Music composition lessons are, in fact, just like lessons on an instrument, but instead of weekly practice on that instrument, students are required to practice composition by *writing* music each week. Lessons focus on the craft of composition and on music theory. Both are universal to composing in all genres of music. As we lay the groundwork, I will help your student explore the particular genres they are most interested in, whether it be classical, songwriting, worship, jazz, video game music, working with a DAW, hymn-writing, pop/rock… whatever it might be! Or, if they're not sure, that's even better, because we learn much by exploration! I grew up in Vancouver, steeped in its rich musical community. I studied piano, clarinet, and jazz piano before attending Western Washington Univ. from which I received a B.A. in music, focusing on music education, but also investing much in music theory and history. I went on to study composition privately with Roger Briggs, culminating in one year of a Master’s degree in composition at the Jacobs School at Indiana University. I absolutely love my job as a teacher of music, recognizing that young, aspiring musicians growing up in households of faith look to their teachers as examples of how to be close followers of Jesus Christ. Even as we learn how to become better musicians, it is even more important to become better followers of Christ, knowing who we are in Him. I seek to model Keith Getty’s charge: “Be the best musician you can be and make sure that your faith is growing faster than your music.”
Pricing $29 per 40 minute lesson
Requirements:
One year of private lessons on an instrument or voice.
Music theory lessons (private study) are geared toward high school-aged students (15-18+) who know how to play their instrument but want to take the next steps with learning theory. (See requirements). Students will begin with the basics (unless already proficient on a given topic): fundamentals, intervals, chords, and scales, and then onto intermediate topics, such as the diatonic chords, the application of scales, chord progressions, keys, rhythm and harmony, and time signatures. Each day constitutes a lesson on a particular topic, and a weekly assignment to apply what we’ve learned. Often, the assignment applies the theory directly to the instrument they are already playing in order to make it relevant to their particular instrument. Lastly, (unless already proficient) lessons will include an introduction to the very basics of playing at a keyboard and music reading. (Note: If you are already taking lessons from me of another kind, you're already receiving lessons in basic and intermediate theory, just over a longer period of time. This is a one-on-one course that concentrates those lessons into 16 weeks designed for older students who are self-taught on their instrument, or older students who have not been taught much theory or might want a refresher course.)
As with all of my lessons that Firmly Planted, I seek to stress the importance of using our God-given talents to serve Him. I seek to model Keith Getty’s charge to musicians: “Be the best musician you can be and make sure that your faith is growing faster than your music.”
Pricing $33 per 40 minute lesson
Requirements:
Must posses some level of proficiency at playing their instrument (or voice), for example, at least a year of lessons, or, a self-taught guitar or piano player who knows how to play at least 5 songs (any genre) from beginning to end.
Hello! My name is Emily, and I am a music teacher new to Firmly Planted. Private lessons are a great opportunity for learning music one-on-one. During lessons, students can expect to learn piano technique, creative expression, and how to read music. The piano lessons I teach are tailored to each student's ability, age, interests, learning styles, and goals. Whether you are a beginner, returner, or a virtuoso, I offer beginning through advanced piano instruction.
About the teacher: I graduated from Central Washington University, majoring in music education and performance with a full teaching certificate. This is my thirteenth year of teaching and I look forward to many more!
A note: I have experience in teaching special education and love working with students of all abilities and varying needs.
$30 per class
Requirements:
No limits! I work with students of all ages and abilities.
Hello! My name is Jennifer Faulkner, and I welcome this opportunity to help raise up a new generation of musicians and worshippers at Firmly Planted! I love teaching piano, and do so with creativity, kindness, and FUN! My varied experience with Neurotypical and Neurodivergent students allows me to create individual lesson plans based on age, level of ability, and goals of learning for each student. MANY off-the-bench games and proven curriculum are used to support all musical aspects that create excellent musicians! Details: Lessons are for ages 6 - adult, beginning to intermediate levels. Tuition for weekly 30-minute lessons is $110 per month; 45-minute lessons are $155 per month. BIO: I offer a lifetime of music education, performance, worship leading, and private teaching experience. Armed with a BA in Music from Simpson College (now Simpson University), I've taught private lessons for 30+ years, homeschooled my children for several years, taught 3-year-olds at a Christian preschool, and have worked in the public education system as Special Ed and Kindergarten Paraprofessional. I am a licensed KiddyKeys Preschool Music program teacher and have taught at various Camas/Vancouver preschools. One of my most challenging and rewarding life-time experiences was creating and implementing a school wide music education and choral program for a private Christian School.
Requirements:
Ages 6 on up, beginning to early intermediate students. Able to commit to weekly attendance for the duration of the semester. Agree to practice 4-5imes a week, for 20-40 minutes.
Must have daily access to a quality keyboard or piano. Parental or sibling help and support, especially for ages 6-10. Willingness to perform at end of year recital (or other pre-arranged option).
(7) Ability to purchase curriculum as recommended by teacher.
Welcome to my piano studio!
My name is Jonathan Metz, and I am a piano teacher, music composition teacher, and choir director, and I absolutely love my job as a teacher of music, recognizing that young, aspiring musicians growing up in households of faith look to their teachers as examples of how to be close followers of Jesus Christ. Even as we learn how to become better musicians, it is even more important to become better followers of Christ, knowing who we are in Christ. I seek to model Keith Getty’s charge to musicians: “Be the best musician you can be and make sure that your faith is growing faster than your music.”
I seek first to pave a strong foundation for each of my students in classical and traditional music repertoire through the Piano Adventures method book series, (I am also willing to work with transfer students who may be in another series). In addition, I think it's important that students are also able to play the things that they're most interested in, so I work hard to incorporate individual interests into the lesson track.
My students are strongly encouraged to participate in Firmly Planted’s studio recitals, which usually take place near the end of each semester.
I grew up in Vancouver in the home piano studio run by my mom, Judy Ebel. After lessons with her, I studied jazz piano with Portland jazzer, George Mitchell, and then went to study music education at Western Washington University, where I continued my piano studies with Milica Jelaca Jovanovic. Later, I began a Masters at Indiana University to study music composition.
Pricing $28 per 30 minute lesson
I teach private piano lessons Levels 1-6, with a commitment to developing students’ piano playing skills and love for music in a nurturing environment. I am a graduate of Prairie Bible College and Pensacola Christian College, with a Level 10 Piano Certificate from Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto) and over 35 years teaching experience, especially classical and church music. I use Faber Piano Adventures as the basic curriculum, which presents a variety of musical styles through fun pieces and duets with teacher. Additional supplemental “favorite” pieces are encouraged, according to the student’s interest. There are two opportunities a year to perform in recitals. Fee is $100/month for 30 minute lesson (young beginners) or $140/month for 45 minute lesson (older beginners and intermediate).
Requirements:
A piano or keyboard at home for practice.
Focused practice 20 min/day ages 5-7 and 30 min/day ages 8+.
Faber Piano Adventures Lesson, Technique, Performance and Theory books, according to appropriate level.
A parent is required to be present and observe lessons for children ages 10 and under, and to provide guidance during each home practice time.
My name is Summer St. John, I’m 23 years old, and have been teaching piano for almost seven years.
This course is helpful for many things besides reading and playing music: hand-eye coordination, discipline, development of mental and fine motor skills, mastering independent tasks, and more. Whatever your interest, my goal is to make these lessons both educational and fun.
I teach beginner-intermediate lessons on note reading, chord charts, and how to play by ear. $25 per 30-minute lesson
Requirements:
Daily home practice (covering each assignment) is necessary for proper growth in any new activity.
Students require music books assigned during the first lesson.
I have built a diverse and rewarding career as a pianist and piano instructor, beginning with my college years where I studied a minor in music. I later served as a jury pianist for both high school and college students, gaining valuable experience in performance evaluation and collaborative playing. My work expanded into church music, where I provided piano accompaniment for services at a small church, and eventually into school-based instruction. At a private school, I accompanied chapel services and taught private piano students, further developing my skills as both an educator and performer. After leaving the school setting, I continued offering private piano instruction independently. Most recently, my time at Firmly Planted has allowed me to return to my passion for teaching, helping students grow in both confidence and musical ability. I am continually refining my teaching techniques and deepening my understanding of how to effectively guide new learners as they begin their musical journeys. I charge $100 a month for 30 min lessons.
Requirements:
Must be at least 6 years old and reading somewhat independently. Beginning or Intermediate level is acceptable.
Hi, I’m Andrea! I am a voice teacher dedicated to helping singers discover their authentic voice. I specialize in tailoring lessons to fit each student’s unique goals. Whether you want to develop proper breath support, improve stage presence, explore genre-specific styles, or strengthen your overall vocal technique, I keep vocal health at the forefront of every lesson. I have taken voice lessons for many years, completed college-level music courses, and attended worship ministry school. I have also spent years performing and teaching, allowing me to bring both practical experience and technical knowledge to my lessons. When I’m not behind the piano, you’ll find me walking my dogs in nature, writing original music, and spending time with my family. If you’re ready to find your voice, reach out to book a trial lesson and get started today.
Weekly 45 minute lessons $40
Requirements:
Have a desire to learn to sing, willingness to practice, and arrive prepared.
Hello! My name is Jennifer Faulkner. I welcome this wonderful opportunity to help raise a new generation of singers and worshippers at Firmly Planted. I love teaching beginning voice students, and do so with creativity, kindness, and FUN! My varied experiences working with Neurotypical and Neurodivergent students allow me to facilitate creative vocal lessons per the needs and abilities of each student.
I use a mixed-voice approach (as opposed to a strictly classical approach) to help students sing the songs they want to. We cover vocal care and anatomy, breathwork, voice placement, harmonies, ear and pitch training, etc.
Details: Lessons are for ages 8 - adult. Tuition for weekly 30-minute lessons is $110 per month; 45-minute lessons are $155 per month. BIO: I offer a lifetime of music education, performance, worship leading, and private teaching experience. Equipped with a BA in Music from Simpson College (now Simpson University), I've taught private lessons for over 30+ years, homeschooled my children, taught at a Christian preschool, and have worked in the public education system as a Paraprofessional in Special Ed and Kindergarten. One of my most challenging and rewarding music teaching experiences was creating and implementing a school wide music education and choral program for a private Christian School.
Requirements:
Must be at least 8 years old. Be able to commit to weekly attendance of lessons and practice for the duration of the semester. Agree and sign the lesson policy agreement.
Must have access to a computer, phone, or CD player for practice, along with a private place to work on vocal skills and songs. Be willing to perform at end of year recital (or other pre-arranged option).