Music Lessons in West Woodland, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin

Guitar: For beginners who are kids, I usually start with the FJH Beginner Guitar Method, while also implementing fun melodies they know that can be played on single strings. Once the student has progressed a bit, we will work in chords, more advanced rhythms, and songs appropriate for a recital. For older beginners, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Method, while again finding songs that match their musical taste and working towards their specific goals (i.e., I really want to start a punk band with my friends next summer, or I'd love to play this Taylor Swift song at the school talent show). Read More

Instruments: Voice

I've taught voice at Northwest University for the past 5 years. In 2010, I joined the faculty of the Bellevue School of Music, and last fall began teaching at the Gene Nastri Community School of the Arts in Mukilteo. I also conduct a church choir. I believe strongly that it is important for anyone who sings to study classical technique, regardless of what style of singing they wish to do. It is the best way to maximize the potential of the voice, and to keep it healthy in the long run. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I believe that teaching is a journey we take together, and theres nothing more fulfilling than seeing a student light up with excitement as they discover their love for music. My approach is centered on creating a supportive and encouraging environment where each student can progress at their own pace. I set realistic, personalized goals that match their individual learning style and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, to keep them motivated. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I teach all levels (exclusively online using the Zoom platform until after the pandemic). I specialize in beginner pedagogy, for which I have created my own series of exercises that simultaneously teach the student basic technique on the clarinet while also teaching them counting and rhythm. I am an orchestral clarinetist, with many years of experience playing in many orchestras, but I have also played in wind bands, as well as other genres like flamenco, Latin music, and rock/pop. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Organ Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching music for many years. I enjoy watching my students progress in the learning process. I always ask what the student wants to learn such as style, a song, etc. I also accompany them playing the piano or guitar once they have learned the basic techniques, etc. This also helps them working with other musicians or singers. My teaching style varies. I do make recommendations such as teaching out of a Hal Leonard instructions books (for beginners) and or CD's Play along CD's. , Chord Theories, voicing s and improvisational techniques for the intermediate students ( i.e. basic blues) if they choose to. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For just about any instrument, a key approach of mine is to teach students how to play the songs they love - and then the musical building blocks that make up said songs. Then, I teach the rudiments, patterns, and music theory behind those building blocks, and teach the students to be able to figure this all out on their own in the future through ear-training. I tend to like the Essential Elements series for band instruments, the Alfred books for piano and guitar, the Real Book for a wide variety of jazz repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Flute

For all of my students, I stress the importance of fundamentals, and I use various etude studies and the works of Marcel Moyse to develop this.  To further complement the development of fundamentals and to encourage stylistic choices in musical expression and phrasing, music theory, music history, and ear training skills will be incorporated into lessons.  In addition, a portion of each lesson will be spent sight reading duets, which encourages sight reading skills and allows students to become accustomed to a more advanced level of playing. Read More