Music Lessons in Ridgefield, WA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I place equal emphasis on technical practice, theory, creativity, and musicality. Practice assignments for each week are clear and simple, yet challenging. They usually consist of a few exercises to practice everyday as well as a musical task such as a song to learn, a musician to listen to, or creating your own beat or fill. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In 4th grade I got a recorder and from then on I've soaked up all the music experiences around me. I fondly remember my first solo performance was 5th grade, and my first honor band was that summer. By my senior year of high school I had been involved in a couple dozen honor bands/choirs/orchestras including an amazing tour of Europe in a 200 person band! I've taught individual lessons to little kids and elders, of all different skill levels, and strongly believe that it is never too late to learn an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Banjo Classical Guitar

I've been teaching lessons since 2014 when I graduated with my undergraduate, and have focused my efforts on creating a curriculum that focuses on all elements of music while learning the guitar. I've also created a curriculum for a music theory class, and am currently working on music appreciation. I find all of these subjects important when trying to understand music and implement them in my lessons. I currently sub in for Matt Soloman's guitar studio where I have worked as a teacher, and have worked for Ethos Music doing their Urban and Rural Outreach Programs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I've been a professional music educator for over 15 years, teaching students from elementary school age to those in retirement. I love music and I love sharing it with others through performing and teaching. Watching my students' musical worlds expand is what I love best about this profession. I've played in just about every type of musical situation from orchestra, band, chamber music, and solo classical recitals to jazz bands, singer/songwriter, musical theater, world music, and avant-garde settings. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like the aphorism by British guitarist and educator Robert Fripp "We begin where we are". It means to me that at any given point we are all beginners. So if we come with an open mind to explore and learn something new, perhaps what it could be challenging might become easier if we apply the right mind set. So if we are learning a scale...perhaps we begin with a note at the time, then add a second and third, so on, until we have all eight notes or sixteen. - Slow down: If you want to play fast you gotta be able to play it slowly with accuracy and precision. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele

I have been playing music in many kinds of bands and ensembles since the early 1980's. In the late 80's and early 90's I was the drummer for the Seattle grunge band, "Violet Grey." After moving to Portland to go to college I played in the Concordia University String Ensemble and a number of rock bands, including, "Apostolic Tackle-Box," "Andy's Dandies," and "the Quick." I played in the folk duo, "Agile Grapefruit," and I have led praise bands at a number of local churches. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe that every student is different, and that is important to understand each student’s passions and interests.  It is important to find out how each student learns, and to motivate him or her to improve, grow, and be passionate about music.  I do not want to only teach the notes on the page; I want to instill a lifelong love of music and a basic knowledge of music theory.  Learning the goals and aspirations of each of my students is very important to me, as I know that performing music should be about joy and self expression. Read More