Piano Lessons in West Woodland, WA

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ

When we teach music, we share the joy of the songs of life with each other! When we learn music together as teacher and learner, we unlock the treasures of sound and allow songs to break forth. I have a great passion for teaching music! Making music makes the world a better place. Music is, however, demanding and requires regular practice in order to improve. Improving a musical project brings us deeper into the actual piece of music we would study together. Read More

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

I take one lesson at a time while careful to scaffold the information. I want students to improve, but I also want them to know what it is that they must do in order to become a competent musician. I can be tough, but at the same time, I don't mind changing directions and moving from say, ear training to sight reading or some other approach. At the base, I believe that rhythm is the most important concern for a student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Clarinet

Often lesson styles are easy going to serve the interests of beginning students, and more demanding for advanced students. Libby writes out lesson plans for all her students according to what she and the student think is appropriate for the student's present acheivement. Libby presents sections on rhythm, tone, reeds-how to adjust them, how to make them etc--she finds music that she thinks the student will like after discussing it with the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I started singing recreationally of my own volition at age 5, coming up with improvised musicals in my parents' living room and filming them with my mom's camcorder. I took advanced choir classes in middle school and high school and was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for several rock bands throughout high school. I started learning guitar in 2006 and started learning piano in 2013. I am primarily a beginner-advanced voice teacher with secondary focus on beginner-intermediate piano and guitar. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, we start with simple scales, fingering patterns, short melodies, and based on that student’s needs and learning style, I decide which lesson plan to use (Suzuki, Hal Leonard, etc.). I use Tonal Harmony textbook excerpts to help with advanced theory lessons. More advanced singers receive more training in classical and musical theater technique. My philosophy is that every singer should be trained classically first. Early art songs and arias really help students focus on breath control, vowel shape, using their passagio, and expressive singing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I use Bela Bartok's Microcosmos, a series of small, fun, interesting pieces designed for teaching piano, and as students gain musical fluency, I introduce easy classical pieces. I have also used the "Russian method." For adults, I find James Lykes piano method book to be wonderful. For voice students, I often use Clifton Ware's "Adventures in Singing," which includes valuable information, exercises, and a variety of songs. I help students discover and explore their voices and find music that is appropriate for their age, range, and timber. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

My method is to help students play the music they want to play, whether it's Miles Davis or the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I like to start my lessons by working on a song of the students choice to spark their interest. From there, I move to focusing on the students needs technically, rhythmically and theoretically. Additionally, I have my students practice improvisation, in some capacity, at each lesson. I want my students to feel comfortably making music on the fly and I set up low stakes environments for them to hone this skill. Read More