Piano Lessons in Rainier Valley, WA

Instruments: Piano

I am easygoing to every student I meet. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a student's desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn and practice more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

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

No matter where the student starts from, I always spend a significant amount of time in the first lesson discussing with them what they want to gain, what they are interested in, and how much time and effort they want to put into this endevor. It is important to me to understand the student so that I can cater to their needs and desires, and hopefully encourage them to continue playing music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

I have been teaching violin for 30 years, starting as a bluegrass and Irish fiddle teacher in a folk music store run by a family of performers who were related to the von Trapps of The Sound of Musicfame. Since then, I have tried to continually grow as a performer, musician, and teacher. I have collected a vast amount of muic and resource materials along the way, so I am able to meet each student's needs--from child-friendly beginning repertoire, holiday music, fiddle tunes and jazz standards, to concertos and orchestral excerpts for youth and college orchestra auditions and beyond! Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

With my teaching style, I prefer to work on what the student has an interest in if they are old enough to know. There is no better feeling than to work with a student who is enjoying the study of the current material. I also enjoy teaching beginning composition and bringing out the music from within. When the child is at a young age, I incorporate curriculum that targets ear-training and listening, reading, rhythmic awareness and time-keeping, and theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

There are SO MANY ways to start learning music, so I don't necessarily believe in forcing students to read sheet music of classic standards. I started out with chords and tabs in middle school and that has given me the ability to figure out most basic-intermediate songs by ear. I went on to learn to read sheet music in college and if reading music is something that interests the student, we will of course pursue that together. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I use Bela Bartok's Microcosmos, a series of small, fun, interesting pieces designed for teaching piano, and as students gain musical fluency, I introduce easy classical pieces. I have also used the "Russian method." For adults, I find James Lykes piano method book to be wonderful. For voice students, I often use Clifton Ware's "Adventures in Singing," which includes valuable information, exercises, and a variety of songs. I help students discover and explore their voices and find music that is appropriate for their age, range, and timber. Read More