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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Kirkland . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Music Keyboard
When I teach teenagers or adults I usually start with Alred’s Basic Adult Piano Course Book, as well as a music theory book that is suited to the student. I like Alfred’s series for the young beginner as well, but have also used the Bastien series. For voice students I use a warm up book and a sight singing book. My students keep a music notebook of the week’s assignments in which I also make music theory notes and explanations. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Orchestral Percussion Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
The dedication it takes to learn an instrument can help develop skills values that will benefit the student throughout life, regardless of profession. Therefore, I believe that the process of learning music is more important than any particular performance that we work toward, so I take a pragmatic approach to instruction. Of course, we look forward to recitals and concerts, because they give our rehearsals direction, but it should also be emphasized that our most rewarding musical experiences may happen in lessons or private practice. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method introducing them to simple single string melodies that aid in teaching them how to read in open position. Once the student has progressed and has a good foundation with the basics, I begin to incorporate more intricate rhythms and chords and eventually move them on to learning riffs and short songs that will help them meet their own individual goals. Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin Viola
For younger students who are beginning, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. This book has great materials for setting up the violin and bow hold, reading notes, rhythm and other musical markings, and introducing basic music theory such as time and key signatures. Also, this book incorporates the foundation of all musical learning, scales and arpeggios, into fun exercises that are enjoyable for every student.For older students who have more experience, I have a range of etudes from Sevcik to Kreutzer that can futher develop and solidify a good foundation of technique.For musical training, I use solo repertoire from Suzuki and other sources that are appropriate for each student's level so that he/she can be healthily challenged musically and technically while feeling accomplished during performances. Read More
Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard
I am a passionate and dedicated classical pianist and piano teacher. I have been playing the piano for most of my life, and teaching for the last two years. I have degrees in psychology and music from the University of Washington in Seattle. In university, I was selected by audition to receive private one-on-one piano instruction, and performed regular recitals. I have studied with concert pianists across the world, most recently with internationally recognized pianist Aaron Pilsan in Berlin. 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
The full keyboard is added with many songs played for fun. Once this is comfortable the staff can be introduced. Correct hand positions are introduced at this early stage of learning. Although I use the above books, I also have many more materials which I add from my studio to assist with understanding. "C". Five finger positions are learnt first along with chords, but soon a student moves to other five finger keys, so I encourage a multi key approach. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Clarinet Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Double Bass Keyboard Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Unfortunately I never chose a primary instrument. I chose piano at age six because there was a piano in the house. I chose clarinet in fifth grade but it did not become a primary instrument because I wanted to play in jazz band in high school and played bass because that was needed. Bass was my primary professional instrument up to about 1990 when I started playing guitar and mandolin professionally. Then when I studied to be a church musician I was back to playing piano and added organ. In essence I have become a jack-of-all-trades on instruments. I don't recommend having such diversity because it keeps one from mastering a specific instrument; though I do enjoy playing all the instruments I have chosen.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
When I first started at the church I currently work at the congregation was not a singing congregation. Now they are a great singing congregation and I believe that my accompaniment approach is a key part to that singing.
Another accomplishment that is important to me is that the gypsy jazz band I played in for several years played on the main stage of North America’s largest gypsy jazz festival. A great moment.
I also am always glad when I run across a former student that is still playing and tell me how much it enriches their life.
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
A clarinet student became the winner of the state solo/ensemble contest.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
On guitar the hardest thing is to learn to read music without tablature. Because some pitches can be played in multiple spots it can be challenging to know where to play the notes when reading. In some instances one might have two or three solutions before one settles on the best choice.
Another challenge with guitar is to play rhythm well, particularly when using a plectrum/pick. One needs to play so that it sounds smooth and does not drag.
The third challenge is to play with good tone whether using fingers, fingernails, fingerpicks or a plectrum.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
On piano I build my lessons around the John Thompson method and supplement it with other materials to give a balanced foundation of many eras and genres.
On guitar, if a classical beginning is chosen, I use the Noad method or the Christofer Parkening method.
For other fingerstyle approaches I use Hal Leonard’s Guitar Workshop series for Fingerstyle guitar supplemented by appropriate materials from Oak Publications.
For bluegrass based material I primarily use Osk Publications.
If the student desires to learn gypsy-jazz I use books by Michael Hortoeitz.
23 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Kirkland to students of all ages and abilities.
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