FACULTY
LEON CHRISTIAN, School Director
Electric Guitar, Acoustic / Fingerstyle Guitar, Classical Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Electric Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin
Songwriting, Composition, Music Production & Recording, Improvisation, Music Theory, Music History, Ear Training, Youth Rock Band Coaching
Hailed as “an excellent guitarist” (David Brandon) and “very talented” (John Sutherland), Leon Christian is celebrated for charismatically and virtuosically bringing to life a broad repertoire of musical styles. Whether playing the earliest scores transcribed for the classical guitar or even the most contemporary progressive rock compositions on electric, his engaging performances entertain and delight audiences of all sizes and ages.
An accomplished classical guitarist, Leon regularly performs concerti with Northwest orchestras and in solo recitals. He was selected to be the first guitar soloist to perform with the Federal Way Symphony under Maestro A. Brian Davenport, performing Joaquín Rodrigo’s "Concierto de Aranjuez" in 2013. Leon also enjoys performing in jazz, blues, and rock styles. He has composed music for, produced, and performed in successful original rock bands that have headlined tours across the West Coast and the Pacific Northwest. Leon has also recorded and performed with Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Fame artists such as Sam Andrew of Big Brother and the Holding Company (Janis Joplin), Roger Fisher and Mike Derosier of Heart, and blues legend Jerry Miller (one of the top 100 guitarists of all time) of Moby Grape. As a studio recording session guitarist, his playing can be heard on independent films, TV commercials, and studio albums.
Leon’s musical studies started at age four on classical piano. Inspired by the Beatles, he switched to the guitar at age 12 and continued on to attend the University of Puget Sound as a classical guitar performance major. He studied with many international masters of the instrument, including Douglas Rice Jr., David Russell, David Brandon, and William Kanengiser. Leon was also among 24 guitarists selected from around the world to study in the prestigious international Christopher Parkening Master Class. Recognized by his peers, Leon was voted to be one of six guitarists to perform in the annual public recital, representing the Master Class with Mr. Parkening in attendance. This honor was bestowed upon Leon for three consecutive years and he remains a close friend of Parkening to this day.
Leon holds the position of Director of the Federal Way School of Music, guitar instructor and band director at Annie Wright Schools, and has taught guitar for over 25 years, maintaining a successful and high-demand private guitar studio in the Puget Sound area. A strong supporter of music education, he is actively involved in local school music programs, music outreach programs for underprivileged children, and leads masterclasses and music educational clinics in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Currently, Leon performs regularly in classical concerts and is guitarist, lead songwriter, and producer in his original progressive rock project. In his spare time Leon enjoys body building, riding motorcycles, psychology, horror films, literature, and chess.
KATYA SOUDEK, Assistant Director
Piano, Keyboard, Clarinet
Composition, Songwriting, Music Production & Recording, Film & Video Game Scoring, Music Theory, Music History, Ear Training, Czech-language Music Lessons
Acclaimed as “creative, responsive, and highly professional” (Joseph Baum, director), Katya Soudek has a diverse musical background which allows her to expertly compose music in a variety of styles. Writing for both the concert stage and film, TV, and interactive media, her music is known for providing a strong dramatic narrative. Especially when paired with film, her music truly “compliments and draws out the emotions needed to make the scenes complete” (Wade Chitwood, director).
Katya is a classical pianist and has composed, orchestrated, and conducted symphonic pieces for ensembles such as a 50-piece orchestra, including members of the Seattle Symphony and Northwest Sinfonietta. She is also a keyboard and synthesizer aficionado, producing contemporary music in styles such as rock and electronic. Her experience with traditional classical repertoire, combined with extensive knowledge of film and video game music, and familiarity other contemporary styles gives Katya a skilled, unique, and modern approach not only in composition, but also in performance and in teaching.
Katya was born in the United States shortly after her parents immigrated from Czechoslovakia. Katya's earliest musical endeavors began with her playing video game and film score music by ear on a small keyboard. This led to her first formal musical studies with clarinet, an instrument which Katya would later perform on with groups such as the Tacoma Youth Symphony Organization. After discovering classical music and being inspired by composers such as Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, Bach, and John Williams, Katya began to study classical piano at age 12. In high school, Katya received honors in statewide competitions for piano was accepted to the Seattle Conservatory of Music pre-college academic program where she advanced her studies in piano and composition with renowned concert pianist Mark Salman. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Music Composition from the University of Washington and continued to the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program where she received a Master of Music in Film Scoring from two-time Emmy Award-winning film composer, Hummie Mann.
Currently, Katya produces music for film and video games and also performs as keyboardist, lead songwriter, and producer for her original progressive rock project. She has run a successful and growing private music lesson studio in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area for over 10 years. Some of her students have been accepted into prestigious schools ranging from Berklee College of Music to University of Washington. In her spare time, Katya is an avid gamer and collector of retro video games, is always following the latest technology and science news, enjoys nature and spending time with her dog, and maintains an active lifestyle.
ALYSSA CHILCOAT
Piano, Organ, Keyboard, Beginning Voice
Music Theory, Early Childhood Music Education, Group Piano Class
Alyssa Chilcoat is an accomplished pianist and vocalist of gospel, secular, and classical music. Alyssa was born into an active musical family and subsequently started studying music at an early age, learning piano, organ, and voice. She has been under the tutelage of several notable teachers in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys a robust teaching and performing schedule.
She began her teaching career as a teaching assistant for several professional piano teachers, learning the art of pedagogy early on. Initially teaching in the Bonney Lake area, due to rising demand, Alyssa expanded her offerings to the greater Puget Sound. She is still active in her local community and at her church where she serves in music ministry and as a member of the choir. She is also a regular performer at local civic centers and for public events. Alyssa also has years of experience and a particular passion working with the youngest students—preschool and kindergarten age. However, she welcomes students of all ages, including adults.
Alyssa enjoys teaching beginning students and her proven methodology blends both performance and composition as a wholistic approach to the fundamentals of music education. Songwriting, theory, and creative church musicianship are features of her curriculum. Alyssa believes any student can become successful as long as they have the initiative to work for it.
JAY DOUGLAS
Drum Set (Rock, Jazz, Latin), Snare Drum, Hand Drumming (Djembe, African Drums, Congas), Scottish Pipe Band Drumming
Jay Douglas is one of the Pacific Northwest’s performers, clinicians, and recording session musicians. He has played with Platinum hit single-producing acts and Rock-and-Roll Hall-of-Fame artists such as The Shirelles, The Platters, The Drifters, Roger Fisher of Heart, and many other internationally-renowned and local groups. Jay’s musical style encompasses everything from improvisational jazz, to classic and contemporary rock, metal, pop, funk, R&B, hip-hop, to Scottish drumming, concert band and orchestral percussion.
Starting to play drums at age eight, Jay was inspired by early R&B session drummers, playing along with recordings to learn on his own, until be began his formal studies playing percussion in band class throughout school. Jay went on to study at the Nashville Percussion Institute and has taken masterclasses with renowned artists such as Gerry Brown (Stanley Clarke, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Lionel Ritchie), John Scullion (four-time World Solo Snare Drumming champion), among others.
Jay has been teaching drums in the greater Seattle area for over 30 years. In addition to the drums, Jay also has personally studied the bass guitar because he believes in always striving to be a complete musician. This philosophy is threaded throughout his teaching, where students not only learn how to be “drummers”, but learn to read music, understand rhythm and theory, learn a variety of musical styles, and learn how to be competent and strong members in any band or ensemble they perform in. This forms the basis of Jay’s comprehensive program, with which he has taught beginning students as young as age three, kids needing to fill gaps in their knowledge, to advanced college-bound students, to professionals looking for continuing artistic development.
Jay’s students have been in local and regional competitions and have been accepted to prominent music schools including Berklee College of Music, Yale University, and Cornish College of the Arts. He has also been active in many other music education endeavors, teaching masterclasses, group classes, and many popular regional summer camps.
ALEX ELLSWORTH
Strings, Cello, Violin, Viola, Beginning Guitar, Beginning Piano
Music Theory, Music History, Ear Training, Improvisation
Alex Ellsworth is a critically-acclaimed cellist with credits including an Emmy Award-winning recording and appearances in arts festivals in Europe, Asia, and North America. He is an experienced music educator, most recently serving as Music Director at Holderness School where his students have continued to college programs in instrumental performance, film scoring, and music therapy. Alex has worked extensively with violinists, violists, and cellists at all levels in private lessons, group classes, and mixed ensembles. He also teaches beginning guitar and piano.
Alex’s teaching philosophy is student-centered. He is committed to creating a safe and inspiring learning environment for students of all backgrounds and abilities. Lesson plans can range from traditional classical repertoire to contemporary music, improvisation, and composition. Alex's Bachelor’s Degree is in Cello Performance from University of Maryland studying with Evelyn Elsing (Left Bank String Quartet), and he received a Master’s Degree from DePaul University studying with Brant Taylor (Chicago Symphony Orchestra). Alex is a former cellist with Civic Orchestra of Chicago and String Orchestra Director at Music Inc. Chicago.
Composing, singing, and acting are essential parts of Alex artistic personality. He has toured internationally with the cinematic shadow puppetry company Manual Cinema, served as co-artistic director of the artist collective Mocrep, co-starred in the Chicago premier of Ghost Quartet by Broadway composer Dave Malloy, and has performed his original music at a wide variety of venues around the country. Apart from music, Alex enjoys hiking, soccer, cooking, chess, and being with animals.
JOSH KAIN
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Bass Guitar, 7-String & 8-String Guitar, Ukulele
Songwriting, Music Production & Recording
Josh Kain is a popular YouTube guitar personality with over a million combined views as the internet sensation,"Mr. Panda", and under his own identity. He has been on three US tours and has been in a number of successful bands including "In All Honesty" and "Bella and the Blue Moons". From his body-building and martial-arts background, Josh always strives to perform at his peak and channels both mental and physical self-discipline to work toward lifelong excellence in all he does. He acts as a positive role model for kids and inspires all his students to do their very best. Josh loves all styles of music and believes that there are great musicians in all genres and styles that we can learn from.
Josh has been teaching for over seven years in private lessons and group classes and covers many different styles of music including rock, metal, progressive, neoclassical, blues, punk, pop, and more. He specializes in teaching students a diverse arsenal of techniques such a multi-finger tapping, sweep picking, slap and percussive guitar, pinch harmonics, and other advanced rock and metal techniques. He also teaches 7-string and 8-string guitar, electric bass, and ukulele. Building the student’s lesson curriculum directly around their learning needs and interests, Josh strives to help the student have fun while learning, to become comfortable with their instrument with proper techniques, and helps them work toward their goals. Josh does all this while sneaking in important and relevant concepts including music theory!
Inspired by artists like Steve Vai, Edward Van Halen, Andy McKee, and Mike Batio, Josh has developed an original style of guitar playing and musicianship. Josh also sings lead and backup vocals, plays electric bass for the metal band Bioplague, performed in jazz bands and choirs, played drums in drumline in school, and performs actively in church. Currently a solo artist and co-owner of Skye Rise Recording Studio, Josh is experienced in all stages of music production from pre-production sketches, mockups, and demos with Garageband up through final production and mixing with ProTools. Josh also composes and produces music to be licensed in tv shows, video games, commercials, and movies.
When he is not in the studio, Josh also enjoys body building, mixed martial arts, frisbee, video games, and building guitars.
LILLIA KOMAROVA
Piano
Music Theory, Ear Training (Solfeggio), Music History, Russian-Language & Ukrainian-Language Music Lessons (Я говорю по-русски/ по-украински)
Bio coming soon!
MAGGIE LAIRD
Piano, Keyboard, Voice
Jazz Studies, Improvisation, Songwriting, Music Production & Recording, Music Theory, Ear Training
Maggie Laird is a vocalist, pianist, and award-winning songwriter living on Vashon Island. She and her band perform festivals, nightclubs, theatres and cafes in the greater Northwest including venues in Seattle, Tacoma, Portland and Eugene. She has offered piano and voice lessons in her private studio since 1994, and in the Seattle area since 2011.
Since 1999 Maggie has been vocalist for the acclaimed Island Jazz Quintet, whose recordings garnered extensive national and international airplay. She is also the vocalist/pianist for Federal Way Symphony's Swing Band, which performs annually as part of the FWS season. She traveled to Nashville to record her first solo release, "One More Manhattan", a 5-song collection of originals which received rave reviews including a 5-star accolade in All About Jazz. The title track won First Place in the Jazz category at the 2018 International West Coast Songwriters Competition. Her original shows have played at Philadelphia's Full House Cabaret, Seattle Fringe Theatre Festivals, ArtsEdge, the Bathhouse, Kenyon Hall, and The Jazz Station in Eugene.
Maggie's work with children and teens is vast, as she has been Music Director for countless high school productions, and worked at Vashon Elementary School for ten years, providing piano accompaniment for its ongoing Third Grade Music program.
Maggie's approach to teaching is firm but flexible. She insists on fundamentals and strong classical technique, but supplements in the interests of the student, and is adept in jazz, blues, and rock styles. Attuned to the assorted needs and learning styles of young children, teens, and adults, her aim is to help build strong musical foundations that can find expression in any genre.
BRADY McCOWAN
Winds, Saxophone (Classical & Jazz), Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
Music Theory, Improvisation, Jazz Studies
A graduate of the University of Puget Sound School of Music, Brady McCowan is an ambitious saxophonist and woodwind player. Specializing in sax and clarinet, he is a member of several groups in the Tacoma area, performing regularly in a broad range of styles ranging from classical, jazz, and funk to progressive rock, folk, and experimental. Brady was selected as one of three winners of the University’s 2015 Concerto Aria competition, and performed Russell Peck’s "The Upward Stream" with the Puget Sound Symphony Orchestra. A member of the Puget Sound Saxophone Quartet throughout his time in college, Brady has competed nationally in the MTNA competition. He has also been featured several times as a soloist with the Puget Sound Jazz Orchestra, and performed demanding repertoire with the Puget Sound Wind Ensemble as its first chair saxophonist.
Born in Washington, D.C., Brady lives in Tacoma, but has also lived in Silver Spring, MD and St. Paul, MN. Brady has participated in extensive private study under saxophonists Morgan Russell, Jeff King, and Fred Winkler, and the enjoyment and inspiration brought to him by his instructors has instilled in him a desire to teach. His experience studying under diverse musical disciplines lends him an acute sense of stylistic awareness in himself and other musicians. In particular, his devotion to jazz, alongside his focused study of classical performance in college, has allowed him to develop a comprehensive concept of appropriate tone production and performance techniques, which he has extrapolated into other genres. As an educator, Brady encourages creativity and originality in developing musicians by honing their strengths and intuitions and collaboratively setting goals.
Brady spends most of his energy on music, finding joy in learning new instruments and refining his abilities on each. He has also performed on flute, bass clarinet, and auxiliary percussion, and is currently learning trombone. He loves to spend time with friends, cooking, retro gaming, thrift shopping, and biking around Tacoma when he is not playing music.
PAMELA MOORE (Artist in Residence)
Voice (Contemporary, Rock, Metal)
Songwriting, Music Production & Recording
Pamela Moore is a professional artist who has recorded on multi-platinum albums, toured extensively worldwide, and appeared on numerous music videos. She is best known for her role as "Sister Mary" in the progressive metal band Queensrÿche's platinum-selling album "Operation: Mindcrime". She is also a singer-songwriter and producer, mixing hard rock, pop, electronica, and in more recent years has delved into heavy metal music. Pamela's recently released solo album, "Resurrect Me", was acclaimed as one of the "Best Metal Albums of 2013" in numerous publications including Music Enthusiast Magazine, All About The Rock - UK, and Hair Metal Mansion. "Resurrect Me" is available now on iTunes and Amazon!
With this wealth of experience in the music industry, Pamela offers a unique insight to all aspects of the business, but especially voice training and stage performance. While living in New York, Pamela studied under the esteemed Ms. Guen Omeron. It was there Pamela learned a unique training approach using weights. This helped her immensely with strength and endurance as a singer and touring performer and she has adopted this method in teaching all her adult students whether they are amateur or professional. Pamela enjoys working one-on-one with novice or professional vocalists and customizes her lessons according to the individual's needs, focusing on improving vocal range, ear training, power, control, advanced techniques, and even songwriting skills. Her coaching style is relaxed and nurturing.
Pamela began singing and writing songs at a very young age and her passion has propelled her into one of the most respected female voices in the music industry today, being hailed as one of the "top 50 female voices in rock music today" (Classic Rock AOR Magazine) and called "a very gifted singer that moves the heart and soul" by Neil Schon of the band "Journey". She embraces the opportunity to give back what she has learned to a community who has supported her so generously. Pamela resides in Seattle and maintains an active international touring and recording schedule. Ms. Moore currently accepts students by audition only.
AARON NATION
Cello, Violin, Viola, Beginning Upright Bass
Suzuki, Music Theory, Music History, Ear Training, Improvisation
Aaron Nation is a cellist and string teacher with deep roots in both classical and pop/rock music. He plays with a number of professional orchestras and groups, including the Seattle Rock Orchestra, the Everett Philharmonic, Lake Union Civic Orchestra, Octava Chamber Orchestra, and also the rock band Xolie Morra and the Strange Kind. For his college education, he completed bachelors degrees in both music and psychology from Seattle University.
Aaron’s teaching approach involves meeting students right where they are at, listening to what inspires them, and empowering them to cultivate their abilities. Good technique always makes it easier to play and sound better and developing facility can be an absolute joy, which is Aaron is passionate about teaching technique and making it interesting! Lessons with Aaron involve a holistic program which includes mindfulness of body and movement, the science behind the sound and the art, improvisation, encouraged performance opportunities, and exploring the humanistic possibilities of our musical language.
With his professional experience in psychology, Aaron is uniquely qualified to understand that learning an instrument creates excellent opportunities for growth in the student—developing auditory centers, motor centers, touch sensation centers, awareness of people, learning about literature, emotion, spatial awareness, working with groups of people, critical thinking… so many capacities are interwoven in playing an instrument that it is really a gold mine for healthy neurological development and maintenance. There are many reasons why playing an instrument is so much more than just another extracurricular activity and valuable for every student, young and older. For not consider all these benefits when choosing a worthy activity to invest the student’s time into would be to sell the student’s education short. Aaron looks forward to meeting students, hearing where music lands in their life, and how he can help inspire the student to grow through their musical journey!
A lifelong musician, Aaron started his musical journey on the violin, and began playing cello a few years later. Throughout his career had the privilege to study with many of the best teachers both locally and worldwide, including Richard Aaron, Walter Gray, and Rajan Krishnaswami. After achieving his music degree, Aaron regularly enriches his teaching repertoire with an ongoing commitment to learning from other great teachers on a regular basis.
IRINA NIKITINA
Violin, Viola
Fiddle, Russian-language & Ukrainian-language Music Lessons (Я говорю по-русски/ по-украински)
Russian-trained professional violinist Irina Nikitina has performed a variety of musical styles around the world. She has toured extensively with symphonic orchestras in Europe, delighted audiences on cruise ships, and participated in many international music festivals. Irina is a vivid example of a musician who successfully combines active performing with fruitful work in the field of musical pedagogy.
Irina helps all types of students achieve their goals, whether the student wants to learn the violin for grade school orchestra, to prepare for a career in music college and beyond, or simply just to learn music as an enjoyable hobby. She teaches students to play in a variety of genres including classical, folk, fiddle, contemporary, Latin, tango, gypsy, country, and more. All music is important. She finds that teaching her students different styles of music keeps their interest and helps motivate them to practice and improve. Irina enjoys working with children, teens, and adults and bringing happiness by helping students succeed and develop a passion for music. Irina’s students have become professional musicians, have been accepted to various youth orchestras like the Bellevue Youth Symphony, and many successful young performers— for example, a trio of her students (4, 6, and 8 years old) performed at a wedding! Irina teaches her lessons fluently either in English or Russian/Ukrainian, based on student preference.
Irina began her violin studies in Ukraine at age six. She gave her first recital in the Donetsk music school at age 11 and competed in many violin competitions in her country. Irina started her progressional education by training at the Academy of Music, Theatre, & Fine Arts (formerly known as the G. Muzicescu Conservatory of Music) in the Republic of Moldova and achieved a Master’s of Music in Violin Performance from the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine. During her stay in Moldova, she worked as First Violin in the National Symphony Orchestra of “Teleradio – Moldova” and First Violin in National Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Moldova. In Europe, Irina continued working as an orchestral musician and teacher at performance schools and in masterclasses. Irina moved to the United States in 2015 and is highly organized, motivated, and driven to help students achieve their very best. Irina enjoys traveling, loves to spend time with friends, enjoys nature, attending concerts, reading, hiking, and swimming.
ILONA NOVAK
Voice, Piano
Recording & Music Production, Music Theory, Ear Training (Solfeggio), Music History, Russian-Language & Ukrainian-Language Music Lessons (Я говорю по-русски/ по-украински)
Bio coming soon!
ISAIAH RAGLAND
Voice, Beginning Piano
Choir, Group Voice Class, Music Theory, Music History, Ear Training
Isaiah Ragland is a vocalist and contemporary a cappella group director and clinician based in Tacoma, WA. Isaiah teaches voice and also piano, which is an instrument critical for all vocalists’ foundations. His piano teaching also provides a great start for non-vocalists wanting to explore music for the first time, or for those continuing their musical learning through intermediate levels.With a Bachelor's degree in Music from Central Washington University, Isaiah has been directing a cappella groups for over a decade. Isaiah’s groups, 20/20 and Outpour, have won numerous regional and national awards, including first place at the Pacific Northwest Harmony Sweepstakes, and an invitation to the Moscow A cappella Festival. As a director, Isaiah is passionate about teaching healthy singing so that singers are empowered to apply in all situations.
As a performer, Isaiah has enjoyed his time participating in auditioned and honors choral ensembles in the region including the Seattle Symphony Chorale, Illumni Men's Chorale, and the Byrd International Singers. Isaiah also has experience as a soloist, performing several lead roles in his time at Central Washington University. His history as a diverse vocal performer goes back to the high school days where he got experience singing and dancing in a show choir. Participating in vocal music across such a broad spectrum has given Isaiah a well rounded approach to music, and a wide range of musical tools to work from.
As a clinician, he has coached college groups throughout the Pacific Northwest at the Annual Northwest A cappella Festival, and appeared as a clinician at the Kettering National Festival in 2018. He also served as adjudicator for the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) West Region (2015-2017)
Isaiah is highly motivated to help students achieve a lifelong connection to music by teaching the essential skills that apply to all musicians. He enjoys spending time rollerblading, playing video games, and watching sports.
KAREN TADENA
Violin, Viola
Karen Tadena is a freelance violinist and professional violin instructor. She is a native of the Pacific Northwest and holds an undergraduate degree from Pacific Lutheran University, which she earned in 1992. At Pacific Lutheran University, Karen studied violin under the tutelage of Ann Tremaine, a protégé of famed violinist Jascha Heifetz. Karen has been active in the Pacific Northwest music community for over thirty years. Currently, she is a member of the award-winning Arcobaleno Strings ensemble.
Karen believes that education is not possible without student motivation and passion. She specializes in individually tailoring her teaching methods to meet the learning style and needs of each student. Through her years of teaching experience, Karen has realized that a combination of both the Suzuki method and Traditional studies have worked well for students. She teaches skills such as the importance of proper practice, self-motivation, audition preparation, and the relevance of music theory and history. Karen teaches all ability levels from beginning to advanced, ages 6 to adult.
Karen has an extensive background of coaching students at the Evergreen Music Festival, for the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, preparing students for Solo & Ensemble and other competitions, teaching in public school group programs, and also being an instructor at University of Puget Sound community music program. When Karen is not teaching or performing, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with her husband and daughter. She also loves reading mysteries, attending the opera, and watching movies.
JOSHUA VANCLEAVE
Piano, Keyboard, Beginning Guitar
Composition, Jazz Studies, Improvisation, Music Theory, Music History, Ear Training
Joshua VanCleave is a pianist and award-winning composer from the Pacific Northwest. He is proficient in jazz, classical, and worship music and holds a degree in music from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. An experienced performer and educator, Joshua loves to encourage his students to grow their musical gift through performing experience. He spent 2016-2020 honing his performance skill through touring the Seattle-Tacoma area with a jazz quintet. In fact, he can now be heard regularly playing around the region with his jazz trio at various venues with live music and festivals!
Joshua was born and raised here in the Pacific Northwest, but his work has taken him around the country as well. His notable piano instructors include Dr. Ken Owen, Dr. Cassio Vianna, Dr. David-Deacon Joyner, and Dr. Gregory Youtz for music composition. In addition to a decade of of classical and jazz piano training, he also has extensive training as a worship pianist, volunteering regularly at his local church. As an educator, Joshua encourages students to see the bigger picture through instruction in theory, technique, and music history, pushing students to become the best musicians they can become. After a lesson with Joshua, students will be better equipped to use their musical gifts and enjoy music more!
When he’s not at the piano, Joshua is running, hiking, gardening, composing a new piece, at the gym, or at church.
TODD ZIMBERG
Drums, Percussion, Piano
Jazz Studies, Improvisation, Music Theory, Group Piano Class, Drum/Percussion Class
Todd Zimberg has been playing drums professionally and teaching in the Seattle area since the early 1980’s. He has worked extensively with blues, jazz, rock and R&B artists, including Northwest blues icons Duffy Bishop, Isaac Scott, and ten years with Tom McFarland. Todd currently maintains commitments to The Maggie Laird Band, The Chris Stevens Band and Island Jazz Quintet. He has toured and backed national acts including Bo Diddley, Fenton Robinson, and Sam Andrew.
Todd is at home playing many styles on music and spent a number of years playing with reggae/soca band, Jumballasy and has co-led the critically acclaimed Island Jazz Quintet based on his home, Vashon Island the past ten years. In addition, Todd held a timpani chair for 25 seasons in the Federal Way Symphony, and maintains that connection directing their annual big band concert.
Todd teaches music courses at Highline College and private lessons on drums, percussion, mallets, and piano in the Puget Sound area. Mr. Zimberg incorporates a wholistic approach, including piano and percussion. He has helped students wanting to develop a musical foundation for participating in concert/jazz band or other ensembles, popular music, symphonic percussion, or using piano study as the core of their musicianship. He founded the Vashon Percussion Camp and for 20 years has coached young percussionists serious about their commitment to the art form. Mr. Zimberg earned a Masters in Music from the University of Washington.