Do you or your kids have time on their hands now that schools are closed and we’re self distancing? Why not take this time to learn an instrument, fine tune your skills, or offer your child a means of expression that they can carry with them for the rest of their life?
We’ve compiled this growing list of amazing music teachers and working musicians who give personal lessons over the internet and hope you consider signing up!
Amber Sweeney
Voice, Songwriting
Northwest recording artist, Amber Sweeney, is a highly sought after performer and songwriter who’s often been compared to the likes of Allen Stone, Bonnie Raitt, and India Arie.
Online courses available in songwriting, singing and group performance.
Celeste Felsheim
Piano, Voice, Songwriting, Guitar, Bass
Celeste is interested in music theory and technique equally as much as self expression and musical confidence. Her lessons are fun and challenging, and are for the committed lifelong musician and the casual weekend music lover alike.
https://www.kingsheim.com/teaching
Sassyblack
Voice, Songwriting, Production
Work with internationally known singer, songwriter & producer SassyBlack to learn foundational singing, songwriting & production techniques used throughout the music industry. This is an opportunity to be coached in voice, production (using Ableton) and songwriting. There is no limit to your creativity if you are open to the possibilities.
https://www.sassyblack.com/teaching
Jen Ayers
Piano, Voice, Joint Piano & Voice
Jen Ayers is a singer, classically trained pianist, songwriter and recording artist. She’s performed thousands of shows nationwide, fronting Seattle-based band Honey Tongue, is a frequent guest singer in high-profile gigs across the Northwest and has been performing regularly with Teatro ZinZanni since 2012. For over 20 years, Jen has been teaching piano and offering vocal coaching – using a flexible approach that allows the student’s natural inclinations to be expressed, while providing the structure and foundation needed to grow musically.
Socorra
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele and Songwriting
Socorra is a singer-songwriter from San Jose, California. She got her start performing and teaching during his Peace Corps service in Morocco. After serving, she took an internship at an independent record label in Oakland, CA where she was more inspired to step out from behind the scenes and put out her own music. She has opened up for acts like Blues Traveler and Fantastic Negrito.
She has been teaching for the past 6 years and loves learning what makes her students tick, what gets them excited about music and how to keep their interest based on their goals. She teaches beginner to intermediate guitar and bass, beginner ukulele and offers songwriting lessons. She teaches via Zoom and Google Hangouts. Let’s jam!
Jane Covert-Bowlds
Saxophone, Clarinet, Piano
Hi, I’m Jane! I teach all levels of saxophone along with beginning clarinet and piano. I’m based in Seattle and happy to schedule online lessons. I first started teaching saxophone lessons while in high school in Ferndale, WA. I love sharing my passion for music with students young and old from all backgrounds. I encourage students to embrace a fun, focused and low-stress approach to their instrument/s, first tackling basics like healthy breathing and posture, note-reading, producing good tone, and developing a sense of rhythm, and gradually incorporating more complex music, basic music theory, learning to play by ear, and beginning improvisation. I am all about working with my students to discover their unique interests and goals – whether that’s nailing their jazz band audition, joining a rock band, preparing a classical piece for a competition, exploring creativity and improvisation, or simply playing at home for their own enjoyment. I graduated from Western Washington University in 2015 with a music minor and a self-designed Fairhaven concentration entitled Music, Inequality & Resistance.
Kate Olson
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
I teach woodwinds: saxophone, clarinet, and flute (and occasionally beginning music concepts on piano, guitar, and ukulele). Lessons are one on one, 30, 45, or 60 minutes long. The curriculum is created collaboratively with the student, according to what they are interested in. My personal goals as a teacher are that each student acquires the skills he/she needs to enjoy making and listening to music throughout his/her life. Those skills include the basics of music making (time, tone, intonation) and the ability to manipulate the instrument fluently (longtones, scales, technique, repertoire). I hope to help students reach their musical goals, whether that means playing professionally or getting a good grade in band class. http://www.kateplayssax.com/education
Jack Ramsey
Piano, Keyboards
Jack Ramsey is a pianist from Seattle Washington. In 2006 he moved to New York to pursue a 5 year double degree program at the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, graduating in 2011 as valedictorian with a BFA in Piano Performance and a BA in Literary Studies.
Winner of the Charlie Pamlieri Piano Competition 2011, with Arranging credits on Jimmy Owens critically acclaimed album “The Monk Project.”
Private teacher at Hamlin Robinson, composer for the newTACTic’s theater festival, band leader, arranger, and keyboardist in LEGS.
[email protected]
Lauren Hepburn
Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute
Lauren was born and raised in the great Northwest, Lauren has taught clarinet, saxophone, and flute in the Seattle area for several years. A recent grad from the University of Washington she received a Master’s in Music Education.
Lauren has taught a wide range of ability levels and strives to find the right kind of instruction for each student. Lessons are centered around making sure students experience success at their instrument, no matter how small. Incremental improvements can lead to big changes in the future so finding what motivates students to succeed is integral to her methods of instruction.
Sasha Berliner
Vibraphone, Marimba, Piano, Drums
Sasha Berliner is an award winning multi instrumentalist, composer, and teacher with a BFA in Jazz Performance from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. She has performed with musicians such as Nicholas Payton, Tyshawn Sorey, Warren Wolf, and Quincy Davis. She has been an experienced clinician and private educator for more than 8 years at institutions like MalletLab, The San Francisco Rock Project, and Oakland School for the Arts. She is based out of both NYC and Los Angeles, but can teach to any location via Skype or Zoom.
She teaches beginning-advanced lessons on vibraphone and marimba, beginning-intermediate lessons on drums and piano, music theory, composition, and written music notation. She has a foundation in jazz, funk, experimental, and rock music that she can draw from, depending on the student’s musical gravitations and curiosities. All ages are welcome.
Abbey Blackwell
Electric Bass, Double Bass
Abbey Blackwell is a multi-faceted bassist in Seattle, WA. She is a member of many scenes in Seattle’s varied music community, including the improvised, rock, classical, and jazz spheres. She plays in a variety of groups around Seattle, performing live and recording with Macklemore, Myrkur, La Luz, Thousands, Red Ribbon, Cassandra Jenkins, amongst others.
In addition to playing in many groups, she composes for and leads the avant-garde band Rae, which features her compositions and group improvisation.
Outside of performing and recording, she teaches private lessons, as well as coaches through the Jazz Scholars program and the Jazz Night School. Abbey holds a master’s degree in Jazz and Improvised Music and a bachelor’s of music in Double Bass Performance from the University of Washington.
Jean Mann
Ukulele
I’ve been teaching private, one-on-one lessons for over 5 years – beginning ukulele – kids to adults. My goal is for students to learn new skills and have fun while doing so!
I teach via Zoom, FaceTime, Skype etc
Let’s make some happy noise together!
Joe Davey
Guitar, Plucked Strings, Piano, Drums and Audio Engineering
Joe Davey is a musician and engineer with more than 20 years of combined experience in the field of music. Mainly a guitar and plucked strings kinda guy, he also teaches piano, drums, and audio engineering.
Rutger Wagner
Composition, Home Recording, Booking and Artist Strategy Consultation
Rutger Wagner has been playing and performing music since 2006 and composing his own music since 2011. He is experienced with several styles of playing and entirely self taught. His lessons emphasize DIY musicianship(including multi-instrumental composition, home recording, building/booking your own band and more)
He has played in over a dozen bands from New Orleans to Vancouver B.C.
Rutger believes music is to be shared and celebrated regardless of identity or income. See statement of inclusion/payment plans on his website.
Ryan Burns
Piano, Bass, Guitar
Ryan Burns teaches lessons via Zoom or at Burien School of Music, which he founded in 2010. Specializing in jazz, blues, rock and pop, the owner/instructor studied at Berklee School of Music in Boston, and has taught at the University of Puget Sound, Pacific Lutheran University, and Cornish College of the Arts. Burns has performed with Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famers Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin, Yardbirds), Matt Cameron (Pearl Jam, Soundgarden), Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), Ann & Nancy Wilson (Heart); as well as with elite jazz artists such as Wayne Horvitz, Skerik, Matt Jorgensen, Thomas Marriott and others.
Nils Petersen
Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Voice, Trombone, and song writing
Nils Petersen is multi instrumentalist, has been playing music since the age of 3, and comes from a family of teachers. He offers a fun environment for students to hone their skills and build a solid foundation in the theory and practice of music. He will cater to the needs and goals of each student individually while strengthening their ability as a player and performer. Nils is a long-standing musician within the Seattle community, he performs under the name Hotel Vignette as well as being part of HYWAYS, Lonely Mountain Lovers, and the now defunct group Rose Windows. He also collaborates with Jeremy Enigk, Vince Mira, Caitlin Sherman, Tomo Nakayama, and Lydia Ramsy, amongst others. Nils is available for Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Voice, Trombone, and song writing. [email protected]
Faustine Hudson
Drums
Faustine Hudson has been studying the drum for 29 years, starting when she was 8
years old. The drum has been a profound teacher and tool for her in connection to herself.
We all are born with the natural rhythms of the heartbeat and breathing.
Using mindfulness and paying attention to what is going on with the body we will
explore and play with rhythm, using favorite songs as the jumping off point we will be
breaking them down to being able to play along by the end of the lesson. We will
integrate intention setting and staying connected to the body while learning how to
navigate our own internal rhythm and feel.
www.faustinehudson.com
Blake Lewis
Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Ukulele, Mandolin
Proficient multi-instrumentalist of fifteen years who has been teaching beginning keyboarding and music theory to K-5’s for over eight years. Loves working with children, and collaborating with other artists to help produce and add to their vision. A definitive team player. Owner and booker of NxNW Records since 2011.
Ananda Vaughan
Guitar, Bass, Theory
Blues, Jazz, RnB, Folk, Rock, Fingerstyle, many styles covered!! Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Bass, and Theory available, as well as Ukulele and Mandolin
When he’s not in the studio, or on the road, touring with artists such as The Polish Ambassador, Wildlight, and BrightSide Blue, Ananda teaches private and group lessons professionally and at Nevada City School of the Arts, a local K-8 Charter, where he also runs an after school rock band. With over 30 years under his belt as a guitarist, he brings a wide range of expertise to the table.
anandavmusic.com/lessons
Ben Bloom
Guitar
Ben Bloom is an accomplished guitarist, composer and band leader who is best known for his instrumental work with bands: Polyrhythmics , Unsinkable Heavies and more.
Ben has taught new and seasoned guitar players how to find their own voice on the instrument for over 20 years and now with the sudden cancellation of almost all gigging and travel, the schedule is open for virtual lessons from my studio to your home live over the web via Skype , Zoom , Facetime and more!
Birch Pereira
Bass (Electric and Upright), Ukulele, piano, guitar, vocals, music theory, composition
Birch Pereira is a NW musician with years of experience touring, composing and recording in a multitude of genres while also leading his own bands the Gin Joints and Theoretics. With a degree in jazz bass performance from the University of Washington he teaches upright/electric bass, ukulele, piano, guitar, vocals, music theory and composition.
[email protected]
Todd Kovell
Cello
I have been teaching cello lessons in Seattle for over 20 years to both children and adults. I bring a creative and positive approach to each lesson, and have the ability to connect with students of all ages and backgrounds.
My teaching success includes preparing many young students to major in music at the college level. My students have attended the Interlochen and Marrowstone music camps, have been the principal cellist in the Cascade Youth Symphony, played in
the Seattle Youth Symphon. I have taught adult beginners who have gone on to study with prestigious players such as Nathan Whittaker.
http://phinneymusic.com/cello-lessons
Karl Olson
Drums, Percussion
Karl Olson is a drummer and percussionist best known for his work with Instrumental Funk group Polyrhythmics, and Americana-Rock band Polecat. An alumni of Western Washington University, he graduated with a BA in Music in 2006. He has been active in the PNW music scene for well over a decade performing, teaching and recording. An energetic teacher that uses his combination of formal tra
ining and performance experience, Karl seeks to help students find their voice on drum kit, hand drums and auxiliary percussion. All ages, levels of experience, and interests welcome!
Henry LaVallee
Drums, Guitar
Henry has been teaching at School of Rock and freelance since 2017. With drums as his first instrument, he likes to focus on technique and helping each player find their unique voice. He has also taught guitar for 3 years and loves to focus on jazz, classical, and folk theory.
[email protected]
Whitney Lyman
Voice, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Theory
I am teaching voice, piano, guitar, uke, & theory lessons via skype, zoom or any preferred video chat app. Discounted rates will be $40/hr (I am also flexible with the rates given individual circumstances.
[email protected]
Tela Hogle
Guitar, Ukulele
I have been teaching music for over 20 years. There is nothing that brings me joy more than seeing my students experience the joy that playing music brings to them.
[email protected]
Tai Shan
Guitar, Singing, Songwriting
As a Music Educator with 15 years of experience, Tai Shan has won for her supportive approach to teaching music and songwriting and has developed a large and respected private studio. She has helped students achieve their goals by designing a curriculum that takes them from beginning guitar to on-stage performance. As former student Briana Marela (K Records) stated, “Tai gave me the courage to go out and perform.” To date, Tai’s students have toured the U.S, signed Record Label deals, performed on stages across the country, Released over 20 Cd’s, won Songwriter of the Year and John Lennon Songwriting Competition.
taishanmusicschool.com
Skyler Mehal
Guitar, Bass, Music Theory
Teaching completes me as a musician, It helps me to learn grow and develop as a person! I find so much joy in sharing my craft and helping others find the same love that I have for it. Music is my life, and I will do my best to spread my knowledge to those who seek it.
[email protected]
Lee Bob
Guitar, Ukulele, Band, Writing, Recording
I teach guitar and piano, primarily. Group lessons with young learners incorporate drums, percussion and a wide array of other instruments for variety and familiarity. I also work with teens and adults on songwriting and recording. A new focus, which I find to be popular, is small groups of kids, teens or adults who learn together in casual, continuous sessions. These groups can be facilitated online — with classes, lesson materials and message boards — and really come to life in “real world” gatherings, which are great social experiences for families and friends of all ages.
[email protected]
Justin Davis
Guitar
I teach regular weekly guitar lessons at the Island Music Guild on Bainbridge Island, and can also be reached for single, hour-long sessions online through Zoom or Facetime.
I love teaching guitar lessons. It is fulfilling, joyful work I have done with success since starting teaching in 1999. Teaching guitar is a constant reminder that music is a gift. When a student reaches past a previous goal, writes a first song, or their eyes light up with a sudden new understanding, it makes everything feel new again for me too. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to teach and share with my students.
http://justinsdavis.com/
Greta Harley
Piano, Guitar, Voice
Gretta Harley has been teaching piano, guitar, voice for over two decades. Classical, jazz, rock, pop. Student-centered learning. Dalcroze certified. Small children and adults and every age and level between. Former Cornish faculty.
https://www.grettaharleymusic.com/music-lessons.html
Glenn Crytzer
Guitar, Music Theory, Composition/Songwriting
Glenn Crytzer holds an MM in music composition from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a BM in composition from the Florida State University. Based in NYC Crytzer is at the forefront of the revival of jazz from the 20s, 30s and 40s. His big band, The Glenn Crytzer Orchestra, was named Best Group in the 2017 NYC Jazz Awards. He has performed at concerts, dances, and events from coast to coast and his music has appeared in dozens of TV shows and Films.
[email protected]
Fae Wiedenhoeft
Voice, Guitar, Ukulele, Performance, Acting, Audition Coaching
Private voice, guitar, and ukulele lessons; songwriting, performance/acting/audition coaching too, with award winning, singer songwriter, Fae Wiedenhoeft. Bothell location. Skype is a go!
Erika Gersten
Piano, Voice, Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele
Erika teaches piano, vocal, acoustic guitar, and ukulele lessons to all ages and skill levels. Her favorite lessons aren’t “by the book” and often focus on ear training, songwriting, and improvisation. Erika also emphasizes performance and hosts two recitals per year, as well as organizing open mic trips, karaoke, and even busking!
Erika has spent most of her music career as a solo cover artist and learns most of her songs by ear. Erika’s band, Vanilla Abstract is releasing their first EP this Summer.
Dylan Welsh
Guitar
With, Practical Guitar Lessons I aim to teach students concepts that are immediately applicable in real musical settings. As a professional session guitarist, as well as an alumni of Berklee College of Music, I have spent years developing my playing in real life musical settings. I can show you how to not only learn the instrument, but learn the skills needed to succeed at the jam session, on stage, or in the studio.
welshdyl.wixsite.com/dwelshlessons
Jon Pontrello
Guitar, lap/pedal steel, ukulele, banjo, piano, synthesizer, bass, tambourine, harp, sequencing, Chome Music Lab
Music lessons for beginners and those wishing to have a more comprehensive understanding of how music works. Instruments: Guitar, lap/pedal steel, ukulele, banjo, piano, synthesizer, bass, tambourine, harp, sequencing, Chome Music Lab.
Jon has been teaching music in Seattle since 2008. He has performed and recorded as a member of the Moondoggies since 2011. He believes understanding how music works is the key to learning how to practice so that you can become the type of musician you want to be.
www.pcmusicinstruction.com
Heather Thomas
Drums
Heather Thomas got her start in the Seattle scene as the kind of drummer who can learn an entire set in one day, play the show like she’s been in the band for years, and sit in with the next band ripping a killer funk tune with pocket or tastefully giving a singer-songwriter a settled-in groove.. Heather is also a skilled and experienced teacher, and will be accepting new students in each city, as well as looking for opportunities to teach drum clinics.
https://www.heatherthomasmusic.com/book-online
Kai Strandskov
Drums, Percussion
I’ve been performing, touring, and recording as a drummer and percussionist for 25 years. My background in trumpet also provided me with ear training and music theory that I use as a composer. I’ve recently taken up theremin–a fretless and touchless instrument that challenges my intonation abilities. Through these experiences, I have a broad perspective on instrumentation, texture, and the integration of percussion and music.
I always tailor my private lessons to the goals of my students. As we work toward your goals, I weave in core concepts while encouraging each student’s own voice or style. My primary philosophy is that music should be rewarding, so I want to help you have fun
today, see progress tomorrow, and also build a foundation to set you up for success in future challenges.
http://kaistrandskov.com/lessons/
Chase Culp
Drums
Chase Culp customizes his lessons with each student to meet their needs and learning styles while maintaining a consistent curriculum that teaches the basics of drumming and most importantly musicianship. Chase holds a BA in Music Education from University of Utah. During his tenure there, Chase was a member of the award winning National Champion U of U Percussion Ensemble. He has also played on Robert Schuller’s Hour of Power, toured though out the United States, Australia, Caribbean, and South America
Sada James Doup
Violin, Viola
Sada James Doup offers private violin and viola lessons, available online or in person at 8th Note Music Studios in Marysville, WA. Incorporating classical, fiddle, jazz and improvisation into her lesson plans, Sada and her students explore the many melodies, harmonies and rhythms that always seem to find their way into our lives.
www.sadajames.com
Craig Suede
Guitar, Ukulele Voice
Craig Suede is a full-time musician located in Seattle, WA after years performing music in San Diego, CA and traveling the world writing curriculum/training teachers for the education company, Quantum Learning Network. He is known locally for his vocal range/strength/harmonies, multi-genre guitar playing, and supportive presence in the scene.
Andrew Joslyn
Teaching Music Publishing, Licensing, and Supervision
Music licensing and publishing sheds light on the behind-the-scenes of music monetization and how licensing is the touch point to generating revenue for artists, songwriters, labels and music publishers. Throughout the course, students will learn to set up themselves with a performance rights organization, register their copyrights and properly do all of the label copy necessary to really put out a piece of music into the world.
www.andrewjoslynmusic.com
Olivia Hamilton
Bass (Electric and Upright), Voice
Olivia Hamilton is a professional bassist and vocalist who enjoys performing both locally and internationally. As an instructor, her teaching philosophy is that every student is an individual and their instruments (whatever those instruments may be) are as unique as the students themselves. She works with her students to reach whatever goals they may have set together, whether that is polishing student’s skills in a specific genre, or focusing on sustainable technique and navigating changes in voice or a growing body. As a performer, Olivia strives for consummate musicianship and lets her experience across genres and mediums of performance inform her music making. Whether she is in a theatre pit, on the stage, or in a bar: she is passionate for the art she gets to share. For more information, check out oliviadhamilton.com
Max Holmberg
Drums (Jazz)
I primarily work with intermediate/advanced drummers but I’m open to interested beginners as well. I specialize in jazz drumming but all styles (with the exception of metal) are covered.
https://www.percussivejazz.com/lessons
Dan Marcus
Trombone & Low Brass, Jazz Improv
5 years lead bone with Ray Charles Orch, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Same goes for Woody Herman and other touring bands. First call @ the Paramount and 5th Ave Theatres for about 20 years. Currently lead bone with SRJO, Maceo Parker big band and a number of other groups. Sideman on hundreds of jazz & salsa recordings. Backed up just about every “name” who uses a bone.
[email protected]
Kevin Nortness
Saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, piano, upright bass, flute
I’ve been working as a musician and educator in Seattle for over twenty-five years. I am trained as a composer, improvisor, and audio engineer. As a teacher I specialize in normalizing the act of making music in the home. This usually ends up with me accompanying my students on piano, and family regularly listening in on lessons- just hanging out, relaxing, and enjoying the music. First and foremost, this is my goal- for all of my students to feel completely comfortable taking out their instrument and just playing. Someone asks “Hey, play us something.” My student’s answer is always “You betcha!” I never make my students prepare for recitals. For us, every day is just another day in the continuum of simply being a musical person. That said, I still teach music theory, instrumental techniques, etc., but I just sneak all that stuff in while we’re busy having fun. And yes, I do help my students prepare for band concerts, get good grades on proficiency tests, and pass auditions… but then we get right back to the good stuff.
Website: www.imakemusicwithmyfriends.com
Music Schools
Here are a couple music schools that offer virtual classes and employ a number of working musicians who have been impacted by canceled gigs and lost wages due to COVID-19.
Meter Music School
All Instruments for Kids
Established in 2011, Meter provides music lessons and classes for all ages and levels. Our goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment for learning an instrument in private lessons or group classes. We believe that fun comes first with weekly music lessons.
https://www.metermusicschool.com/
Mode Music School
Piano, Vocal Guitar, Bss Drum, Ukulele, Accodion, Strings, Brass, Woodwind
Mode Music Studios employs over 50 teaching artists in the local Seattle scene. From shows and festivals to the lesson room, Mode promises quality lessons from local, professional musicians for all ages and instruments.
https://modemusicstudios.com/
Music Works NW
MWNW serves over 600 students annually for individual and group lessons, plus Summer Camps and outreach and support to public school music programs, which touches many more budding musicians. I have been fortunate to serve on the board for the past 8 years.
Minnesota Conservator for the Arts
Piano, Voice, Percussion, Guitar, Strings, Woodwinds, and Brass
MCA is a non-profit community arts school and affiliate of Saint Mary’s University of MN. Each year MCA serves over 14,000 community members through music, theatre, dance, and visual arts lessons, classes, camps, and performances. MCA has a team of over 20 music instructors and offers online instruction in nearly all instruments. All ages invited!
https://mca.smumn.edu/
If you are a music teacher looking to be added to this database, please email [email protected]