Piano Lessons in Skykomish, WA

Instruments: Piano Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium Tuba

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 30 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last15 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy theinstrument and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Lap Steel Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Growing up in the Los Angeles area I started playing piano at age 8, guitar at age 11 and was working professionally as a musician by age 13 in local rock and acoustic acts. As a teenager I played in local college big bands, studied classical guitar at California Institute of the Arts and was invited to study at UC Santa Barbara to develop my other musical love, composing. Throughout my young adult life I studied classical and studio guitar, piano and composition at California State University Northridge and Javanese and Balinese Gamelan music at UCLA and Cal Arts. 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 Violin Viola

I know each student is different in terms of learning style and musical goals. I make it a priority to keep the student's best interest in mind when giving assignments and setting weekly goals for practicing. The most important thing I want to leave the student with is a sense of fascination and appreciation for music. Whether an interest in classical or country music, I can transform any material into a learning opportunity that is fun, educational, and progressive for the student's musical and technical development. 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 Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm an enthusiastic, patient, and bilingual music teacher that strives to bring out the best in each one of his students. As an active artist that started out as a self taught play it by ear type of guitarist in his early teens and worked his way up to college level, Its my hope that students will find me relatable and inspiring. I think the most important thing for students to keep in mind when they begin learning an instrument is patience and discipline. 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