Piano Lessons in Preston, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

No single approach works with every student when teaching drums. There are simply too many styles and methods to choose from. But when working with beginners, I tend to focus mostly on developing a good internal sense of rhythm and good listening skills. Then if the student wishes, we may specialize in classical, jazz, rock, latin, or whatever style the student is interested in. There are many excelent published methods to choose from and I occasionally assign etudes and excersizes of my own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I work with each student on a case to case basis, each student has different needs and approaches, all of which I try and accommodate. I encourage my students to practice at least an hour a day, this can be done in ten minute intervals or whatever amount of time the student can maintain focus. I would also love to hear about what my student is interested in and what I can do to help them become a more well rounded musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano

TRAINING - 10 years of formal training—4th grade through my freshman year of college. I broke my thumb and the medical technology could not reconstruct the joint. Thus my professional career as a piano player had to end, however, I continue to enjoy piano and would like to share this wonderful gift with others! My Bachelors in Accounting and my Masters in Organization Management have some transferable disciplines that easily flow into the music arena: Accuracy and Teaming—these are both vital whether one is playing as a duet or in a band with over 100 members! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Music Keyboard

I have a friendly and laid back teaching style, maintaining student/teacher professionalism. How much or how fast the student learns depends a lot on how much they practice. For younger students I use stickers as rewards to help motivate them. I adapt to the student when it comes to the style of music we play or sing. Occasionally we may play or sing duets. I let voice students choose which songs they want to sing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

No matter where the student starts from, I always spend a significant amount of time in the first lesson discussing with them what they want to gain, what they are interested in, and how much time and effort they want to put into this endevor. It is important to me to understand the student so that I can cater to their needs and desires, and hopefully encourage them to continue playing music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

After graduating Whitman, I interned as a music teacher at the Spring Street International School in Friday Harbor, WA. I was mentored by a great teacher, Grisha Krivchenia and learned how to be a compassionate teacher. I helped teach composition, music theory, small groups, bass and guitar. During the second half of the year, Grisha took a sabbatical and I took over his duties. While in Friday Harbor, I also taught upright bass, electric bass and piano privately. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice French Horn Music

Every lesson begins with a check-in! How is life? What is going on? How are you? These are questions that are essential parts of our shared living experiences. Depending on what level students are working through in their development, we will spend time working on the physicality of technique: posture, healthy hand/arm/wrist practices, and breathing freely. The rest of the lesson will be simply an exploration of the music that we are working on together. Read More