Music Lessons in Ravensdale, WA

Instruments: Viola

I guide my students through proper posture, bowing techniques, finger placement, and intonation, ensuring they master the fundamental aspects of playing the viola. I emphasize the importance of practice and provide effective strategies to help them overcome challenges and develop dexterity and control over their instrument. Therefore like to have my students play scales and etudes, with usually some Bach, a concerti, and a sonata if they have the time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

No matter where the student starts from, I always spend a significant amount of time in the first lesson discussing with them what they want to gain, what they are interested in, and how much time and effort they want to put into this endevor. It is important to me to understand the student so that I can cater to their needs and desires, and hopefully encourage them to continue playing music. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I first began private teaching as a high school student - this allowed me to discover my love for working with students and helping them reach their goals. I attended the University of South Carolina where I took extensive music education coursework alongside my violin performance degree, teaching at the USC String Project and also maintaining my own home studio. After college I moved to the Bay Area and taught at the Bravo Conservatory of Music before moving to Washington state to pursue new opportunities. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I start most beginning students (and evaluate more advanced ones) on snare drum or practice pad. This is a central instrument to the percussion family and most techniques used on other percussion instruments are based on sound snare drum technique.  I like the Alfred Drum Method book for students just starting out regardless of age as the ability to read and understand written music is important no matter what stylistic path one follows. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I use Bela Bartok's Microcosmos, a series of small, fun, interesting pieces designed for teaching piano, and as students gain musical fluency, I introduce easy classical pieces. I have also used the "Russian method." For adults, I find James Lykes piano method book to be wonderful. For voice students, I often use Clifton Ware's "Adventures in Singing," which includes valuable information, exercises, and a variety of songs. I help students discover and explore their voices and find music that is appropriate for their age, range, and timber. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am interested in the individual growth of my students. I encourage exploration and learning through experiences, and if my students leave my classes with a little more knowledge and a great deal more wonder, I consider it a success. I like to follow my students down the tracks they are interested in and then choose to broaden the path once we are there. From this place I have written a 12 page chart featuring a Justin Bieber tune, written a Britney Spears song into Swing, put a Miranda Lambert song in five, and arranged an original by The Script in a Latin feel. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am a lyric soprano, and have been performing and teaching for the past 35 years. I have performed opera, oratorio, Gilbert and Sullivan and concert repertoire. My particular interests are early music and 20th century art song. I teach at several different schools, and enjoy working with ages 13 through adult. I trained originally as a classical guitartist, and take guitar students from age 10 through adult. I also teach folk guitar. I have studied classical piano for several years and have taught a number of beginning piano students. Read More