Guitar Lessons in Maple Leaf, WA

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar

My teaching style is structured primarily on learning to play by ear with light theory instruction.  For advanced and more serious students, I am a huge theory nerd and I really enjoy teaching a more technical approach as well. My philosophy is to improve a student's skills by nurturing each person's specific interest and goals.  I do not find it effective to try and force my own taste in music on my students, although I do make suggestions based on skills a student is trying to acquire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I have been teaching private lesson on and off since I was in college. I have taken the last few years off to complete my graduate education and begin my formal teaching career. I believe that encouraging my students to find fun in practice by choosing music that keeps the students interested. This means taking music from both the classical and popular repertoires. 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: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've been teaching music lessons for about two years. I have worked privately with two students in the past for over a year. I believe one of the most important parts of teaching is to make it fun and encouraging. I emphasize the idea of seeing continuous progress on their instrument. This motivates students to set higher goals for themselves and achieve them giving them confidence and joy. I believe the student receives the most value when their instruction is effective and rapid in helping them attain their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin

Guitar: For beginners who are kids, I usually start with the FJH Beginner Guitar Method, while also implementing fun melodies they know that can be played on single strings. Once the student has progressed a bit, we will work in chords, more advanced rhythms, and songs appropriate for a recital. For older beginners, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Method, while again finding songs that match their musical taste and working towards their specific goals (i.e., I really want to start a punk band with my friends next summer, or I'd love to play this Taylor Swift song at the school talent show). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I put passion and enjoyment of the music above all else. I keep things casual, light and fun in terms of energy, but focused and diligent in terms of practice. I love finding the soul of the song and pulling out the passion of the student so that they are engaged and intrigued by whatever we're doing at all times. If it interests the student, I will integrate training on stage presence, energy and confidence in addition to actually learning the piece in front of them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I would describe my lesson style as fun, friendly, focused and goal-oriented. If you're a beginner, my goal is to get you up and running on the guitar as soon as possible. if you've played a while, but have reached an impasse as to how to get to the next level, then I zero in on the reasons wh, fill in the gaps, and provide the materials and instruction you'll need to improve. Read More