About Me

Daniel has been teaching guitar professionally for over 10 years. He has studied music at the college level and has received instruction from some of the best guitar educators in the Northwest and beyond. In 2007, Daniel taught for Fender Guitar Camps. His students have acquired local notoriety through professional gigging and competition. One student took first place in Tacoma Youth Association’s “Kid’s Got Talent” music competition while another won first place in the Washington State Solo and Ensemble contest. In addition to teaching full time, Daniel regularly performs solo guitar and attends college.

Teaching Philosophy

Everyone taking music lessons has different goals. Daniel tries to discover these goals and help the student achieve them in a fun and comfortable environment. While lessons are customized for individuals, Daniel also believes it is important to instill in all students the foundational concepts of music and to expose the student to new ideas and musical styles in order to broaden musical understanding. In this way, a student can make a more informed decision about what to pursue musically. Moreover, this will result in a richer musical appreciation as students grow in versatility and skill.

About Me

Kathye Long has taught hundreds of people private guitar lessons over the past 25 years. She believes that music can become a life-long passion for anyone and that studying the guitar is a perfect way to begin that appreciation.

She introduces the beginning student to chords and teaches the art of back-up rhythm. Simultaneously, note reading is studied so that lead and melody playing is begun. Next, enough theory is thrown in to provide the context for each thing that is learned. For veteran players whose progress has stalled, she troubleshoots their understanding and skills to get them back on their musical journey. She has written two instruction books: Guitar Lessons Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.

Kathye has recorded three CDs: Stone Soup and Check Please, which both contain original songs; and Elegant Guitar, which is a compilation of classical instrumental solos. You can listen to song samples from each of the CDs, and view her performance schedule by visiting www.kathyelong.com.

About Me

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Kareem Kandi is a performer, composer, and educator in high demand for his talents both on and off the stage.

As a performing artist Kareem spends most of his time leading his group, The Kareem Kandi Band, for which he composes and arranges most of the music. The band is constantly on the move as a sought after performing group, and spends most of its time performing both nationally and internationally. When not leading his own group, Kareem can be seen and heard touring and performing as a sideman with many other top-notch musical acts and projects, most notably The Paperboys from Vancouver, British Columbia. Other past projects have included work with The Seattle Symphony, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Northwest Repertory Singers, and The Red Hot Blues Sisters, just to name a few.

As an educator Kareem divides his time teaching jazz improvisation as an artist in residence at The Tacoma School of the Arts, directing the award-winning Jazz Ensemble at Pierce College, conducting master classes and workshops at schools around the Puget Sound area, and maintaining a full load of private students.
Kareem has been teaching privately since 1996 and offers private lessons for saxophone, clarinet, flute, piano and composition. Throughout his years of teaching he has worked with people of all ages and abilities, from the beginner just getting started to the advanced player who simply wants some new ideas and direction.

About Me

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Tracy Knoop received his musical training at Berklee School of Music in Boston, Mass. After leaving Berklee, Tracy, joined the world-famous Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, with which he was a member for ten years. Tracy has performed with such greats as Ray Charles, Mel Torme, Buddy Rich, and Bernadette Peters, just to name a few.

Tracy specializes in instruction on saxophone, clarinet, flute, and oboe. He also teaches jazz improvisation on all wind instruments. Tracy’s students rate among the highest in the state, winning both regional and state solo competitions for the last 15 years. References available upon request.

About Me

Tim began playing percussion and the drum set in the public school system in 1988. After high school he focused on drum set studies under several private instructors in the Seattle area. During that time he did both studio work and performed live in original projects and professional cover bands.

He is a member of the Vic Firth Education Team and in addition to private lessons he has also taught master classes and has coached at summer camps. His curriculum for the drum set is geared toward beginning and intermediate students. Private lessons include snare drum rudiment studies, rhythmic notation, physical coordination exercises, technique exercises, transcriptions and a musical approach to drum beats and fills. Lessons are individually paced and can be tailored to a student’s individual goals and musical preferences.

About Me

Mark Ivester is a consummate drummer, widely respected for his sensitive musicianship and sincere dedication to his craft. He is experienced in many different idioms from pop-rock to big band to jazz, Latin jazz and orchestral settings. Mark’s live performance credits are extensive, having worked with such jazz luminaries as John Patitucci, Larry Coryell, Freddy Hubbard, Mal Waldron, Diane Schuur, Eliane Elias, Bud Shank, Howard Roberts, Jack Sheldon, Michael Brecker, Charlie Byrd, Barney Kessel, Frank Foster, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Tierney Sutton, Ann Hampton-Calloway, Karyn Allison and Mose Allison. His versatility is demonstrated on a wide range of recordings such as jingles, film scores and album projects including those of R&B artist Philip Bailey of Earth Wind and Fire, Grammy award winning new age duo Tingstad and Rumbel, Brazilian keyboardist Jovino Santos Neto and vocalist Greta Matassa.

Mark is currently on the faculty of Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA and Olympic College in Bremerton, WA.

About Me

I started my musical experience at age 4 with the piano, continuing through high school, including formal classical piano training and music theory. I began studying the trumpet and my formal percussion studies at age 12. My percussion teacher for many years was Howard Gilbert, Principal Percussionist with the Seattle Symphony. I have also studied with Jim Chapin and Joe Morello. My extensive performing experience includes; classical, stage musical production, jazz, rock, Latin and blues styles of music.

I have been teaching exclusively at Ted Brown Music since January of 1997. I accept students of all ages and all levels of playing experience. I specialize in teaching advanced hand and foot control techniques, as well as college preparatory study, including the scholarship application and preparation process. I also have extensive experience teaching junior high and high school band and orchestra, as well as private music instruction. I utilize the ‘performance based’ instruction principal in my approach to teaching music.

Lessons are tailored to the individual student. I maintain a studio ‘guideline’ that addresses attendance, practice and the payment schedule, available upon request.

I have a great passion for teaching, and I truly believe Ted Brown Music provides the best musical instructional environment in the Northwest.

About Me

Daniel has been teaching guitar professionally for over 10 years. He has studied music at the college level and has received instruction from some of the best guitar educators in the Northwest and beyond. In 2007, Daniel taught for Fender Guitar Camps. His students have acquired local notoriety through professional gigging and competition. One student took first place in Tacoma Youth Association’s “Kid’s Got Talent” music competition while another won first place in the Washington State Solo and Ensemble contest. In addition to teaching full time, Daniel regularly performs solo guitar and attends college.

Everyone taking music lessons has different goals. Daniel tries to discover these goals and help the student achieve them in a fun and comfortable environment. While lessons are customized for individuals, Daniel also believes it is important to instill in all students the foundational concepts of music and to expose the student to new ideas and musical styles in order to broaden musical understanding. In this way, a student can make a more informed decision about what to pursue musically. Moreover, this will result in a richer musical appreciation as students grow in versatility and skill.

About Me

Jacqueline has a Bachelor of Music in flute from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she studied with Dr. John Bailey, a Master of Music Degree from Michigan State University, where she held the assistantship in flute and studied with Israel Borouchoff. She has over 20 years experience teaching in a variety of settings, including adjunct professor of flute at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan and Southwestern Michigan College. Her students are all ages and abilities, as young as seven to seventy, from beginners to college level.

Having played modern flute in many ensembles: orchestras and concert bands, chamber groups and solo recitals, she also has extensive experience with historical flutes and recorders, including performing in Seattle with the Benevolent order of Music of the Baroque (now Northwest Baroque) and studied with Kim Pineda. In Michigan, she organized and ran her own recorder/early instrument ensemble, which performed regularly.

Jacqueline’s wide range of experience gives her a vast depth of knowledge for teaching. She works with how each student learns, changing her approach as needed and also to make lessons a positive experience. She feels it is deeply satisfying as a teacher to help people enjoy making music themselves.

About Me

Shelly received her Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance and Education from the University of Iowa and her Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Washington. Upon completion of her master’s degree, Shelly expanded her private brass studio and currently teaches 54 trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba students per week. Shelly’s students have seen successful performances at recitals and statewide music festivals, and several have gone on toward acceptance into All State, local youth symphonies, and college music programs.

Shelly has served as brass coach and clinician to Northwest Washington area schools, adjudicated Solo and Ensemble Festival for the Washington Music Educators Association, taught High Brass Techniques to undergraduate music majors at the University of Washington, and conducted Brass Camps throughout the Puget Sound.

An active performer, Shelly currently serves as trumpeter in the Tacoma Concert Band and the SBC Horns. She has been invited to perform as trumpet soloist on Doctoral Chamber Recitals, been sponsored on solo tours to the Midwest, and regularly performs throughout the region. Shelly has served as trumpeter with Navy Band Northwest and can be heard on two released recordings, Dreamcatcher by SWOJO and In the Deep by the Hope.

About Me

Chris has been teaching guitar full-time in the Tacoma area since 1997 with a client base ranging from 40 to 60 students weekly. Chris has been a resident instructor at Ted Brown Music since 2004, having also taught at Highland Hill Music and Music World in Tacoma, West Campus Music in Federal Way, and Puyallup Music Store. He has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Washington in 1993. While attending, Chris completed two years of music theory and numerous courses in composition and music construction.

Chris performs as lead guitarist, lead singer, and primary songwriter in his band, Lund Bros. The band has released 5 full length CDs over the course of the last decade, two of which are double disc sets. All Lund Bros. releases are comprised entirely of original songs and have received highly favorable reviews throughout the world and in the Rock n’ Roll industry.

Lund Bros. was one of six finalists in the NW regional Discmakers Independent Band Competition in 1997. They also won Tacoma’s best independent band competition in 2001. More recently, Lund Bros. 5th CD, Songbook IV, was rated in the top 100 international power pop releases in 2008 by David Bash, founder of the worldwide international Pop Overthrow Festival. Over the last several years, Lund Bros. has been interviewed and played on KISW, received rotation on radio station KEXP, and airplay on KNDD. In the 12 years prior to forming Lund Bros. Chris performed full-time as lead guitarist and vocalist in many bands ranging from rock, blues, funk, c&w, and Top 40.

Though Chris specializes in Rock n’ Roll for his own recordings and performances, he is well-versed in many styles and teaches Blues, Jazz, and Classical guitar as well, accepting students of all ability levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Over time, Chris encourages his students to study several styles in order to become well-rounded players. He emphasizes sight-reading, pick dexterity, left hand technique, rock, blues and jazz theory, and ear training as integral aspects of his curriculum.

About Me

In the late 60’s I began studying classical guitar to relieve the stress of preparing for a Masters in Psychology. Soon my passion for the guitar overrode my interest in Psychology and I began devoting all of my time to advancing my ability and knowledge of the guitar and music. As my proficiency increased through schooling at Olympic and Tacoma Community Colleges, I started teaching guitar in all styles from rock to jazz. Since the early 70’s, I have taught guitar at Ted Brown Music while continuing my personal education in various playing styles.

My students have found great success through my tailoring each lesson to a student’s interests, whether it be casual or a serious pursuit in performance. The results of this approach has prepared students for successful application and admission in advanced schools of performance such as Tacoma’s SOTA, Boston’s Berkley School of Music, L.A.’s Guitar Institute of Technology, and the Universities of Washington, Western Washington, Gonzaga, and Central Washington. A number of students are now earning their living as professional musicians.

About Me

Clement was born in New York city (1955), beginning piano and composition studies with Allen Brings in Connecticut and graduating from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Southern California. He has written varied works including compositions for band, orchestra, chorus, piano solo, ensembles, song cycles, and educational books for piano, guitar, and composition. Performances have included radio, a modern dance concert in New York, Bumbershoot Arts Festival, Yale University, The Seattle Spring Festival of contemporary Music (1991) to name a few.

In 2001 he received an Artist Initiative Grant from the Tacoma Arts commission. His works were presented on the Pacific Lutheran University Artist Series and Piano Ensemble Program in 2008 and 2009. The Seattle Times described one of his works on the Marzena Concert Series in Seattle as “thoughtful, lyrical.”

Mr. Reid has taught for St. Martin’s College, Pacific Lutheran University, and Stephen F. Austin University. In 1982 he joined ASCAP, and is a member of MTNA, SCI, American Music Center in New York, and has been a board member of the Washington Composers Forum (1987-97). He is included in Marquis Who’s Who In America and in 1999 was chosen as the Washington State Commissioned Composer of the Year by the Music Teachers National Association.

About Me

Debra received a BA degree in music and theatre from Western Washington University. She has been teaching piano and vocal lessons since 1993. Private Lessons are conducted at Ted Brown Music and Charles Wright Academy. Employment includes accompanying the Charles Wright Academy Middle and High School choirs. She is also involved with both instrumental and vocal music students by accompanying them at local and statewide competitions.

Debra teaches students from 1st grade through adult. From day one, theory and note reading are focused on. She uses some basic books to teach from, but adds music from every style into the students studies as they progress. She feels that all sorts of music are worth being exposed to and learning from. Debra has her students perform in Recitals twice a year (winter and spring).

Debra has been very involved as a professional musician performer throughout Pierce and King Counties. When not in a show as an actor/singer/dancer, she as been musical director, vocal coach and pianist for many others. Her professional career also includes local churches, theatres and the Seattle Fringe Festival. She is available as a pianist and/or vocalist for special occasions as well.

About Me

Amy received her Bachelor’s Degrees in Elementary Education and Choral Music from Central Washington University. She also received an Endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language and a Masters Degree in Creative Arts in Education.

Amy has been a Private Piano and Voice instructor for the past 17 years. Her students range from ages 4 to adult, from the person who wants to learn how to play the piano or sing on tune, to the student who is preparing for their upcoming school musical or making their first CD. Amy works with a wide range of people in the studio.

In addition to being a Private Piano and Voice instructor, Amy has also been a Public School teacher for the past 13 years. Starting out as a Kindergarten teacher and then moving into a Music Specialist position, Amy has had many opportunities to work with students grades K-12 in General Music classes, choirs, and musicals.

Amy is currently an Elementary Music specialist in the Federal Way School District. She is an active member of the Washington Music Educators Conference, American Orff Schulwerk Association, American Choral Directors Association, and enjoys attending conferences and workshops which aid in her growth as an educator. It is her belief that a great teacher is always learning.

About Me

Amy received her Bachelor’s Degrees in Elementary Education and Choral Music from Central Washington University. She also received an Endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language and a Masters Degree in Creative Arts in Education.

Amy has been a Private Piano and Voice instructor for the past 17 years. Her students range from ages 4 to adult, from the person who wants to learn how to play the piano or sing on tune, to the student who is preparing for their upcoming school musical or making their first CD. Amy works with a wide range of people in the studio.

In addition to being a Private Piano and Voice instructor, Amy has also been a Public School teacher for the past 13 years. Starting out as a Kindergarten teacher and then moving into a Music Specialist position, Amy has had many opportunities to work with students grades K-12 in General Music classes, choirs, and musicals.

Amy is currently an Elementary Music specialist in the Federal Way School District. She is an active member of the Washington Music Educators Conference, American Orff Schulwerk Association, American Choral Directors Association, and enjoys attending conferences and workshops which aid in her growth as an educator. It is her belief that a great teacher is always learning.

About Me

Gail Harris was born in Puyallup, WA. She started singing at the young age of ten. Appearing on local television with country star Buck Owens, she became an instant
success. At the age of 13 she performed with Tacoma’s famous Wailers, eventually becoming a regular featured vocalist at local dances. She sang her way to the NORTHWEST MUSIC HALL OF FAME. Broadening her visionary goals and aspiring talent, Gail later moved to San Francisco, headlining in SF’s famous clubs and venues of the time. There she met and trained with esteemed vocal coach Judy Davis, whose clients included Barbara Streisand. Following several glowing reviews she was invited to Los Angeles to record with renowned record producer Don Costa. There she joined her future husband’s band, touring the country from LA to New York and then to Las Vegas, where Gail performed with entertainers like Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Della Reese, Fats Domino, Frank Sinatra
Jr., and many more.

After several years of touring and performing, Gail returned to the Northwest with husband Arlin. Back home she also occasionally performed with old friends the Wailers’ reunion gigs. She added playing drums to her performances, and continued playing as a duo with her husband Arlin at private events and local and regional venues. Gail incorporated Davis’s highly respected method into her own coaching technique where, when time allowed, she began privately coaching beginning and professional singers. Gail now has turned her training, experience and expertise to full-time vocal coaching, joining the Ted Brown Tacoma store roster of professional instructors. She coaches singers from beginners to professionals.

About Me

Robert has been teaching private and group lessons since 1997. He is currently enrolled at Liberty University working on his Masters Degree in Education. Robert’s work experience includes Berklee School of Music, an online Certificate Masters of Guitar Performance program. Has six published books and has participated in numerous studio recording projects for radio, television and the movie industry.

Robert’s teaching sessions are self paced, one-on-one lessons. All students are instructed in the style of music in which they are interested by developing a lesson plan that includes skills and techniques needed to play music they enjoy.

About Me

Teaches: Guitar and Bass

Teaching Styles: From Rock and Roll to Jazz

Objectives: To teach and help other musicians advance their skills and become better musicians, and to share the love and enjoyment of music with the next generation.

Experience: Marcel has a great passion for music that has lead him to want to share his knowledge with others. By the age of 20 Marcel had already begun to teach informally. He is a “Musician’s Musician” often asked to perform on other artist projects and respected by those who know music. He was involved with the acting company The Calvary Players lending his musical talents to many of their Musicals. He performed as part of the group “Higher Ground”. He has performed at The Capitol Theater and The Washington Center, the historic 7th Ave Theater as well as Evergreen State College and others.

Marcel has developed a curriculum for explaining music theory in a simple way that is easy to grasp for beginners and gets progressively in depth for advanced students. He recently taught this music theory class to about 15 people of various levels of experience and understanding to rave reviews. He uses this material to help students grasp how much understanding theory advances the musicians ability to communicate through the language of the heart, music! In 2009 he accepted an invitation to play at The Symphony of Praise. This was an all day Christian worship concert at Harmony, North Carolina. Their coliseum seats 12,000.

Skills: Marcel is able to teach many styles from Rock and Roll to Jazz. Having the ability to work with any level of student from one just starting out on their first instrument to the advance player wishing to bring their skills to a new level.

- He has a firm understanding, and ability to teach music theory.

- Marcel encourages students of all ages to pursue their goals and aspirations.

- He has the ability to communicate in a way that helps others advance their skills as musicians.

- Marcel has taught students as young as 8 and some in their 50’s.