About Me:ShowI have a BA in Music Education with training in Orff and Kodaly Early Music Education strategies, which reflect natural acquisition of melodic and rhythmic skills through singing and movement. I advocate giving students an approach which balances left and right brain, or playing from music and by ear. My eclectic approach is influenced by the Suzuki music materials and strategies, which I freely adapt to each student. My philosophy of teaching is influenced by current brain research and learning theory which emphasizes that we learn best when there is a positive affect, when we are enjoying the process. I can teach as much music theory and note reading as the student has inclination to learn music through the left brain, or take a patient right brain, rote learning approach, piece by piece from example or with the guitar, using tablature. This means recognizing students' strengths and learning style to keep the lessons positive and productive regardless of aptitude. In general, I believe everyone benefits through creative self-expression. The best lessons give students an opportunity to personally express themselves, however humbly, in music that they have enjoyed hearing and aspire to play. And in this way they build skills, motivation, and confidence simultaneously.

Styles: Blues, Jazz, Folk, Classical, Pop, Celtic, Bluegrass

Ages: Elementary School, Pre-teen, Teenage, Adult

Education: BA Music Education (Bachelor of Arts), Humboldt State University [1982]

Rick M. - Lynnwood, 98036

About Me:ShowI have a BA in Music Education with training in Orff and Kodaly Early Music Education strategies, which reflect natural acquisition of melodic and rhythmic skills through singing and movement. I advocate giving students an approach which balances left and right brain, or playing from music and by ear. My eclectic approach is influenced by the Suzuki music materials and strategies, which I freely adapt to each student. My philosophy of teaching is influenced by current brain research and learning theory which emphasizes that we learn best when there is a positive affect, when we are enjoying the process. I can teach as much music theory and note reading as the student has inclination to learn music through the left brain, or take a patient right brain, rote learning approach, piece by piece from example or with the guitar, using tablature. This means recognizing students' strengths and learning style to keep the lessons positive and productive regardless of aptitude. In general, I believe everyone benefits through creative self-expression. The best lessons give students an opportunity to personally express themselves, however humbly, in music that they have enjoyed hearing and aspire to play. And in this way they build skills, motivation, and confidence simultaneously.

Styles: Blues, Jazz, Folk, Classical, Pop, Celtic, Bluegrass

Ages: Elementary School, Pre-teen, Teenage, Adult

Education: BA Music Education (Bachelor of Arts), Humboldt State University [1982]