Voice Lessons in Yacolt, WA

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The curriculum that I use varies according to the various orchestral instruments, singing or piano, and of course according to the levels of ability. I work with many different technique books and workbooks to teach music notation and reading.Within 3-6 months, my students will be reading notes, understanding rhythms both complex and simple, and playing and singing anything from classical to Pop to Broadway and even writing and recording (I am a recording producer as well)their own songs, if they choose! Read More

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

I'm a musician first and foremost.  This means that it is not my 'job', it is my life!  The first concert that I produced was when I was 16 years old, and it featured the legendary jazz clarinetist Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd.  Since that time, I have been performing, conducting, producing concerts, composing music and teaching students.  I have performed with a wide variety of classical and jazz and pop musicians: from The Brubeck Brothers, Diane Schuur, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Melissa Manchester; to the Oregon String Quartet and Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student make progress while developing their passion for music. During a lesson, I make corrections based on what I see needs to be improved. I make sure to encourage the student, praising them for their successes. I think it's important to have strong communication during a lesson. I want to know what the students is feeling, and I want them to have awareness of their own body as well. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I believe that every style can and should be approached with appropriate traditional technique. My students focus on learning to use their whole body as their instrument with proper breathing, posture, and diction. Once great technique is learned, you can use this knowledge for any style and maintain a healthy voice. With each new student we discuss to make sure I know their goals and what they would like to gain from studying the voice. Read More

Instruments: Voice Flute

 Encouraging regular practice is one of the key components I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the strudent progress and gain a passion for the instrument.  If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job!  My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own material.  I look forward to working with all new students! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

As far as methods, I do not believe that there is one system that will work for every student, and so I try to find the right combination for each individual.  For piano students I begin with a combination of Alfred and Faber method books, and also teach different scales for technique.  For voice students I try to pick a combination of vocal exercises, classical music and contemporary music based on the student’s unique voice.  Students learn best from music they are passionate about.  What is most important is finding the right songs for each person. Read More