Voice Lessons in Washougal, WA

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

I started learning piano as a child, but it was in high school that I realized I really wanted to pursue playing keyboards, because it allowed me a way to express myself. I later attended Mt. Hood Community College, famous for its jazz program, where I played keyboards and sang in select choirs and vocal jazz groups. After graduating, I directed the college Gospel Ensemble for two years before working full-time at a large local church, where I was Music Director, a worship leader, and keyboardist. Read More

Instruments: Voice

While I sometimes recommend rep for certain students, I like to begin with songs that are meaningful to them, provided that I see no way it could be harmful to their voice. If the student feels insecure (all too common of a problem) I try to help them feel relaxed and comfortable while boosting their confidence. I believe that finding one's voice can have powerful implications in other areas of life. Read More

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

My PRIMARY goal is to instill a love for music in my students. My goal is for my music students to keep music in their lives so that it is an important part of their world, long after they are finished taking music lessons.  My teaching experience includes all levels, from Middle School to University levels and adult students.  I have taught Choir, Jazz Bands, Orchestras, Music History and Music Theory; as well as private clarinet lessons to students ranging from beginners to advanced college students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I encourage students to focus on their personal expression and growth as a musician. While I select pieces for students based on their skill level and ability to take challenges effectively, students are given the freedom to browse their own musical library or lexicon to perform music they enjoy or is moving to them. Since many modern songs can be found without sheet music or proper notation for each instrument, I arrange pieces and songs for students' instruments as close to the recorded version as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student make progress while developing their passion for music. During a lesson, I make corrections based on what I see needs to be improved. I make sure to encourage the student, praising them for their successes. I think it's important to have strong communication during a lesson. I want to know what the students is feeling, and I want them to have awareness of their own body as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary on the student and subject. Beginning students will typically focus more on technical pieces of music to improve on certain aspects of a few pieces to perform. More advanced students will still practice technical parts of their music, but less time will be spent on it during a lesson. Advanced level students will spend more time on repertoire and performance. The more advanced a student gets, the more I expect them to practice outside of lessons and apply their newly learned technical skills into their music on their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My philosophy for quality music education has three main parts: appreciation, practice, literacy. I braid all three of these parts into each lesson, with a student focused approach. I strongly believe that anyone at any age and abilities can learn enjoy making music. Fundamentals are important at all skill levels, as well as a mix of solo rep and working on full pieces I have the skills to be able to create any music my students want to do! Read More