Learn Piano your way with a TakeLessons expert

by Seattle piano teacher Erica L.

Do you have trouble convincing yourself to practice those scales? Or does your child throw a fit when it comes to practice? Has the passion and excitement of starting piano lessons died? While these are normal emotions, you are in luck! The music community in Seattle loves to inspire and encourage new pianists. Come join in the community and listen to beautiful music!

Visit Your Local University All of your local universities present performances for various types of music. The University of Washington hosts musicians from around the world to participate in their UW World Music Series. In Queen Anne, Seattle Pacific University Music Department holds free concerts of all types, including choirs, a symphony, percussion ensemble, and individual musicians in recitals.The events calendar at Cornish College of Arts consistently remains full of arts programs for multiple disciplines, such as visual art, dance, and music.

Enjoy Music at Benaroya Hall (http://www.seattlesymphony.org/benaroyahall) Of course, Benaroya Hall is home to the Seattle Symphony. However, did you know that Benaroya Hall, the Seattle Symphony, and the City of Seattle work together to provide quality programming to younger audiences for free or discounted prices? Very young audiences may enjoy the opportunity to interact with various types of musical instruments. Teen audiences can use the TeenTix Program through the city to receive tickets for only $10!

Listen to Classical King, 98.1 FM (http://www.king.org/) If the thought of commuting beyond your driveway seems overwhelming, then the friendly hosts of Classical King provide an excellent resource! The station plays classical music around the clock. They are also an excellent resource to the Seattle music community without leaving your living room. Every Friday, they broadcast live performances, including Seattle Symphony concerts. On Sunday evenings, the station airs the compline service at St Mark’s Cathedral.

ZooTunes at the Woodland Park Zoo (http://www.zoo.org/) For families with young budding musicians, the ZooTunes at the Woodland Park Zoo are the perfect opportunity for age­-appropriate concerts. The concerts offer exposure to musical traditions, such as jazz, blues, folk, and bluegrass. The artists for each summer are announced at the end of April.

Concerts in the Park (http://www.seattlechambermusic.org/) The Seattle Chamber Music Society loves to encourage young musicians. Each summer they provide free concerts in parks around Seattle. Additionally, the society runs a Family Concert Series with low-cost tickets. Check out their website for more details!

Dine at Boxley’s Jazz Club (101 W North Bend Way, North Bend, WA, www.boxleysplace.com) Lastly, not all piano students study classical music. Perhaps you prefer jazz music. While there are many 21+ jazz clubs downtown, younger students and their families are welcome at Boxley’s Jazz Club. Many jazz pianists frequent the club, including the owner. Contrary to classical music, jazz generally requires an ensemble work ethic. Often, solo pianists miss out on the opportunity to collaborate with other musicians.

Don’t let the blues get you down! Seattle is full of opportunities for exploring new realms in music. The options listed above are only a small sliver of what Seattle has to offer. Find music and performances that inspire you! And, talk with the performing musicians, they want to encourage and assist you, too.