The ability to express oneself through music is an incredible gift and a invaluable tool for navigating life’s joys and sorrows. The time I spend teaching your child is about more than learning to play an instrument or writing and recording songs — it’s about building a foundation for a lifetime of creativity + self expression.
During lessons, I’ll be empowering your child to follow their great ideas, helping give voice to their inspiration, teaching them tools + techniques on their instrument, and nurturing their God-given creativity.
I offer lessons for children ages five and up on piano/keyboard, guitar, banjo, and ukulele. For students with no experience on an instrument, I highly recommend beginning with keyboard. I do teach adults as well. Younger students and other instruments are on a case by case basis.
GOALS + OBJECTIVES:
My two main goals in teaching are for my students to fall in love with making music, and for them to gain the skills necessary for music to truly be accessible to them.
As a musician, accessibility doesn’t mean only being able to play when I have sheet music or a chord chart in front of me — accessibility looks like being able to teach myself to play songs I hear that inspire me, being able to write my own songs + express what is in my heart, and being able to collaborate + make music with other musicians. Here’s how I work to accomplish those goals with my students:
+ I teach my students how to play their instruments using their own passions as motivation. I allow what is currently inspiring each student to inform my approach with them, so that they are eager to learn from me and curious about exploring music between lessons without coercion.
An outdoor recital…
+ I teach my students how to develop simple song ideas into completed songs that they can record and share with others.
+ I teach my students how to teach themselves to play songs by ear as we explore the songs that inspire them together.
+ I teach my students how to collaborate with other musicians by normalizing making music together with them.
+ I take every opportunity to incorporate technique and theory, and when students express interest in learning classical pieces I work with them on reading sheet music as well.
Noah Star Weaver after a great hike in the North Cascades…
BACKGROUND + EXPERIENCE:
I’ve been teaching private music lessons since 2002, including 10 years of traditional lessons for all ages, many years of songwriting lessons for kids, and several seasons at the School of Rock in Seattle. I minored in Music and majored in European Studies with an emphasis in French at Seattle Pacific University. After SPU, I studied composition through Cornish with Janice Giteck, an American composer who studied under French composer Olivier Messiaen.
I’m a songwriter + musician who has been actively making music with my two bands since the 90’s — we’ve recorded 5 albums and several singles thus far, been on numerous tours in the US + Japan, and licensed songs domestically + abroad. I’ve also recorded over 50 original songs with my wife + child, and have played on various worship teams over the years. I continue to write a handful of songs each month, with worship being my heart + primary focus.
I currently work as a private music teacher, an organic farmer, and as the Minister of Prayer + Worship for a non-profit organization that provides resources + support for the poor + marginalized in Africa, India, and the Middle East. In the fall of 2022, I moved my family to my hometown of Marblemount, in the beautiful North Cascades, to teach music, farm, and live off the land!
My most recent background/fingerprint check was performed on 03/15/24 in the state of Washington, which confirmed that I am cleared to work with children. I am happy to provide proof of this clearance to any students or potential students, upon request.
THE IN-PERSON LESSONS FINE PRINT:
For in-person lessons, I teach two Rounds of lessons a year, a shorter Round in the fall and a longer Round in the winter/spring. The Fall 2025 Round runs from the first week in September through the second week in December, for a total of 15 weeks, with a recital the afternoon of Sunday, December 14.
I’ve found teaching in Rounds helps motivate my students. Much like a season of sports, it helps students focus on a clear goal and enables them to complete the season with a sense of accomplishment. Each Round includes instrument lessons while writing a song (or learning a song the student loves), a live recording at the final lesson, and the opportunity to play in the end-of-Round recital.
Lessons are $35 for 30 minutes, which begin promptly at the top and bottom of the hour (2:00, 2:30, 3:00, etc). For in-person lessons, payment for the entire season is required, even if the student takes a week off due to sickness or travel. A $70 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your timeslot. Monthly payments are due by the first of each month. Fees will be applied for late payments. Parents must sign off on our Parent Expectations + Teacher Commitments policies before lessons can begin, and an adult must be present for lessons with minors (we do not permit drop-offs). Late start students are welcome and will be prorated. I appreciate cash and also accept CashApp and Venmo. I no longer accept checks, no exceptions.
THE ONLINE LESSONS FINE PRINT:
I offer online lessons as they fit into my schedule on Mondays and Wednesdays, and have dedicated online days on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 2:00pm to 7:00pm. New students are welcome to start lessons at any point in the month. Lessons are currently $35 for 30 minutes, and begin at the top and bottom of the hour (2:00, 2:30, 3:00, etc). Lessons take place over Zoom, which enables me to begin the lesson on time, even if the student is late. My business Administrator will invoice each student monthly via CashApp or Venmo. I ask students to make a monthly commitment and give 14 days notice, should they wish to discontinue lessons. If adequate notice is not provided, a no-notice fee will be applied. Payment for the month is due before the month begins. Fees will be applied for late payments.
Click here to listen to a few sample songs from my students, sign up for lessons, or check out my records!