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206-535-2932
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Renton . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
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 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 Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Keyboard
My main focus is trying to teach students HOW to learn music, so that they can eventually create their own methodology based on what works best for them. I have eight years of experience teaching private lessons, so I understand how to craft a curriculum to an individual's needs. Working with hundreds of different musicians has taught me that everyone learns music differently: some through sight reading, others with audio recordings, others still by watching someone else do it first. We can work on specific topics during our lessons, but I can also give you a bunch of things to review/work on during your own time. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard
Each student gets a chance to listen, write, read, and play music at every lesson. The emphases of lesson materials will depend on the student's goals, but each element of music is important in its own right. It is also crucial to listen to other genres and styles that may be out of the scope of the lesson. Music is a complex and wonderful creation, and there have been many contributions to it over many years. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I take one lesson at a time while careful to scaffold the information. I want students to improve, but I also want them to know what it is that they must do in order to become a competent musician. I can be tough, but at the same time, I don't mind changing directions and moving from say, ear training to sight reading or some other approach. At the base, I believe that rhythm is the most important concern for a student. Read More
Instruments: Piano
I'm cranky, strict, and impatient. Just Kidding! Contrary to many stereotypical views of old-style piano teachers, I try to stay upbeat, fresh, and FUN! I feel successful if my students are progressing, if they have fun, and I can motivate them. Read More
Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music
I have taught in the classroom, small group settings as well as one on one in both piano and drumset. My favorite thing about music instruction is connecting with the students on a musical and personal level. I started studying piano at the age of 5, making it my career as a teacher after college and into adult life. Choosing to focus more on drumset and percussion studies at the age of 11, I then studied Percussion Studies in College, playing in many bands and in multiple styles. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
When I was eight, my second-grade class went to a Milwaukee Symphony youth concert. I thought the conductor - Kenneth Schirmerhorn - was a magician. The orchestra played a piano concerto by Bartok, and I went home and told my mother I wanted to be a professional musician.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite is classical, which is actually a very broad category, as there are so many styles of classical. I love playing Bach (Baroque) and Romantic (Brahms).
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I always played piano but I never had lessons till I was 18 and went to college! My mother showed me where Middle C was on the keyboard and on the staff, and from there I taught myself, winning awards as a high school student and accompanying school choirs and playing in the jazz band. I began trumpet lessons at age 10, but in college, I decided to switch to voice, as I mentioned above. I have started to learn guitar - I have been able to play a few chords for many years, but I would like to do more. I also have played the organ for church services for over twenty years but am not a concert organist.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes, my parents both play the piano and organ and love to sing. My father also played trumpet in his youth and my mother played French Horn and euphonium. My brothers play the organ and string and electric bass, and my two sons play violin and guitar. My husband is a good choral singer.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I might be a holistic medical doctor. I actually became certified as a medical assistant while I was also an undergraduate music student. I decided not to go to medical school because I knew I would not be able to dedicate enough time to music if I did that. Now, I am no longer interested in medical school, but I think I would also have liked to be a park ranger. I also enjoy writing - creative and non-fiction.
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I chose performance degrees (Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts, Graduate Artist Diploma) because I was chiefly interested in diving deeply into performance.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
For voice, I would love to perform the role of Solveig in Grieg's Peer Gynt.
On piano, there are so many things I love - the Bach concertos are a favorite, as well as the Mendelssohn G minor concerto.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use James Lykes books for adults and Microcosmos and sometimes Fabian for adults and children.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
On piano, I begin with improvising, then play through a section, then narrow down to concentrate on details. I have to remind myself to take breaks. I find that frequent shorter sessions (30 minutes to an hour) are much more effective than marathon sessions.
In voice, I restrict the length of a practice session to 45 minutes. I begin with stretching, exercises to help me find my vocal balance, and then focus on a specific section of a piece and concentrate on different aspects of that section - ease, evenness, text, acting, etc.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
In voice, the biggest challenge is reducing tension and finding resonance without forcing. The voice is so sensitive to daily activities and stress that it is important to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle and exercise, stretch, and relax in order to keep the voice functioning well.
In piano, the most difficult thing for me is making the piano "sing," creating a legato line in which every pitch is exactly the right dynamic level.
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Several of my college music students have gone on to graduate school in music and have won special awards and fellowships. One of them sings with the Detroit Opera chorus. Another has become a professional ethnomusicologist, studying the music of Japan. Another is a graduate student in music theory. And one is a professional composer and bass player who works as a music copiest. Many of my students have gone on to other professions but still sing in choirs and musicals.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Performing in the Inge Pitler competition in Germany both on piano and voice was a wonderful experience. I have played and sung many recitals that were great experiences. But my biggest accomplishment is my opera, Verlorene Heimat (Lost Homeland), which has been performed by professional opera companies. It tells the true story of refugees during World War II. I wrote the libretto (the "book") and the music.
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Renton to students of all ages and abilities.
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