Quick Facts about Julia
- Teaches Piano to all ages and abilities, prefer children 5+ and adults, beginner and intermediate
- Will teach a combined Piano/guitar lesson
- Can work with you to play piano and sing at the same time
- Teaches all styles, especially Classical and Pop
- Associate of Arts (High Honors) from Normandale Community College
- Ongoing Bachelor of Arts - Music Theory from University of Washington
- Teaches all styles, especially Classical and Pop
- Also has experience with guitar, voice, upright and electric bass
Learn more about Julia
General Teaching Style
I believe in a well-rounded approach to music lessons that will give my students all of the basic building blocks they need to be great musicians, as well as a sense of fun and curiosity towards music. Along with all of the topics covered in my curriculum, it’s important to me that my students also learn skills that they can apply to other aspects of their lives, like discipline, creativity, patience, and perseverance. Ultimately, however, the biggest benefit I want my students to gain from lessons is a joy, passion, and appreciation for music they can take with them for the rest of their lives!
Curriculum
I use the Faber Piano Adventures series as a base and supplement it with technical handouts to cover aspects of music like rhythm, reading music and sight-reading, ear training, good technique, and a solid music theory base. I also customize my curriculum by adding songs we’ll choose together based on your favorite style: some songs I teach frequently are video game and TV show themes like Howl's Moving Castle, classical pieces like Handel's Sarabande, and pop favorites like White Horse by Taylor Swift.
Focus & Goals of the First Lesson
In the first lesson, I want to get to know the student and see if they’re a good fit. I’ll ask why they signed up for lessons and what kind of music they enjoy playing or listening to. If they don’t have any prior experience with piano, we’ll get started right away on the basic components of piano such as rhythm, fingering, and how to sit at the piano correctly! By the end of the lesson, they’ll have learned a simple song so they can leave the lesson feeling accomplished.
For more experienced students, we’ll discuss their goals in more depth, and I’ll have them play for me so I can gauge their skill level and knowledge in all of the different aspects of music, like theory and ear training. Based on their strengths and their areas of interest, we’ll pick a new song for them to start learning right away. Ultimately, the goal is to get to know each other and establish some musical goals for future lessons.
Easy-going and empathetic Teacher
Transcribing by ear/arranging songs using Musescore
Composition
Experienced working with students on the autism spectrum
As a teacher, I am easy-going and empathetic. I want lessons to be a fun, safe space for my students to develop their love and passion for music!
Most Inspirational Music Moments and Experiences
I’m inspired every time a student shows curiosity and passion about piano, but one of my proudest moments was training a student to become a piano teacher herself.
I have played 1000+ concerts across the country, performed on radio and television, recorded two albums, and participated in choir and orchestra.
Top 3 Desert Island Albums
Grace - Jeff Buckley
Rubber Soul - the Beatles
Punisher - Phoebe Bridgers