Guitar Lessons in Ballard, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In addition to the recording and performing experience listed above, I've been a full-time private lessons instructor since 2010. I've taught at countless local schools, but found that the freedom of teaching completely independently (or, at most, through a referral program like Musika) can't be beat. The more of my *own* students I have, the more I can focus on each one, and the more time I have to plan out their progress. 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 Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Orchestral Percussion Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching in high school, working with elementary and middle school students. Through this experience, I discovered my passion for helping others discover music. In my first full-time teaching position, I was able to to lead the Greenland (AR) High School band to the ASBOA Sweepstakes Award, the highest honor for a school band in that state. Additionally, many of my students were selected to honor bands and several received college scholarships. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Acoustic Guitar

I taught high school band and choir as well as K-5 music education for 35 years. In the public school I have directed musical dramas and up to 4 concerts a year with students of all ages. In the classroom, I taught group piano, recorder, voice, group guitar, many different types of dances and ear training. I did my best to make the lessons fun and my students always looked forward to their weekly music class. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

My method is to help students play the music they want to play, whether it's Miles Davis or the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I like to start my lessons by working on a song of the students choice to spark their interest. From there, I move to focusing on the students needs technically, rhythmically and theoretically. Additionally, I have my students practice improvisation, in some capacity, at each lesson. I want my students to feel comfortably making music on the fly and I set up low stakes environments for them to hone this skill. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My instructional methods are customized to fit the individual student's preferences, goals and learning style. I never force my "agenda" or "method" on anyone. I cater to my students' guitar and musical goals. If a student wants to learn to read music, I generally suggest method books such as Hal Leonard Guitar Method or Alfred Guitar Method. Some students do not have any desire to learn to read music, so in that case, I use tablature to write out the songs for them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There is not one method that fits all students and all styles. Young children and beginners on the guitar need to slowly develop strength and control of finger movements, while still being motivated when they learn how to play along with their favorite songs. Intermediate players often need help to get into a smooth flowing groove, to lock in with a rhythm or to phrase melodies. Advanced players might consider a few hints, tricks and exercises to improve their techniques or apply music theory to a deeper understanding of a music piece.-A major component of student success is continuity which I can provide as a teacher with lesson and practice plans. Read More