About
I have a passion for teaching piano to all ages 4 through 104, from beginner level through advanced! I love passing on the joy of music to enrich the lives of my students. My background is classical music, having been a Music Major in Piano Performance at the University of Puget Sound. But I also love to color your musical world with other genres, such as jazz, pop, ethnic music, kids songs, religious, patriotic music, or whatever your heart desires to learn.
I have taught piano privately for many years in various parts of the country but am glad to be back teaching in my native Pacific Northwest. I teach with energy, skill, and patience. I adapt to each student's needs and a have a wonderful rapport with my students, but I make sure that you become a well-rounded musician with good technique, knowledge of music theory and history, and above all, an ability to express yourself and pour your heart and soul into the music.
I also do ensemble work with my students, as well as teach them "how" to practice and "how" to prepare for performances. I have had students distinguish themselves by winning music scholarships and becoming professional musicians, and I have had numerous others who have simply wanted to bring the joy of music into their lives by learning how to play piano.
I am an active member of the local, state, and national Music Teachers Association, which provides my students with many opportunities to participate in various musical events. I also have my own fun studio "piano parties" and recitals that my students and their families look forward to every year.
I continue to perform piano myself, both in concerts and as a liturgical accompanist at St. Jude Catholic Church in Redmond.
You may find out more about me and my piano studio by looking at my website, kathywolfpiano.weebly.com
I have the best job I can imagine! I love to share with others the joy of making music. It is fun to teach people a new skill and a profound way of expressing themselves, and then to join them in creating music together. I enjoy the interaction with students of all ages, levels, talents, and personalities. It brings me great pleasure and satisfaction to see my students find delight in learning how to play the piano, create music, and share it with others.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I teach all ages, from four years old to adult, and all levels from beginning through advanced. First I meet with students (and parents, if the students are kids), so we can find out more about each other, whether they are ready for lessons, what their expectations and goals are, and whether we are a good fit. If the student is a beginner, we start with beginning piano books that are appropriate to their age and interests. For students who have already studied piano, we either continue with the books they were using or switch to or add music that better suits their needs.
I teach all the basics, including music theory and history, good technique, ensemble playing, how to practice, and how to prepare for a performance. Although my background is in classical music, I like to add other genres to my students' repertoire, such as pop, jazz, ragtime, church music, movie themes, etc., according to my students' interests. My goal is for students to play with skill and expression and to make music an enjoyable and enriching part of their lives.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My love of music was sparked by my extraordinary piano teacher, Susan Lennon, who had a profound way of bringing music to life. I went to the University of Puget Sound, where I became a Music Major in Piano Performance under Professor Ronald Booth and greatly increased my musical knowledge.
As an active member of the local, state, and national Music Teachers Association, I attend many workshops and conferences. This provides continuing education, constantly adding to my knowledge and skills as a piano teacher.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
During the 2018-2019 school year my MONTHLY RATES for WEEKLY LESSONS are as follows:
60-minute weekly lessons: $220 per month
45-minute weekly lessons: $170 per month
30-minute weekly lessons: $115 per month
20-minute weekly lessons (for 4 & 5 year-olds only until they are ready for 30-minute lessons): $95 per month
I offer a 5% discount to students who pay for a semester at a time.
How did you get started teaching?
My love of music was sparked by my extraordinary piano teacher, Susan Lennon, who had a profound way of bringing music to life. This inspired me to begin teaching even prior to my college days, giving occasional lessons to friends and neighborhood children in Bellevue, Washington.
After college I started my true profession of teaching private piano lessons. I have taught in many parts of the country, including Alabama, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Delaware, following the career moves of my composer husband, Peter F. Wolf, as he taught in various colleges. We subsequently returned to live and teach in our beloved Pacific Northwest, where I cherish the beauty of nature and the creativity of my students.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught all kinds of students - from the mediocre to the very talented, from slightly autistic to those with ADD/ADHD, from 4-year-olds to 98-year olds! I have also taught all levels, from beginning to advanced. I individualize my teaching with each student to go at their own pace and inspire them to love music. Many of my students are classical music lovers, but they also like pop, jazz, and a variety of other genres, which I include in my teaching.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I like to help my students become comfortable with performing and sharing their music. I do this by hosting "piano parties" for my students and their families, each with a different theme. They give students an opportunity to perform for each other in a less formal, less intimidating atmosphere, and to have fun with music! They usually include games, prizes, and treats. By the time a more formal "recital" rolls around, my students are usually eager to perform!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Meet with the teacher to discuss details and make sure you are a good fit in regards to personality, objectives, and teaching styles. Talk to other students or parents who have had experience with the teacher for their perceptions, or read testimonials they have written about the teacher. When you have selected a teacher you think would fit what you are looking for, try out a month's worth of lessons so you can experience his/her teaching yourself.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about your own objectives in taking piano lessons.
What is your ultimate goal?
What kinds of music would you like to play?
How much time will you devote to practicing each day?
Would you like to play ensemble music with your siblings, parents, friends, or other students?
Do you want a teacher who is: 1) a very strict professional who will be a taskmaster and hold you to the highest standard; 2) a teacher who is easy-going and fun; or 3) a teacher who is skillful in combining excellent teaching with fun musical experiences?
Do you have a piano or keyboard already, or will you be buying or renting one?
How far are you willing to travel to your teacher's studio?
How much are you willing to pay for piano lessons?