Piano Lessons in Renton, WA

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 French Horn Music

Every lesson begins with a check-in! How is life? What is going on? How are you? These are questions that are essential parts of our shared living experiences. Depending on what level students are working through in their development, we will spend time working on the physicality of technique: posture, healthy hand/arm/wrist practices, and breathing freely. The rest of the lesson will be simply an exploration of the music that we are working on together. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I feel all students have the ability to actualize their creativity through the of study of a musical instrument. My students are given small musical challenges each lesson which will enhance their sense of accomplishment. Lessons are assigned to the student's current level. The lesson material will be internalized after repeated repetitions. To understand and perform a simple lessons leads to a profound knowledge of an aspect of music. I encourage my students to fully experience the joy of a lifetime of making music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

To my surprise, everyone, including that 6 year old, had a clear answer. All of them were different reasons and goals. I started writing notes at the end of each lesson on what a student had specifically struggled with, mastered, showed signs of improvement since the previous lesson, what exercises were draining on them, and what exercises they resonated with. I also took note of their mood and energy at the beginning of the lesson compared to the end. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I first started teaching while I was in high school. It all began when I taught at a music summer camp called Camp Winthers. My main responsibilities in regards to teaching were leading instrument sectionals, and giving advice one on one. This would continue summer after summer until I reached college. In the beginning of my time in higher education, most of my lessons taught were to my peers, focused mostly on music theory and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone

For beginning brass players I generally start out with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements series of books. After going through that, with some other material on the side, such as performance pieces, etc, they would progress to the Arban book (at around high school age for the student who began in sixth grade, as I did). For piano, I much prefer starting out with basic fundamentals, but not to any specific method, in contrast to brass. Read More