The Key To Change
About
My organization, the Key to Change offers both group and private violin (and viola) lessons to students in middle and high school. We offer high quality music instruction to students who have a desire to excel on their instruments. Our mission is to provide world class music instruction to underserved students and support their development as self-aware leaders.
Students have the option of taking lessons at Renton High School (Mondays and Thursdays) or Mill Creek Middle School in Kent (Tuesdays and Fridays). All lessons are twice per week and no exceptions may be made to our policy.
In addition to weekly lessons, students learn about Music Theory and Ear Training, participate in masterclasses with invited guest artists, attend college prep and audition seminars and perform in community outreach concerts.
We provide scholarships for students/families needing financial assistance.
Please visit our website at www.keytochangestudio.org for more information.
I am a university professor by day (I teach at Seattle University) but really enjoy teaching middle/high school students. My goal as a teacher is to motivate students to work hard and inspire them to do better than their best. I absolutely love witnessing how students thrive when they learn.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Students are encouraged to sign up or may observe one lesson for free. Students are also given a $25.00 credit for every student they recommend into the studio.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Education:
Bachelor of Music (Violin) - UNC School of the Arts
Master of Music (Violin) - The Boston Conservatory
Doctor of Musical Arts (Violin) - University of Texas - Austin
Leadership Principles Certification - Harvard Business School Online
Employment:
Associate Professor of Music - Violin and Chamber Music at Seattle University (tenured), 2007 - present
Experience:
Presented guest artist master classes at renowned music schools and programs worldwide, including the Paris Conservatory of Music, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, National Taiwan Normal University (Taiwan), Cle Des Arts Academie de Musique (Guadeloupe), Tumaini University Makumira (Tanzania), Dong-Eui University (Korea), Nevada School of the Arts, Boston Symphony's Project Step, Evergreen Music Festival (Tacoma Youth Symphony), Univ. of Puget Sound Community Music School, among many others.
Speaker on string pedgagy and teaching at Washington State Teacher's Association Conference, American String Teacher's Association national conference and Maryborough Music Teacher's Conference (Australia).
Solo performances at notable venues include Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall (2011, 2012 & 2014), Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall, the Louvre Museum (Paris), Sydney Opera House; concerto performances with the Seattle Symphony and hundreds other performances worldwide.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Group Lessons:
30 minute lesson = $400 per trimester (approximately $12.50 per lesson)
60 minute lesson = $800 per trimester (approximately $25 per lesson)
Private Lessons:
60 minute lesson = $1200.00 per trimester (approximately $48 per lesson)
Tuition for the entire trimester is due by the date of the first lesson. Payments received after the first lesson (without a payment arrangement) will be considered late and are subject to a $35.00 late fee to be added to the current invoice.
Payment plans may be established for parents and/or families requiring assistance.
How did you get started teaching?
I started coaching and teaching students when I was in high school. I absolutely love teaching and haven't stopped since :)
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with all types of students - from beginner level through advanced. I enjoy working with any student who is willing to practice and learn.
My students have received superior ratings at the regional and state level Solo & Ensemble Contests, won other local competitions and are principal players in their school orchestras and youth symphonies.
Some of my students have been accepted at music schools across the country including the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University, Boston Conservatory, University of Arizona, among many others.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Very proud to have opened my violin studio last year where we are currently serving more than 30 students. I am also proud that we were able to raise scholarship funds to offer to students who can't afford good instruction.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The advice I would give any student looking for a private or group lesson teacher is to watch a teacher teach first by visiting a lesson or a master class. That will give you a good idea of how they teach and interact with students.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Define exactly what it is that you're looking for and what your goals are.