About
I enjoy seeing my students get excited about what I teach them. No two students are the same. Their backgrounds are different. Their goals are different. Their learning styles are different. I try to customize my lessons to each student's needs. I have taught private lessons to all ages and student levels for more than 35 years. In addition to this, I taught band, choir, classroom music, and orchestra in the public schools for 30 years. I was in Who's Who for America's teachers. I managed and performed in two string quartets. You can read my biography on www.tacomastringquartet.com or www.yellowrosestringquartet.com (also called Ambrosia String Quartet). I have acted as a consultant for hiring chamber orchestras to perform for special events. I have a degree in music and a master's degree in counseling and guidance. I have performed with several orchestras over the years in Washington State and Alaska.
Teaching has never felt like a job to me because I enjoy it so much. Over the years I have had many success stories with my students. One performed at Carnegie Hall on violin and on piano. Several became concert masters of orchestras or principal players in their sections. One became a concert violinist. One became a professional jazz trio player and travels, primarily in South America, giving performances. Many simply experienced the joy of being able to play pieces they yearned to play. I have worked with students who have had disabilities such as cerebral palsy and autism. I enjoy all ages of students. Parents are encouraged to observe lessons and actively participate in their child's learning experience.
Highlights
Payment methods
Photos and videos
Reviews
Grace B.
Justeen B.
M. G.
Lance
April R.
Brooke E.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I consider the student's age, the student's goals, the student's musical background, how much help from home the student will be getting (i. e., musical background of parents), etc.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Music degree and master's degree in counseling and guidance. Special training with children who are handicapped. Thirty years in the public schools as a band, choir, classroom music, and orchestra teacher (grades K-12). Thirty+ years as a private music teacher. Thirty+ years experience in orchestras. Twelve years experience with string quartets. Membership in ASTA, MTNA, and CCMTA.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
60 minute lessons are $60
45 minute lessons are $50
30 minute lessons (for younger children, usually ages 5-7) are $35
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching private lessons when I was a junior in the university music program.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught students from ages 3-68. Instruments taught with private lessons were guitar, oboe, violin, viola, cello, string bass, fiddle, and piano.
I only plan to take 10-13 students so I am limiting instruments to piano, violin, and viola. I prefer to take piano students age 6 and older. Ideally, I would like string students to be 8 and older.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was hired in the Seattle area to put together a chamber orchestra (hire the musicians) for a performance for Cora Voce choir premiering two new compositions for choir and orchestra
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Students should be comfortable and happy working with the teacher. Different personalities work better with certain teachers, no matter how skilled the teacher is. Older students should be sure they respect the teacher's skills and the teacher's style of teaching. Students should be sure that the teacher respects each student's goals and tailors the teaching to meet those goals.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think about why they they want to play a certain instrument. Is it their choice to play the instrument or their parents' choice? It is best if the student is the one who wants to play an instrument. Does the student's schedule allow for daily practice time or is it already quite full? What does the student hope to achieve?