About
Every human being has the ability to create music.
We live in an amazing time in history. Music is more obtainable now than ever before. Americans listen to music, on average, two hours a day. Piano lessons allow you to play the music you love.
My primary goal is to teach children and adults how to play the piano musically and develop a love for creating music. I meet students where they are; tailoring my teaching to each person’s learning style, musical interests and temperament. I want to bring out the best in each one of them.
Students can learn piano at any age. I normally start students no younger than age six. I believe their hands and minds are better able to grasp the instrument. I thoroughly enjoy teaching teenagers and adults as well. Now, more than ever, people of all ages are taking piano lessons.
I've been teaching for ten years and I am a member of the Edmonds Music Teachers Association, Washington State Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association. You can learn more about me on my website: angelamichaelpiano.com
Highlights
Reviews
Carlene
Jemma
Jennifer
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We begin with improvising... just playing the piano together.
After that, we take it one step at a time. I have the student listen and explorer the keyboard. I teach students how to use their bodies to play without tension. They begin with simple songs, feeling the beat and gradually learn more complicated music. I want them to always invent their own music, not just play from a written score.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) through the Music Teachers National Association. MTNA is "the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers."
Through the national, state and local Edmonds Music Teachers Association, I'm able to offer my students multiple performance and learning opportunities. EMTA offers me ongoing pedagogy education through speakers, workshops and conferences.
I attended my first year of college at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and then transferred to Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where I finished my college education. I studied piano performance with several teachers, including Joe Kline and Margaret May Ott. I performed in multiple recitals each year and count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to play Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor with the Gonzaga University Symphony Orchestra.
I attended my first year of college at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and then transferred to Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where I finished my college education. I studied piano performance with several teachers, including Joe Kline and Margaret May Ott. I performed in multiple recitals each year and count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to play Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor with the Gonzaga University Symphony Orchestra.
My college studies were steeped in piano performance, music theory, composition, music history and jazz.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge monthly tuition.
- $148/month – weekly 45 minute lessons, monthly group classes, rehearsals & performances
- $197/month - weekly 1 hour lessons, monthly group classes, rehearsals & performances.
How did you get started teaching?
My path from learning the piano as a child to teaching the piano as an adult is unique.
In college, my love of music was paired with another passion which was journalism, my other major and my first career. I worked in television news for 15 years, starting with a fellowship in New York City with the International Radio Television Society. I moved on to work in four cities as an assignment editor and news producer. My last position was with KOMO-4 News, where I produced daily newscasts for seven years. The work was intense and I loved it. But with the birth of my children, my goals and desires changed and so did my career. I continued to work as a freelance writer, while staying home with my two boys, who were two and four at the time. As my older child entered Maplewood CO-OP K-8 School in Edmonds, Washington, my extensive volunteer work with students revealed how much I enjoy working with other children as well.
With my background in music, I began additional college studies of piano pedagogy to deepen my understanding of teaching children and adults how to play the piano. I began teaching 11 years ago and haven't stopped since!
What types of students have you worked with?
Most of my students begin piano study in elementary school. I thoroughly enjoy teaching teenagers and adults as well. Now, more than ever, people of all ages are taking piano lessons.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
At monthly group piano, we play games to learn more about music. A favorite for students is candy bingo. They have to listen and answer questions correctly to gradually eat their way to bingo.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher you like. Often, you have a gut feeling soon after meeting the teacher. After that, make sure the teacher is qualified and offers what you want. I believe it's important for you to have a teacher who offers musical activities in addition to your lessons so you can set goals and get to know other pianists.
Please understand that learning the piano is a long process and requires regular practice. Talk with your potential teacher about expectations and how she/he teachs you to practice.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do I want to learn the piano?
What kind of music do I listen to?
What kind of music do I want to learn?
Am I willing to make a daily practice schedule and will I stick to it to learn the piano? Do I have time to practice?
Do I have a decent piano and if not, am I willing to invest in one? (rent or buy)
How do I learn best? (Adults are more likely recognize learning modalities: kinesthetic, aural, visual)
Do I have specific learning issues that need to be addressed as I learn the piano?