Music Lessons in Seattle, WA

Instruments: Guitar

I've been teaching guitar since I was in high school. I love the process of helping individuals develop their own musical talent and skill and make the connections that unlock their creativity. Teaching gives me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself; something that can be an enriching and incredibly important part of someone's life. I'm driven by the desire to inspire my students, and in return also be inspired by them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods are not unusual, although I am a bit. Based on the the students experience and ability, or lack thereof, I'll make suggestions about what music to get. Often they already have music that will work, to which I will add developemental studies of various sorts. For example, I like Bartok's Mikrocosmos which he wrote to teach is nine year old son to play piano. Many things can be learned with no book at all, but reading music is also important. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion

Proficiency in reading music is a top goal for my new students and we start to read music within the first few lessons. I balance working out of a book with listening exercises, playing along to songs and the occasional game or two. A typical 60 minute lesson run down: 5 minutes - check in from previous lesson and a warm up 15 minutes - beat/groove workshop - digging into a style and working on various drum beats in that style 10 minutes - technical piece that relates to the beats/grooves weve been working on and some exercises to improve technique 5 minutes - game or improvisation break, something to give our brains a rest 20 minutes - working on a song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I enjoy teaching and watching musicians grow in their abilities. I like to give a solid base for a beginning musician to build upon while keeping lessons fun and interesting. Patience is the key, because I remember when I started playing and the more I practiced the better I became. I like to take our time and practice every exercise slowing until we become confident and then we will add some speed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With younger students, I focus on rhythm, simple ear training, and light reading. I will gradually introduce harmony and more intensive ear and rhythmic studies as the student progresses. I think it is important for students to apply their knowledge through performance opportunities and songwriting. Every student is different, of course, but we should all be able to leave lessons with the ability to excel and learn on our own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

My approach to teaching is holistic, positive, and gentle and influenced by my interest in music psychology. I begin by learning about the student's background, interests, and goals. Since goals can change as we gain experience and skill, I help my students discover the possibilities available to them as they study. One of the most important parts of my teaching is to help students learn how to practice in healthy, positive, consistent manner and to develop faith that persistent healthy practice will yield life-long fruits. 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