Music Lessons in Preston, WA

Instruments: Piano Violin

In addition to lesson and scale books I like to heavily supplement technical material, finger strengthening exercises, repertoire appropriate to playing level, and theory. I also send students home with listening homework from time to time, which includes listening to works from famous composers on youtube and then having a brief conversation about those pieces at the start of our next lesson. I believe understanding the scope of an instrument from more than just the technical aspect of it really enhances the learning experience and makes students value the techniques they are learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I started teaching privately as a student at Pacific Lutheran University. I taught a steady 4 students, while also doing coaching for the theater department when musical season came along. I have been sightreading music once before I could read English, and I am well-versed is several different sets of training booklets for piano. One of the only ways to learn music, is to have fun while doing it. I like to think my sense of humor can help dissolve tough lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I almost always use Alfred's Basic Piano Library for kids n adults, the same series for young beginners for younger kids. Time to time i use piano Adventure series by Faber n Faber. I focus on flash cards n sight reading books besides the main lesson book since a lot of students do not read well n try to memorize their pieces by ear. I believe strongly that students can't go so far without being able to read properly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For my younger students I usually start with major and minor scales tied in with simple to challenging etudes. I do not have a specific book that I work out of, though if the student has one that they work out of I would be happy to accommodate. For adults I usually have the same approach, but we will focus more on a specific genre or style that they may want to emulate. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My teaching style is interactive and utilizes positive reinforcement to achieve the desired results. I demonstrate often, and I also ask the student to play back to me what I demonstrate. This is particularly helpful with online lessons, as the lag time makes it impossible to play together as we would in person. I also incorporate music theory into my lessons, so students are simultaneously learning to play the instrument and understanding the theory behind what they are playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone

For beginning brass players I generally start out with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements series of books. After going through that, with some other material on the side, such as performance pieces, etc, they would progress to the Arban book (at around high school age for the student who began in sixth grade, as I did). For piano, I much prefer starting out with basic fundamentals, but not to any specific method, in contrast to brass. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I encourage students to embrace a fun, focused and low-stress approach to their instrument. I am all about working with my students to discover their unique interests and goals - whether that's nailing their jazz band audition, joining a rock band, preparing a classical piece for a competition, exploring creativity and improvisation, or simply playing at home for their own enjoyment. Im grateful to work with each of my unique students, and to be able to share my passion for music with students of all ages, all backgrounds, and all experience levels. Read More