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Active - Public

Music Theory

My name is Doniell and I can't wait to meet you! I've been teaching private lessons since 2002 and have loved helping my students appreciate, understand, and be inspired by music, art and history. I'm a helpful and compassionate person and my teaching style is informative, determined by the student's needs and goals, and a combination of traditional and contemporary. I have played piano over 35 years, flute for over 30, and compose my own music during spare time. I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

***Please contact me via "Ask a Question" PRIOR to setting up private lessons!***

Get familiar with the most basic articulations and how they operate on different instruments. Next, we will learn the distinction between the two kinds of intervals, followed by the most common distances covered: 2nds through 8ths.

Familiar Articulations and Intervals

Piano

Humanities

Classical Piano

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

The MTNA was founded in 1876 with the goal of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. With nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates—the MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers.

Founded on the campus of Oklahoma State University on November 27, 1919, Kappa Kappa Psi is a guiding light with which band students can grow, learn, and develop themselves and their band programs. Kappa Kappa Psi is an organization of opportunity and quality, brimming with historic, well-developed leadership and membership programming that students use to become great leaders, better band members and better adapted young adults prepared for what lies ahead of them.

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, is one of the largest existing organizations for writers and illustrators. It is the only professional organization specifically for those individuals writing and illustrating for children and young adults in the fields of children’s literature, magazines, film, television, and multimedia. Our mission is to support the creation and availability of quality children’s books around the world. We accomplish this by fostering a vibrant community of individuals who bring books for young readers to the public including writers, illustrators, translators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers, bloggers, enthusiasts and others. We provide education and support for these individuals and the community through our awards, grants, programs and events. We strive to increase the quality and quantity of children’s books in the marketplace, and act as a consolidated voice for writers and illustrators of children's books worldwide.

Welcome to the Washington Music Teachers Association (WMTA), a non-profit affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). Founded in 1934, over the years WMTA has become a prominent association of independent music teachers from the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland in the pursuit of the highest standards in music instruction.

Back-up pianist, synthesizer, and choir member.

Praise Team Member

Owner and operator of private studio for American dependents living abroad in Germany serving the U.S. Goverment or Armed Forces.

Piano Teacher

Owner and operator of private studio for students in the Spokane metropolitan area. I teach piano, music theory, and ear training.

Musician

English

German

***Please contact me with "Ask a Question" prior to signing up for lessons! I will not accept students without a 72 hour window for admin.***

Music theory is a joy to teach! Let me guide you. Within the first few lessons, you'll know terminology and basics such as rhythm and note reading, and as time goes on you'll be able to understand chords, structure and more.  I typically use method books combined with traditional repertoire.

***My Equipment***

Extended upright Knabe
Yamaha Digital Piano YPG-625
Skype, Zoom or FaceTime
iPhone, Laptop, Kindle Fire
Printer/Scanner/Copier and high speed internet connectivity 
Digital and traditional ticking metronomes
Flashcards and numerous other learning materials and aids
Extensive Music library with 550+ Books and sheets

***At the lesson***

During the lesson, students will begin with the material they have completed throughout the week. Corrections may be made. Students may have to repeat assignments until they are done satisfactorily - this is common. Then, writing assignments will be graded. Online students will submit writing assignments online through e-mail prior to the lesson, and will be given their grades at the lesson. Next, new material and concepts will be covered. Following the introduction of the week's work, there may be quizzes, flashcards, games, ear training, and composition assignments. Online students are required to write and keep track of their own assignments. At the end of each lesson I reserve time for Q&A. Bring any and all questions to your lesson. If you think of them during practice, write them down and bring them up here.

All students under the age of 12 taking online lessons must have an adult in the nearby during the lesson for technical assistance and/or behavior support if required. 

All students under the age of 8 must have a parent/guardian sit in on lessons - both for online and lessons in my home. This is so that they can listen and be able to assist their student at home. This may include help with reading assignments, help with understanding assignments, physically assisting students (lifting a wrist, carrying materials, etc.) 

Online only students MUST have the following: Online Video platform (tablet, computer, etc.), a quiet room or environment in which lessons are conducted, a full-sized piano or weighted electric/digital piano, printer/scanner/copier, Pencils and Highlighters and an assignment notebook, and method books.

***Practicing***

I require all students to practice & read their assignment every day, if not more. 20-40 minutes for students aged 10 and older, each day. Students aged 5-10 should be between 15-30 minutes each day. 

***Materials***

This will be determined by the student's needs and goals, but the following is a general list of what to expect to purchase.

-Method books (i.e. Bastien, Alfred's Basic Piano Library, Piano Adventures)
-Theory and/or Notespeller books
-Repertoire Books
-Technic Books
-Etude or Progressive Study books
-Sheet Music
-Collegiate textbooks

***Policies***

All students will receive a copy of my policies prior to lessons, and must sign an agreement that they will follow said policies regarding situations such as canceling lessons, etiquette, and more BEFORE Lessons can be booked.

My two boys have been taking lessons with Mrs. Cushman for 4+ years.  They are both highly energetic and one of them has difficulty with patience and attention span.  Mrs. Cushman is understanding but also pushes and inspires when it is needed with all kinds of exercises for strengthening fingers to correct form to games for remembering notes and timing.  Mrs. Cushman's composition background offers flexibility for student's to explore the world of chord theory and this can enhance students' ability to play in a band, compose their own music and understand music at a deeper level, if that is the parent or student's desire.  Still, if student's enjoy competition, Mrs. Cushman has the connections and ability to support this endeavor.  Please note that we have attended in person for many years but recently moved away and the boys still want to continue with her online, which is going well.

My daughter took piano from Doniell both in the studio and online. Doniell did a great job of motivating our daughter and making learning fun! She is also great at communicating with parents about expectations and goals for the lessons.

My 8 year old son has been taking lessons virtually with Doniell for almost a year now. Doniell has been very accommodating with our schedule. I’m amazed how much my son has already learned. We will definitely be signing our younger son up for lessons with Doniell when he gets old enough.

I am about retired and decided to take piano lesson as a hobby last year. I knew nothing about playing piano and music theory. I was lucky to find Doniell as my piano teacher. She is very patient with me for not knowing anything and explains everything I need to know for that day’s lesson. She is also very flexible to work with me with my work and trip schedules. I have been with her for one year and take half hour lesson each week except  when I was out of town, now I am able to play many songs and very happy with my good progress. I definitely recommended her to anyone who is interested in learning piano lessons. You will get satisfactions.

It was Auroras first lesson,she absolutely loved it

Our daughter is taking lessons with Doniell and after every lesson is thrilled to share her experiences. Doniell has been exceedingly accomodating of our schedule, making it absolutely pleasant to work with her.  We are a homeschool family and she offered time outside of evening hours.  We had several illnesses and issues with travel during the snow this past winter and she has always been understanding and patient with rescheduling.  Our daughter is very enthusiastic about piano and many things in life, we are thankful we have Doniell to guide her as she continues to develop a passion for music.

We have been so pleased with Doniell's teaching style. Her studio is clean and comfortable, and she has been very flexible with our schedules. I wholeheartedly recommend her to friends.

Our daughters have been taking Piano lessons with Doniell for 3 years. 
They respond well to her teaching style and she challenges them in all the right ways. She offers a great mix of theory with the piano lessons. 
We have enjoyed the annual Piano Recitals that Doniell's students participate in. 
As a parent I have always found Doniell to be extremely responsive to our schedule for which i am always appreciative
I am looking forward to seeing their progress in the coming year

My 17 year old daughter has taken lessons from Donielle for over 2 years and has enjoyed every lesson. Donielle is well educated,polite and experienced with all ages of students. I would highly recommend her.

My daughter has some learning and attention problems and Doniell is very patient with her and my daughter looks forward to attending lessons. Doniell is flexible with our schedules and easy to communicate with.

My daughter has been taking lessons from Doniell and Cushman Music for close to two years. Her lessons are tailored to my daughter's age and abilities, and she manages to strike a perfect balance between pushing her to succeed without frustrating and overwhelming her. 

At 8 years old, my daughter is already understanding theory concepts that I didn't understand until I was much older. I would highly recommend Doniell for students of all ages and abilities.

Familiar Articulations and Intervals - Music Theory Class

About Doniell C.

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