About Me....
I’ve been working as a professional Piano Teacher over 25 years and can honestly say I can’t think of anything else that would bring me such joy every day. I love working with students of all ages and abilities and get so much satisfaction from seeing how they grow and develop in their skills and performance.
Education:
Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy, Texas Tech University
Continuous learner through personal online lessons, webinars, online classes and conventions
Professional affiliations:
Member of the Music Teachers National Association
Member of the Washington State Music Teachers Association
Current Treasurer of the Gig Harbor Chapter of WSMTA
Chairperson for the Music Artistry Program
Former President & Vice President of WSMTA
Other experience:
Church pianist, including worship band, choir, and traditional services
Accompanist for various community ensembles
Event pianist
Lessons
I believe everyone can benefit from the study of music. However, one size does not fit everyone. I work to get to know each student to help each one get the most from private instruction. Adults can learn to read music and create their own music just like younger students can. The path to reaching that goal just may look a little different. My goal is to create life-long learners and lovers of music.
Individualized Curriculum
Lessons are available to students of all ages and abilities. Students may choose from 30, 45 and 60 minute lessons.
I offer a well-rounded curriculum that includes note reading, music theory, sight reading and improvisation. These are skills that equip the student to pursue whatever style of music they choose.
It is important to me that all my students get to play music they enjoy. I know few will go on to major in music. However, if that is your goal, I will help you work towards accomplishing it.
If you'd like to learn to play jazz standards, you've come to the right place. I can help you learn to play from a jazz chart or improvise on a blues scale. Plus you'll have the added benefit of understanding what all those chord symbols mean.
If your child wants to play with friends in a worship band or a neighborhood band, I can provide the tools to accomplish this.
Playing with backing tracks give you a sense of what it would be like to be in a band with the added benefit of allowing you to work on your own rhythm.
Lesson Platforms
In-person lessons are offered in my home studio. Here we can enjoy playing duets, improvising and creating music together. Technology enhances the lesson time through use of my digital piano and various learning apps on my iPad. Games and activities help to keep young students engaged.
When you sign up for online lessons you get the same benefit as lessons done in person without some of the hassles. No traffic to worry with; no carpools or scheduling challenges when you have multiple children to get to activities. Virtual piano lessons also guarantee that you are in control of your own health.....choosing who is or is not in your social circle.
I have been an online student for the past 5 years. So I have had experience as a student long before COVID mandated the need to move everything online. I have experienced first hand the benefits and the limitations to online lessons. In my opinion, the benefits far surpass the limitations.
Online lessons also make it possible to teach students in any time zone! You could live basically anywhere. For some people, I have discovered online lessons will always be their preference. For others, it will be a temporary solution to the quarantine we've all experienced during this pandemic.
FAQ's
Can remote lessons be as good as in person lessons?
As a matter of fact, given the current amount of online teaching platforms, there is no reason to believe teaching online can’t be as successful as in-person lessons. Since the teacher has to communicate differently, online lessons can be more engaging for the pupil.
Similarly, it can also be quite revealing for parents to see how the student interacts with their piano teacher.
Are online lessons the same as in person lessons?
To have a teacher who listens to you through live meetings means you will have a professional pianist guiding your practice, making sure you improve your playing and develop your musical artistry.
When it comes to learning new pieces, online piano lessons are similar to in-person sessions. Even though the teaching approach might look different, the student will continue to polish musical details and learn new music as in face-to-face lessons.
What are 'hybrid' lessons?
It's the best of 2 worlds - in-person and online lessons. You have the advantage of the personal touch while also utilizing the convenience of technology. Lessons need not be EITHER in-person OR online. Instead, you can schedule between the two platforms as it fits into your current lifestyle.
Testimonials
Learning from Ms. Jamieson has been such a rewarding and joyful experience for my son. He has learned to read music very well and is learning the many dynamics of a musical piece. Ms. Jamieson is very patient and kind and has an extraordinary way with children of all ages. My son adores her and always looks forward to his weekly lesson with her. We can’t thank you enough Patti and we will continue to learn with you as long as you will have us.
Jade S. - parent
Our family has taken lessons for 6 years. When my oldest daughter was “weary” of practicing, Patti added worship and contemporary music to keep things fresh. My younger daughter has found joy in learning more complicated pieces. In her words, “Mrs. Jamieson brings fun, creative ways to learn. I've grown so much and really enjoy playing piano now!” I appreciate that Patti is flexible with other commitments and tailors lesson to each child’s personality.
Amy H. - parent
During this past year of disconnect, Miss Patti kept us connected. She transitioned to Zoom classes and continued to research and improve the quality of her online classes throughout the entire year. She never settled and always sought out innovative and creative ways to continue teaching our kids. Her diligence kept our kids connected to a familiar face and a routine they could count on. In addition, she visited our kids at home to drop off treats, maintain her relationship with them and encourage their interest in piano. We are so grateful for Miss Patti's personal touch, caring attitude and skillful talent!
Maria H. - parent
"We absolutely love Patti and are so thankful for her patient and loving ways of teaching piano to our son (1st grade). You can tell she has had MANY years of experience teaching kids, as she listens kindly to them and also knows how to gently guide them forward in their learning. We'd so highly recommend Patti and her piano studio!"
Heather M. - parent
Finally, a piano teacher who takes her students from where they are and then gives them the tools and the theory to improve at their own individual levels. Whatever music you want to learn, Classical, Jazz, Blues, Standards, Popular, and on and on, Patti translates the notes on the page into a language that you can learn to speak yourself. I’m so grateful to be one of her adult students for seven years and counting.
H. W. - adult student
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