals of producing characteristic tone on their instrument. I typically start by working through the Essential Elements method book and introduce solos, ensembles, and orchestral excerps when appropriate. If the student is a part of a school or community ensemble, I work with the student on any pieces that their ensemble is preparing for performance. 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: Piano Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method introducing them to simple single string melodies that aid in teaching them how to read in open position. Once the student has progressed and has a good foundation with the basics, I begin to incorporate more intricate rhythms and chords and eventually move them on to learning riffs and short songs that will help them meet their own individual goals. Read More