Voice Lessons in Washougal, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele

Overall my work is focused on discovering music with the students and facing hurdles as we go. For voice I often let the student dictate the repertoire and support them with good technical basis. My students love a variety of singing, soft jazzy or loud and belty. For piano i prefer to use the Faber methods. I have been teaching students up to level 3. For guitar I can use hal leonard or Alfreds but the Alfreds seems to move faster. Read More

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

I like to use a wide variety of materials, from classical to jazz music.  CLARINET: For clarinet students, I use "standard" conservatory etude and scale books (such as the Rose Studies and Behrmann Studies).  I also use the Jamey Abersold Jazz Methods, which feature CD 'play-a-long' recordings of jazz music.  I also have my students perform a wide range of solo music, from 'standards' like the Mozart Clarinet Concerto to 20th century repertoire by composers like Bernstein, Copland and others.  I think it is important for students to be able to play jazz and improvise, so I teach them about Blues and how to play jazz, as well as classical music. 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

My students describe me as patient, fun, understanding, and challenging. :) For the shy ones, I like to get to know them, and see what I can do to get through to them and get them to open up to music. For the adventurous one, I dare them to go on adventures with me. For the self-critical ones, I become their voice of encouragement and love. For the over-confident ones, I open their eyes to more challenges that will demand more of themselves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

As far as methods, I do not believe that there is one system that will work for every student, and so I try to find the right combination for each individual.  For piano students I begin with a combination of Alfred and Faber method books, and also teach different scales for technique.  For voice students I try to pick a combination of vocal exercises, classical music and contemporary music based on the student’s unique voice.  Students learn best from music they are passionate about.  What is most important is finding the right songs for each person. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I began teaching voice as an undergraduate student at University of Portland, and I have grown to love working with all ages and all styles. I have most recently had the opportunity to teach a college course at CalArts, private lessons to college level students at the institute, and group voice classes to K-3rd graders through the Community Arts Partnership. During this past summer I also served as Vocal Director for a music summer camp for children of all ages. Read More