Peak Valley Music offers a free introductory lesson with no signup obligation. Thereafter, sessions are held weekly and billed monthly (alternative arrangements, such as every other week, may be considered on a case-by-case basis). Rates for different services are as follows:

🎶 Individual Music Lessons - $120/month for 30 minutes; $180/mo for 45 minutes; $225/mo for 60 minutes
🎙 Recording Sessions - $100 for 2 hours, $175 for 4 hours (may be booked as needed for the scope & nature of the project)
♟ Chess Coaching - $70/month for 30 minutes; $100/mo for 45 minutes; $130/mo for 60 minutes

These rates are in line with industry standards, but if they are prohibitive for you or your family, please contact me—I never want money to stand in the way of music.

No worries, I understand that life isn’t always predictable. While I don’t offer refunds for missed lessons, I’m generally willing to reschedule provided 24 hours’ notice, and you can always view my current calendar here.

Occasionally, I may need to miss a regularly scheduled time for the sake of a performance. In those cases, if a suitable alternate time can’t be found, I will credit that lesson towards the next billing cycle.

For full details, see the studio lessons agreement.

I handle payments through Stripe via automatic subscription. We enter in payment info, lesson length, and that’s it - no need to remember your checkbook every time. Stripe can take a bank account (ACH direct debit) or credit/debit card. I prefer ACH, as Stripe takes a larger fee for card transactions (3.5% vs. 0.8%). I’ll still accept card, but a flat $5/month surcharge will apply.

All ages! I’ve taught students from 4 to 83 and everything in between. Playing music is fun and valuable at any stage of life; I don’t believe there is any such thing as “too young” or “too old.”

Individual preference is by far the most important consideration in deciding what instrument to pick up. However, if you’re unsure and looking for instrument-specific age guidelines, I’ve compiled some based off my observations teaching over the years.

No book purchases are required. I’ve developed my own curriculum for each instrument (see the lessons page for details) and provide every student with printed copies in a binder, as well as digital access to video guides and accompaniment tracks. For students already working from a book, I will generally pick up wherever they are and integrate that book’s pieces & exercises with my own.

I teach primarily from my own materials & format because it provides the greatest flexibility. If the song I’ve chosen to illustrate a particular technique or concept doesn’t appeal to the student, I can create sheet music & video for an alternative in a matter of minutes. However, I also have an extensive library of method books and am happy to work from a specific one if requested.

Peak Valley Music follows the Bellingham School District’s calendar for holiday (except summer vacation) and inclement weather closures. In the latter event, lessons will be held online at students’ regular time slots.

Absolutely! I have an excellent remote learning setup: multiple camera angles, virtual overlays, the works. If you need to take a lesson while traveling, or want to study with PVM but live out of the area, the studio is well-equipped to make remote lessons both enjoyable and effective.

Yes, with some caveats.

1) Home lessons are only available within Sudden Valley, at a flat fee of $30/month in addition to regular rates.
2) Home lessons must be booked with a 15-minute buffer from any existing sessions.

I’ve worked hard to create a world-class lessons studio at my premises to help students get the most from each session. However, there is also unique value in learning at the instrument one practices on, which takes precedence for some students.

While I would love to offer the option beyond my immediate neighborhood, it’s simply not viable without charging prohibitive rates. If you are seeking in-home lessons outside of Sudden Valley, there are a few instructors who offer that service in & around Bellingham.

I’m fully vaccinated, twice recovered, and test regularly. I also keep N95’s on hand and am happy to provide & wear a mask if that’s most comfortable for you.

You are welcome to drop your child off for their lesson. If you decide to stick around, I have a very comfy waiting spot in the lessons space: armchair by the heater, guest Wi-Fi, and hot drinks. I’ve also set up games & toys to keep younger siblings entertained if necessary.

I’ve compiled a spreadsheet & map of all the music schools I could find listed in Whatcom & Skagit counties. I truly believe I bring an approach & skillset to teaching with Peak Valley Music that you will find nowhere else (and that has proven both engaging and effective in thousands of sessions), but at the end of the day, my main goal is to help people become the musician they want to be with the teacher & methods that work best for them.