Guitar Lessons in Westlake, WA

Instruments: Guitar

I want to make guitar lessons fun, helpful and informative. If the student isn't learning what they want to learn and not having fun while doing it, I'm not doing my job. Getting the student to feel confident, no matter the amount they have played is important to me. I'm a laid-back, happy person and that reflects in the way I teach. I will tailor my instruction to fit what the student wants to learn, and have done that in all the lessons I have taught. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

After graduating Whitman, I interned as a music teacher at the Spring Street International School in Friday Harbor, WA. I was mentored by a great teacher, Grisha Krivchenia and learned how to be a compassionate teacher. I helped teach composition, music theory, small groups, bass and guitar. During the second half of the year, Grisha took a sabbatical and I took over his duties. While in Friday Harbor, I also taught upright bass, electric bass and piano privately. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Ukulele Piccolo Electric Guitar

For all of my students, I like to know what styles of music, songs, and artists inspire them! This is a core part of learning how to perform music and will help nourish their desire to learn. I also like to work very individually with each student; not following a set syllabus but rather finding a comfortable pace for the different needs and wants of all my students. This also includes a focus on the body and mind. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe any student regardless of age has to learn the three fundamentals pillars of music to truly learn an instrument. Those foundations are: Harmony, rhythm, and melody. The way in which I go about teaching them or reinforcing them depends on the age, musical interest, and skill. Usually kids benefit the most from learning their favorite melodies, how to read music, and how to play some chords to play their favorite songs. Read More

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: 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: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When they are more serious, I try to establish a 45 minute practice regiment that the student should do everyday that can range from certain warm ups, scales and even sight reading if the student is inclined to dive into that musical world. The key element to having the discipline to do so is by having and fun and enjoying this so it's important that nor the teacher nor the student lose sight of that during their lessons. Read More