Music Lessons
I offer lessons in piano and music fundamentals. Trained in the Western Classical tradition, with experience in pop, jazz, and folk music, I tailor my approach to meet each students' specific needs.
Teaching Style & Method
My goal as a teacher is to build the foundation for a life-long relationship with music. This means something different for everyone: my students may become pianists, producers, composers, multi-instrumentalists, or singer-songwriters. A foundation in keyboard skills and music theory are essential to all of those paths. We live in a changing musical landscape, and I want my students to be well-equipped in both the unfolding world of synthesis, recording, and music technology, and the long tradition of theory, technique, and history that precedes our current moment. As a composer and songwriter in many styles, I offer multiple avenues through music-making to my students. I emphasize proper alignment, an intuitive and embodied sense of rhythm, and musicality in all my lessons. As students master the fundamentals, their lessons can take a variety of courses. These include:
-A survey of Classical piano repertoire, with a goal of inspiring conversations about music history, interpretation, wonder, and expression
-A songwriter's course in music theory, with emphasis on lyricism, texture, and harmony
-A contemporary look at composition and production, including the fundamentals of notation and synthesis, and an introduction to composition tools like Sibelius, and production tools like GarageBand and AbletonLive.
Becoming a musician is not just about the things we make; our music reflects who we are. Our shortcomings, our struggles, our inner beauty, and our strength. Performing and creating are inherently generous acts, and require bravery and depth of spirit. Music can easily become a site of self-consciousness and fear. As a teacher, I collaborate with my students to build a healthy relationship with music-making that will continue to bring them joy and connection throughout their lives.
Rates
I offer lessons on a sliding scale: $40-50 for 45-minute lessons, and $55-65 for 60-minute lessons. Additional accommodation may be available on request.
Summer 2024
From the week of July 1st to August 19th, I am offering a special, 8-week piano intensive followed by a student showcase. This course is ideal for people who have always wanted to learn piano, and are willing to dedicate some focused time to summer study! It is also a great option for those returning to piano after time away, who want to quickly brush up on skills. I am offering this course at a special discounted rate of $300 for 8 weeks!
Training
I studied piano at Reed College with Denise VanLeuven, and continued study with Liz Kohl. I study singing with Emily Lau.
My training is highly influenced by the Taubman approach, Alexander Technique, and Dalcroz.
I incorporate materials from the Frances Clark methods and the Alfred School, as well as the Royal Academy of Music, into my pedagogy.