The Music Lab
About
The Music Lab provides a premier, university-styled musical education to all ages and abilities in the South Sound region. We emphasize creativity, collaboration, and above all, seek to instill a deep, well-rounded love of music in each of our members. Visit our website at Musiclabtacoma.com for more information!
My work as a music school owner and piano teacher is varied, endlessly so. I am never bored. I treasure the opportunity to see students of all ages grow not only in their musicianship, but in their self-confidence.
Music is a wonderful tool by which to teach a variety of non-musical skills: discipline, project management, focus, etc. It is especcially enriching to see younger students grow in these areas, as our current social climate encourages exactly the oposite: compulsiveness, consumptinon, lethargy, etc.
What I do is truly a joy :)
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We work with each student individually to determine his/her goals! Some folks want to become concert pianists; some folks just want the brain-training that comes with learning a new instrument. Whatever your reason, we will work out a plan that fits your goal!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor's in Piano Performance, Pacific Lutheran University; 2013
Director, Russian Chamber Music Foundation Society of Seattle; 2019-2020
Board Member, Music Northwest of Seattle; 2019-2020
Youth Chamber Music Coach at Music Northwest of Seattle; 2019-2020
Music Director, Tacoma Musical Playhouse; 2018-2020
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
We have two pricing models, depending on the wishes of the student. For almost everyone, we recommend our group lesson program, which runs $144/month and includes 4 1-hour lessons with a few other classmates each month.
For more intensive study, we have 1:1 mentorship availabiltiy, at $250/month, which includes 4 45 minute lessons.
All materials, technologies, and fees are covered by your monthly tuition. We do *not* charge on a per-lesson basis. Think of your education at TML like a gym membership; you pay a monthly fee and are entitled to all of our services for the month. Membership typically comes with many freebies and extras, because we focus on creating quality musicians, NOT on billing and micro-managing client hours, etc.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching a few friends of mine back in 2016 and discovered that I quite liked the process of seeing someone grow. I've also found that teaching has dramatically improved my own playing.
What types of students have you worked with?
All types! 5 year old beginners, 73 year old beginners, 14 year old virtuoso pianists, 16 year old autistic kiddos, the list goes on.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Well, I recently returned from a month-long trip to Italy, which was pretty fabulous.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure that the teacher knows his/her stuff, and has at least one degree from an accredited university. Also, make sure that your teacher still regularily performs in public.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The most important question:
How much time are you able to devote to your practice each week? At home practice will greatly influence your rate of progress at any new skill. With group lessons, practice time is built in, and so there is less of an emphasis on private practice. With 1:1 practice, however, a minimum of 30 minutes/day is required.