Music Lessons in Monroe, WA

Instruments: Voice

I usually find it is in the best interest of myself and my student to begin with familiar repertoire and then to expand as we become comfortable and adventurous. A lesson might include any of the following: Warm-ups/breath work/agility Vocal improvisation via line, phrasing, syllables, dynamics etc. Ear-training/sight-reading using common modes/scales/chord progressions/solfege/interval recognition Basic piano grips for practice accompaniment Performance etiquette education: calling tunes, counting off, knowing a form etc. Read More

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

I have a very laidback, low-pressure approach - if you didn't practice, it's not the end of the world! I think back to my own days of taking lessons and remember how much more I improved in this type of environment, and how much more I loved the process. The difference between these approaches can be night and day, both in results and morale out of the student (which, again, I know from experience as a teacher, but also from my experience as a student). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Lap Steel Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all of my students beginning through advanced I have my own curriculum of technique building studies. Combined with that I have my own curriculum of style studies and songs which include many genres of music. If students want to learn how to read music I usually suggest the Hal Leonard series of books for their particular instrument to start with and then I suggest more advanced materials for the style of music that they want to start specializing in. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Music and teaching have always been an essential part of my life: This was true as a teenager and student, when I worked in dance music bands, played in a classical guitar duo, performed in a Rock musical or taught classical guitar and electric bass. This was true when I taught literature, philosophy and mathematics as a middle and high school teacher. It's still true today, when I play Jazz guitar in various Seattle based Jazz bands, or write and produce songs and film tracks. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I use a variety of method books, technique exercises, and etudes to teach students of all ages and abilities. Rather than choosing one method, I personalize each curriculum and lesson plan to suit your ability, interest, and goals. In choosing repertoire, I make a point to include newly composed works as well as pieces from the standard repertoire across every musical era so you get a wide range of musical experiences. Read More

Instruments: Piano

  I can teach for precision to support the student’s goal of strictly solo performance, and I can teach for more of an open model in which the student eventually creates original music or wants to play in a band.   Is playing the synthesizer a goal for the student? If so, I would like to consider having split lessons after some basic piano theory and application are acquired. I have played a couple of different acoustic instruments over my music career, and this has assisted my synth skills to transfer seamlessly to band situations in which brass and strings were needed but the talent or skill was not readily available—a synth musician can step right in and deliver the right mix that is needed! Read More