Music Lessons in Sammamish, WA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I first find out how the students learns best. Knowing if somebody is hands on, likes to listen, needs to watch, be shown etc. can impact the experience and quality of the lesson. Using analogies is something that has really helped me in my practicing so I enjoy passing that on. Setting realistic short term and long term goals are absolutely essential to progression, along with finding an inspiration. I have always found a player who inspired me and would figure out what they were doing to sound the way they sound. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I began teaching cello while in high school, serving as a Teaching Assistant to my own teacher and mentor, Olga Ruvinov. I assisted her younger students (ages 6-14) in employing effective practice methods to overcome difficult technical concepts encountered in their main lessons. Having the opportunity to teach under the guidance of an experienced pedagogue was instrumental to my development as a musician and inspired a love of teaching from a very young age. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice French Horn Music

Music lessons should be a playground for exploration! It is my job to meet students where they are and invite them to rise to new heights in their performance. Lessons are a series of small steps. The journey of learning music is a marathon, not a sprint. I work to gauge where students are coming from, attempting to engage the experience from all the different dimensions of their lives in order to create a pace that is meaningful and effective for each student. 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: Voice Music

I also taught voice classes, vocal jazz workshops, and coached a variety of vocal ensembles. The whole purpose of Seattle Glee Clubs was to have fun making music and theater. I have extensive choral, instrumental, vocal jazz ensemble, solo, and theater experience and have presented many recitals of art song, standards, and show tunes. In addition to my own performing, I held the position of bass section leader for the Seattle Jewish Chorale from 2010 2013 and over the years has served as soloist/section leader and music director for synagogues, and various other denominations. Read More

Instruments: Violin

In order to enjoy playing our instruments for many years to come, I emphasize the importance of healthy technique in order to prevent injury. Through the process of learning scales and pieces, I make sure to incorporate a focus on correct posture, a relaxed left hand, and healthy bow arm so that playing the violin is a positive experience for each student. I use a wide range of materials depending on a student's interests and background - I often teach music reading to students who are reading for the first time, and for students who are already able to read music I modify our lesson materials to reflect this. Read More

Instruments: Drums

In that case, I would do my best to construct a rough curriculum that I think would work well for the student. The following books are all ones I have worked with and have found to be excellent at improving unique things: "Syncopation" (Ted Reed), "Stick Control" (G.L. Stone), "The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary As Taught By Alan Dawson" (John Ramsay), "Patterns" (Gary Chaffee), and "Portraits in Rhythm" (Anthony Cirone). Read More