Paul Swenson Music Studio

Digital Resources Editor at Seattle's Child

My twin girls started lessons with Paul when they were only 6 years old (they just turned 9). Paul is an amazing teacher and musician. He is teaching my girls not only how to play piano, but to truly appreciate the emotions behind the music. Paul is great with children and has a way of giving constructive feedback without being critical. He is incredibly patient and encouraging with my girls, but also has high expectations of them. My girls respect him and have responded so well to him. After 2 1/2 years, I am amazed at what they've been able to play with his teaching and guidance. I know many years from now, my girls will remember him fondly as one of the great influences in their life for what I hope will be a long relationship and love for music. --Sue Haslam

Paul has a unique ability to work with whatever energy and interests a student brings and create a positive and customized learning experience for the student. He clearly knows and loves the piano and everything about it - the math, the art, the science, the history, the mechanics, the physical challenge - he can help a student explore any facet of playing the piano and tailor the lessons and practices to make learning to play the piano rewarding, personal, and fun. We feel very lucky to have Paul teaching our son. Quite honestly, it wouldn't have continued without him. --Mark Swardstrom

Paul taught my three children for the last year; unfortunately, a move away from Seattle has brought our time with him to an end. Paul has an incredible gift for understanding and reaching each child as an individual, as evidenced by his approach to teaching each of my children. Further, music infuses Paul's life and soul, something he ably passes along to his students. Our family will always treasure the time we were able to spend in Paul's studio. --Sariah Toronto, Chief of Staff, Engineering, Goldman Sachs 

I searched for over a year to find a piano teacher for my son. My 8 year old had started spending a lot of time at the piano, fooling around, sounding out tunes, and creating his own music. He refused to take lessons because so many of his friends groused about piano lessons, didn’t like the music they were asked to learn, and grumbled about the practice requirements. I was looking for something different. I wanted a teacher who would see that my son was more interested in composing than learning techniques – a teacher who would customize the approach to make learning to play the piano and fostering composition skills a joy rather than a struggle. Paul has been amazing! He skillfully balances technique with composition, structure with improvisation. By negotiating a work plan, my son completely buys into the process that practice is required to achieve his own goals. My son is excited about the pieces he’s working on and how Paul helps extend his composition vision. Paul is fantastic – I couldn’t ask for more! --Laura Schildkraut, founder, Onboarding Gen Y