FEATURED TEACHER for Spring of 2024
Tell them we sent you!
If you would like to be a featured teacher, please contact us for more info.
Dr. Yiyi Chen
Piano, Piano Pedagogy
https://www.rainierpianostudio.com/
Email: rainierpianostudio@gmail.com
Located near Centennial Elementary School
Rainier Piano Studio welcomes students of all ages and backgrounds! Whether you are just starting out, or you are looking to refine your skills, we have customized private piano lessons for everyone. Each lesson is tailored to suit the specific needs of the student. We strive to help students and facilitate their learning with encouraging and inspiring instructions. We wish music study to be an enjoyable and life-changing experience for everyone! In addition to private piano lessons, Dr. Yiyi also offers accompanying and performing services.
Dr. Yiyi has more than 10 years of formal teaching experience, especially working with younger students. Dr. Yiyi’s musical education training includes formal coursework at New York University, where she also gained experience as a student teacher in New York Public Schools. At Northwestern University, Dr. Yiyi has taught pre-college and college students as part of her Master of Music degree program. During that time, Dr. Yiyi also represented Northwestern while presenting on music education curriculum at the Music Teachers National Association 2016 Conference in Illinois. While completing her doctorate degree at the University of Washington, Dr. Yiyi was the head teaching assistant for the school’s piano department, where she taught UW students and was also a sought-after teacher for private students at Cascade Piano Studio. Dr. Yiyi currently serves as a music faculty at Tacoma Community College, teaching applied piano lessons.
Dr. Ramona Allen
Website lakesidepiano.com
Classical/Accompanying/Performing
Olympia High School Vicinity
Phone: 943-9325
Email: ramona@allen.net
notes: We consider Ramona to be one of the very top piano teachers in the Olympia area. Students have the opportunity to play on her new 7′ Steinway grand piano and her beautiful 2 manual harpsichord.
Linda Bates/Evergreen Piano Studio
Website: https://evergreenpianostudio.com
All ages, beginners through early advanced. Local and online lessons.
7731 Spurgeon Creek Rd. SE
Olympia, WA 98513
Phone: 360-455-0120
Email: pianoclass@comcast.net
Mission statement: To instill a love of music while building a proficiency at the piano. Linda Bates has had seven years private lessons with additional college level study. She has been an Olympia area teacher for the past twenty years and has experience in eurythmy, worship music, accompanying, and musical theater. Previously, she taught in Crested Butte, Co. (what fun!) and Portland, Or. Her studio offers structured lessons in a casual environment and also online lessons. Principal course offerings are: leveled studies, classical, pop, theory, ear-training, sight-reading and lead sheets. There are also performance opportunities available. Her teaching style…encouraging and patient.
Jennifer Bowman
Website: https://olympiapiano.com/
Instrument: Piano
1826 Allegro Dr. SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 628-4505
Website: www.olympiapiano.com
Email: olympiapiano@hotmail.com
Education: Jennifer Bowman has earned music degrees in Piano Pedagogy, Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano from prestigious schools including a Masters in Music from The Julliard School, a Masters in Music from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelors of Music from Whitman College.
notes: Another top tier teacher of the Olympia area! You can feel confident that Ms. Bowman will be able to help you achieve the best possible result, whether you are a total beginner or an advanced performer wanting conservatory training.
Leola Clarke
Piano, Clarinet -Enjoys adult students!
1832 Arietta Ave., Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 943-7310
Education: BA Music Ed., Luther College U.of Minn, PLU, TESC
notes: Long time, well-loved piano teacher in the Olympia area.
Mary Jane Clarke
Instrument: Piano/Pedagogy/Available to coach other teachers
2316 Bowman Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502-4405
Phone: 360=357-6157
Email: mjclarke88@msn.com
Education: BM Piano UPS, Grad study U of W TESC Ret. Adjunct Faculty
notes: We love Mary Jane! Another beloved long-time Olympia piano teacher.
Tim Cromwell / C Notes Music
Website: http://www.cnotesmusic.com/
Phone: 360-512-3838
Located about 10 minutes South of Shelton
Education: BA in Music from Walla Walla University
Scott Cossu
Email: scott@scottCossu.com
7940 Ellison Loop NW
(360) 464-3700
note: Scott is a former Windham Hill Recording artist and nationally recognized New Age pianist. His students have given us great reviews about his knowledge and enthusiasm!
JoAnn Detlefsen
Instrument: Piano
10139 Old Hwy 99 S.E. Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 360-357-9317
Education: B.A. Elementary Ed., St. Martin’s College
Ignacio Diaz, Jr.
Web Site: www.idjronline.com
Instrument: Piano and Composition
Email Form: https://www.idjronline.com/contact
Education: BM Piano Performance, Augustana College, MM Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Northwestern University. Suzuki Instructor, apprenticeship with Yasuko Joichi, student of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, Japan.
Note: We constantly hear great things about Ignacio! He has a operated a professional grade piano teaching studio in downtown Olympia. Due to the current global pandemic, he is teaching exclusively online. He continues to have great success with students as young as 3 and 4 years old, high school, college and adult leisure students.
Sue Dick
Instrument: Piano
4675 Bush Mt. Dr. SW, Tumwater, WA 98512-6754
Phone: 943-9800
Email: sue_b_d@hotmail.com
Education: BA Elem. Ed., Elem Music Ed.
notes: We love Sue! Sue Dick is a private piano teacher in Tumwater, Washington with 35 years of teaching experience in the piano studio, elementary libraries, and elementary schools (as a substitute teacher and a 3rd grade teacher.)
Paul Duncan
Instrument: Piano
3035 59th Ct. SE Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 360-791-9427
Education: Piano study at PLU
notes: Paul is the Director of Music Ministries at St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Lacey.
Vera Dvorak
Instrument: Piano
1409 Livingston St. NE Lacey, WA 98516
Phone: 360-491-4631
Email: Ldvorak1@qwest.net
Education: M.A.Piano Performance, Music College Ivanovo, Russia. Completed studies at Kazan Conservatory in history and theory of music.
notes: In 1995, at the Kiev Conservatory her symphony music was presented at the International Competeition of Women Composers. She performed a Mozart Concerto with the Olympia Chamber Orchestra in 2001. In 2004 she played 25 shows with the Capital Playhouse.
Mrs. Dvorak is a passionate, dynamic and highly respected piano teacher.
Carrie Edwards
Instrument: Piano
Phone: (360) 790-9013
Email: cedwards61@comcast.net
Education: Bachelor’s degree – including piano, vocal and classroom music education.
Experienced piano teacher – fun, innovative lessons; improvisation & classical methods; variety of musical styles.
Children, youth and adult lessons; beginner to advanced; evening and Saturday appointments only.
Lorna Eder (A)
Piano, Accompanying
4500 Ruddell Rd SE, #55, Lacey WA 98503
661-904-6482, cell
Paul Edwards
3315 Gunstone St SW, Olympia, WA 98512
Phone: 360-888-0085
Email: pm88@comcast.net
notes: Paul is a beloved teacher by many students in the greater Olympia area. His contagious enthusiasm and ability to relate well to children has made him a highly successful teacher. He also can travel to people’s homes for lessons.
Laura Fairbanks
Piano, Flute, Recorder
Teaches piano at Yenney Music in West Olympia and also at her home in Tumwater, near South Puget Sound Community College.
Phone: (360) 870-6990
Email: henderson301@comcast.net
Website: www.lauramusicstudio.com
Education: B.S. in Music Education & Music Therapy from Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN
notes: Laura is one of the nicest piano teachers you will ever meet! Her love of music and her nurturing spirit make her an Olympia favorite.
Cherie Felts
Instrument: Piano/Accompanying
936 Gregory Way SE, Olympia, WA 98513
Phone: 491-5452
Email: llamafamily@aol.com
Education: Church/worship music and accompanist training, Multnomah Bible College
notes: Cherie is a delightful person, and one of the backbone members of the Olympia Music Teachers Association.
Nadine Funchion
Instrument: Voice, Piano
Phone: (360) 359-3225
Email: funchionmusic@gmail.com
Jaysen Geissler
Phone: 360-470-4723
Email: jaysenblake@gmail.com
Music reading, playing by ear, jazz, rock, improvisation, beginning to intermediate classical
-Music Director for Apple Tree Productions
-Pianist for Olympia Jazz Senators and the Edgewater Trio
-Studied piano performance at the Lionel Hampton School of Music 2015-2016
Jennifer Hermann
Instrument: Piano
Olympia, WA 98506
Phone: 570-1952
Email: jrolympia@comcast.net
Education: BM Piano Performance, WSUMM Piano Performance & Pedagogy, Florida St.U.
Debbie Hu O’Doan
Yelm area
Instrument: Piano
Phone: 894-6210
We have heard great feedback about Debbie O'Doan. She comes highly recommended.
Jammin’ Music Studios
(360) 701-3401
www.jamminmusicstudios.com/piano-lessons/
Jammin’ Music Studios has a team of affordable piano teachers who specialize in pop, jazz, and even classical. Located near South Puget Sound Community College.
Jean Johansen-Kuehn
Instrument: Piano/Music Classes for Young Children/Compostion
3929 South Bay Lp NE, Olympia WA 98516
Phone: (360) 923-5612
Email: jeanspianostudio@comcast.net
Education: BA TESC; Piano Performance Major U of W, EWU
Jean holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and studied Piano Performance at Eastern Washington University and the University of Washington. Jean is Washington State Certified and has achieved Permanent Professional Piano status. She began lessons at age 5. Over 30 years experience teaching piano and composition.
Maureen Johnson
Phone: (360) 481-2050
2 Locations!
8406 Kimmie St SW, Olympia WA 98512 (Mon – Wed)
4205 Lacey Blvd SE, Lacey WA 98503 (Thurs – Fri)
Email contact form: http://www.mjmusicarts.com/contact.html
With more than 20 years of experience in music lessons, Maureen Johnson provides instruction in piano and voice. She is motivated by her love of music and the passion to transfer her knowledge and skills to others so their creativity and talent can shine.
Robert Jorgensen
Piano/House Concerts/Accompanying
2013 Bethel Ave NE Olympia, WA 98506
Phone: 360-701-0594.
email: rbjorgensen@hotmail.com
Education: Licentiate Degree from the Royal School of Music in London, England. Graduated with honors from California State University, Fresno, where he studied with Philip Lorenz, Claudio Arrau’s long-time friend and associate.
notes: Robert is a long time friend and associate. He is one of the few concert-quality pianist in the Olympia area. He is currently accepting students. He also has wonderful house concerts! Email him to get his email list for upcoming performances.
Kathy Kerber Music Studio
Will travel to your home!
Instrument: Piano
email contact form: https://kerber.mymusicstaff.com/Contact-Me-
Serving the Olympia, Tumwater, and Rochester areas.
Education: Two years of college music theory and composition. Mentored with Respected teacher and concert pianist, Paul Edwards.
“Learning piano should be fun and exciting, and achievement can be very empty unless the journey is taken with joy.”
Pat Kilmer
Currently teaching piano at Sound Studios Olympia 1211 4th Ave E # 100
Phone: (360) 956-1380
I teach beginning and intermediate piano and guitar out of my studio close to downtown Olympia. Individualized lesson plans, group lessons, music literacy, and recitals are part of her curriculum. I love teaching students of all ages and abilities, including those with special needs. I also mentor youths with pop or rock band aspirations, and have summer opportunities of individual lessons, group lessons, and a variety of week-long camps.
Yun Hee Kim
Instrument: Piano, Piano Pedagogy, Accompanying
Phone: 866-3779
Email: sinyunhee@hotmail.com
Hye Kyeong Cho
Instrument: Piano, Piano Pedagogy
Phone: 628-8682
Email: hyekyung0127@hotmail.com
Maria Li
Beginning and Intermediate lessons for students ages 4-12
Location: NE Lacey near Willamette Rd.
Education: B.Mus, B.Ed – University of British Columbia, Canada
ARCT in Piano Performance – Royal Conservatory of Music
Maria is upbeat and outgoing with a beautiful in-home studio and stunning high-performance Mason & Hamlin grand piano.
Linda R. Lovinger
Instrument: Piano
1609 8th Ave. SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone: 357-4514
Email: lindaL1609@aol.com
Education: Vasser College BA Piano Performance; Peabody Conservatory of Music, Master’s Studies
Elizabeth Mead
2615 25th Court SW
Olympia, WA 98512
360/943-4517
E-mail: ebetmead@gmail.com
Instrument: Piano, flute, recorder, voice, & music theory.
Education: Ma Music History, University of Oregon
I offer patient, personalized, instruction. Young children, students with special needs, & adults welcome. Learn to play music that you love! 20 years experience.
Shawn Meloy
Currently teaching at Sound Studios Olympia 1211 4th Ave E # 100
(360) 878-3566
note: We hear great things about Shawn! His piano teaching studio is conveniently located at Yenney Music near Capital Mall. Check out his website!
Jennifer Miles
Instrument: Piano
12535 Zeller Rd SE, Yelm WA 98597
Phone: 458-3990
Email: Mileskj1@ywave.com
Education: B.A. piano pedagogy, BYU-Hawaii
Gordon Miller
Instrument: Piano
805 South St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: 352-0920
Email: Kuahiwis@comcast.net
Education: BS, U of Hawaii; BA, UPS; NW Dalcroze
Cynthia Mohorko
Instrument: Piano, Voice
3341 Friendly Grove Road NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Phone: 705-3421
Email: cmohorko@msn.com
Education: BM, Piano Performance, CSU Sacramento Zertifikat, Wiener Meisterkurse fur Musik, Konservatorium der Stadt Wien
Rhonda Morse
Instrument: Piano
6443 Tralee Dr. NW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone: 866-7034
Email: pharmjohn@comcast.net
Education: B. Music Ed. Idaho State U.
Art Peterson
Instrument: Piano, Accompanying
3211 Friendly Grove NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Phone: (360) 352-1791
Email: petersoart@msn.com
Education: B M, Andrews U; MM, Arizona State U, MM, PLU
Mr. Peterson also teaches piano at St. Martins University.
Judy Price
Instrument: Piano
4904 Hilton Rd. NE, Olympia, WA 98516
Phone: 459-1998
Email: judypriceoly@juno.com
Education: BA Music, EWU On sabbatical
Heidi Ritchey
Instrument: Piano
7648 Rixie Rd SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 491-9518
Email: heidiritchey@gmail.com
Education: Northwest College and Clark College
Jan Rowen Music
Instrument: Piano, composition, improvisation
10541 Stedman Rd. SE, Olympia, WA 98513
Phone: 456-1911
Email: farrislj@juno.com
Education: Improvisation and Eurhythmics NW Nazarene U and NW Dalcroze Institute
notes: Jan is a top Olympia piano teacher, a wonderful pianist, and a super person! She has an amazing studio at her beautiful house south of Olympia. She teaches a wide variety of styles including improvisation. She has regular recitals at her house called “Music on the Hill”.
Mariann Ryan
Instrument: Piano, voice
8431 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia, WA 98513
Phone: (360) 459-2632
Email: randyr7750@comcast.net
Education: BA in music; classroom ed – Central Washington University
“I Love to teach & share the “fun” of learning music. Over 20 years of experience. Teaching may include: hymn-prov, theory, composition, ear training. Adults welcome!”
Rhythm Fire
(360) 753-3646
1220 Homman Dr SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Rock/Pop/Ensemble school in Lacey
If you are interested in learning rock/pop keyboard or piano this is an interesting school to check out! Maybe you’ll join a band!
Amelia Jo Sahentara
Instrument: Piano, Voice, Composition
2303 Olympia Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Phone: (360) 570-0206
Email: sahentara@msn.com
Education: BA UCLA, MA Education, Cal State U
Carolyn Samson
Instrument: Piano,
Phone: (360) 878-8264
Email: clas@gci.net
Krystal Shoop-Hardin
Instrument: Voice, Piano
Phone: 352-8850
Email: purrrk@hotmail.com
Anne Spurgeon
Instrument: Piano
Education: Associate Board Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) London Curriculum at Far Eastern Music School, Singapore – 8 Years.
Pedagogy at Joan Moody Studio, USA – 2 Years.
Phone: (360) 456-4409
Raegan Stevens
(253) 579-2928
https://www.facebook.com/RaegansMusicLessons/
Located near Aspire Middle School in Lacey
Email: raeganstevens@gmail.com
note: Raegan is a long time client of ours. If you are looking for affordable piano lessons in the Lacey area near Aspire Middle School, give her a call!
Vivian Su
Instrument: Piano, Kindermusik
2833 41st Way SE, Olympia, WA 98501-6212
Phone: 352-1515
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VSuPiano/
Email: vsupianostudio@gmail.com
Education: BA Piano Performance, USC; Graduate Studies Piano Pedagogy, Drake University
notes: Vivian Su is very well respected by some of the best piano teachers in Olympia.
Vickie Tobin
Washington Middle School Vicinity
Instrument: Piano, Voice
Phone: (360)489-0340
Email: vjtobin@comcast.net
Here's a great article about Vicki: Making Music with Vicki Jardine Tobin - LewisTalkWA
The Tuned in Academy
(360) 688-9911
Website: www.thetunedinacademy.org/
202 Phoenix St NE, Olympia, WA 98506-4850
We teach from age 5 and up. We have many 5 year old students, we have a handful also in their 80’s. We love them all.
TIA is a non-profit academy of music with a commitment to excellence in music education through meaningful, relational, and private instruction as well as small group classes. We have three piano faculty with college and conservatory degrees in music specializing in various different genres. We also have student teachers and associate faculty highly qualified and capable, but without degrees therefore we can offer more affordable rates for lessons with them.
Dennis Williams
Piano, Voice, Choral
Email: pianoman2586@gmail.com
5002 Viewridge Dr SE Olympia WA 98501
(360) 791-0266
Attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA where he maintained his double major and received his bachelor’s degree. His emphasis was directed toward post secondary education with expertise in theory, music history, ear training, performance and composition. He also has studied extensively with an international voice instructor and owner of Vocal Artistry in Seattle, Tim Carson.
Wolfgang Wortberg
Travels to you home!
Concert Artist/Piano Teacher
Email: wolfgangwortberg@hotmail.com
Mr. Wortberg is one of a minority of teachers who are also experienced concert performers. Originally from Germany,
Wolfgang has performed with the Olympia Symphony and is reestablishing a teaching clientele. He will teach at your home!
With 25 years of experience, he works with beginners as well as advanced students. All ages are welcome.
He can also be hired as a professional accompanist.
Amy Yang
Instrument: Piano
4931 Siskiyou Loop SE Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: (360) 455-9864
Email: amyyang08@yahoo.com
Education: BM Piano Performance; MM, U. of Central Oklahoma