About
I have been teaching piano to beginners and intermediates since 1993. It is exciting to see the progress in each student, and to see how they become self-motivated as they enjoy playing. If a student loves to play they will love to practice. When they love to practice they get better very quickly. Enthusiasm builds on itself. Patti's Music is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Patti's Music is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. Whether you want to learn the Piano or other string instrument Patti's Music would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and give you the best learning experience. Students who were not interested in learning an instrument in grade school, but who want to play with their friends in Jr. High can pick up an instrument over the summer and, with a little hard work, can be ready to join their Jr. High friends in the fall. Music Arranging is also a part of Patti's Music. Creating original string arrangements, adding violin, cello and sometimes viola to existing or original songs can add a lot to a piece of music.
I enjoy seeing students grasp the theory behind the music and help them use that theory to make playing the piano logical and attainable. It is also fun to see students get excited about a song that catches their attention, and they work at setting goals so they can master that song. Goal setting and the routine of practicing an instrument to master a skill are great disciplines that will help students grow in not just music learning, but in academic learning in school and in life in general. Disciplines learned in the study of music are disciplines that bring success in life.
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?
In working with a new student a lot is determined by their age, ability to read and their past music experience. With young beginners I like to get them learning their finger numbers, left and right hand, and then music letters: A-G. We work on rhythm by learning the note and rest values. After reading the letter names and playing them on the keyboard we progress to notes and rests on lines and spaces. Once we are notes on lines and spaces we can learn how to read intervals and discover patterns in music that help us learn a song more easily. All the while we are working on strengthening fingers and implimenting proper technique so that we can play with ease and agility.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a B.A. in Music Theory and Literature from Seattle Pacific University, and keep up with training thru workshops and further classes at Seattle Pacific and the University of Washington.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Music lessons are usually 30 minutes a week. They are $30 per lesson, and lessons for the month are paid for at the first lesson in each month.
How did you get started teaching?
I got started teaching when someone in the neighborhood who knew I played asked me to teach him to play. It was then that I began to learn how enjoyable teaching was. From there I began teaching children in the neighborhood and their friends whom they referred to me. Students have also come from the schools in the neighborhood and from people who have seen my posts on neighborhood bulletin boards.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with grade school, junior high, high school, college and adult students who wished they hadn't quit playing when they were children.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have one student especially fond of Christmas Music. When Christmas comes around he requests a l-o-n-g song so that he can play it at the Christmas program at school. It's fun to see him perfect his performance piece and listen to him brag about where all he has played it. An old piece won't do because they've already heard that one!
Another student loves to build on what she is learning in school in her music classes there. She knows the answers before the other students because she learned the vocabulary and concepts in her piano lessons.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher you are comfortable with and who you respect. Look for someone who makes music fun for you and who helps music seem not so hard to learn. Look for someone who can explain things in a way that you can grasp the concepts. Look for someone who makes you feel like you can't wait to get back to the next lesson so you can show that teacher how well you are doing. Look for someone who will encourage you and not discourage you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
If the lessons are for you, think through your present schedule. When in your day are you going to have time to practice where you can relax at the piano? Or, if your life is hectic and you want to make it a point to take up the piano so that you can relax more, what hour of the day can you set aside for that?
If you are thinking about your child taking lessons, how many activities is your child already involved in? If your child is already over involved, piano lessons may need to wait. Your child will need some time to practice. The discipline of daily practice is a good discipline because it helps your child to schedule his or her time so that they can accomplish more in life. But overscheduling a child will cause frustration for everyone in the family.