Piano Lessons in Ridgefield, WA

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

I remember teaching my first lesson about 15 years ago. I was very nervous! However it was smooth sailing after that.  I grew up attending Harmony Road Music School, and they recently offered me a job, but I passed on it to focus more on my own lesson practice. I've worked for Beacock Music, Margie's Music School, and subbed at others, as well as had many of my students for 10+ years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Piano Adventures by Nancy Faber. I introduce rhythm reading, music composition, and basic music theory in the first year. I focus on effective practice techniques. My students learn the skills of practice routine that build measurable and gratifying progress from week to week. For advanced students and adults, we explore what the students are interested in. I design my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging in fun no matter the ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Fiddle

Kathleen utilizes the Suzuki, Galamian, and Flesch method systems, as well as integrating music theory and aural skills into every lesson. When teaching classical violin and piano, she emphasizes listening skills and applied theory to help develop strong sight-reading skills. In fiddle lessons, she creates practice videos and audio files for students to practice along with in between lessons, incorporating use of the metronome to increase speed and rhythmic stability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching classical guitar while earning my Bachelor's of Music degree at Western Washington University from 2003 to 2007. My focus was on performance and music instruction, so it seemed the next step for me was to pursue a career in music education. After college, I started with a small client base, which has steadily increased over the years. I provide music lessons & instruction, performing arts education, and tutoring. My students can expect to be instructed in music reading, learning interpretative styles, fretboard theory and guitar technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Ukulele Recorder

In 2011, Chuck moved to Portland, Oregon from Gainesville, Florida, where he was a staple of the music teaching and performing community for more than 25 years. Originally from Chicago, Chuck completed his BA in Music History and a Masters of Music (MM) at the University of Florida. Chuck began piano lessons at age 12 at a time when The Beatles caught his attention. His first attempt at composing was actually improvising melodies over the ending chords to "Hey Jude". Read More

Instruments: Piano

For the beginning students, I use Alfred's Basic Step by Step books. This covers the following: 1) Explains how piano produces sound   2) Teaches notes on keyboard and in a notebook   3) Focuses on ability to learn the rhythm, pitch and articulation 4) Introduces solo repertoire from different styles of music I want to teach my student to love music.   Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I teach the CAGED method on guitar, by which all chord forms and most tonal scales are based on 5 easy chord shapes, C,A,G,E, D. I will continue to ask students what their goals are and reach those goals, while learning basic fundementals of reading music. I have several other reccomended texts and resources to help students. I also teach them how to transcribe their favorite songs and some methods for going about that. Read More