Hi! I’m Mr. Paul the Music Teacher and my goal is to help you express yourself through music! Whether you’ve played before or are brand new to making music, I bring an individualized and fun approach to helping each of my students become the musician they want to be. In addition to instrumental technique, all of my lessons include opportunities to learn music theory, improvisation, composition and even recording! I work to create an environment of trust with my students where they can safely push their perceived limits and create and play music in ways they may have never thought possible!

A uniquely diverse music and education background informs my music teaching philosophy and approach. I studied Music Theory and Composition at the University of Washington and have recorded and performed in bands and as a solo artist for over 30 years. My primary instruments are guitar (both acoustic and electric), electric bass, ukulele and piano. I also sing and have experience singing popular and classical music in both solo and ensemble contexts. I have a passion for synthesizers and electronic music and use a mix of hardware and software to create hip-hop, dance music and experimental electronic music. I am also a recording engineer and producer and my teaching studio is a fully-functioning recording studio where my students have the opportunity to incorporate an array of recording and music production tools and experiences into their lessons. Finally, I am a song-writer and composer and all of my students are encouraged to create original music whether it’s a little improvisation during our lesson or a full-fledged original song arranged and recorded in our studio.

In addition to my music background, I am an experienced educator and have taught children and adults of all ages in classroom, studio and field settings. I have taught environmental education and natural resource conservation in public schools, developed and delivered a course in landscape horticulture to adults at Cascadia College and served as the Director and Lead Teacher of a nature-based preschool in Redmond. My music teaching experience includes individual and group instrument lessons in Kirkland and my current teaching at Small Alien Studios in scenic Carnation, Washington. In all of my education work, I recognize and celebrate differences in my students’ experiences and learning styles and I work to adapt my curriculum and approach to meet each individual’s needs and goals.

Lessons are held at Small Alien Studios, my teaching and recording facility in Carnation, Washington. Small Alien Studios is a fragrance-free facility and students are asked to refrain from the use of fragranced products on their lesson days. Please ask if you have any questions about this policy and thank you for taking care of the air we share.

Ready to get started? Contact me today!