Alastair Fray Contact Form

"At 7 years old I wasn't sure my son had the patience and understanding to play the guitar even though he wanted to.  Bob however has been able to teach him patiently while keeping him motivated and interested through all the lessons.  My son looks forward to lessons every week and remembers to practice at home on his own.  I'm...

"My son really wanted to learn to play the guitar but at just age six I thought it would be too challenging for him. Greg has proved to us that with inspired teaching age is not an issue. Each week my son’s love for music and his guitar grows. We are so pleased to have found Greg in Issaquah."

"Kristi Szilak taught my daughter piano for five years, beginning when Lauren was 9 years old and concluding at age 14, guiding her from a beginning student to a talented pianist.  Kristi's strength as a instructor was making the learning and study of piano fun and exciting, allowing Lauren to pursue music of her choosing while ensuring that the literature...

"…Listening to you play in person, and especially hearing and reading the bio on your mandolin quartet CD truly inspires me to work hard to hopefully someday achieve the aforementioned level of “great musician”, which I firmly believe you exemplify and embody…

…You have helped me improve my technique and greatened my understanding of the way music works. After only several...

"John Marino has been teaching our son Patrick bass guitar weekly for about the last six months.  Patrick enjoys every lesson and we really appreciate John’s enthusiasm.  Patrick has made leaps and bounds in his musical ability, his music appreciation, and his general musical knowledge thanks to John.  John knows how to keep him interested, make it fun, and keep...

Cyril Silverman of Orison is an alumnus of Charles McCrone's Metal Class program: www.myspace.com/myorison

"My son, Sean, took trombone lessons from Daniel Ayotte during the sixth grade. This early coaching added to his success and in seventh grade he earned a spot in the first honor band. Daniel was a very patient and knowledgeable teacher."
--Jackie Benson (Mobile, AL)

"David is an excellent music teacher. He is encouraging and takes a personal interest in the success of his students. Studying with David has given Josh skills that have opened up opportunities to participate in the more advanced bands in his school, where the more challenging and exciting music has increased his enjoyment of being in the school band.  Additionally, the lessons...

"Ashleigh made my daughter's theater experiences very rewarding. She prepared her to perform her solos in perfect pitch, with animation and confidence. Now she's coaching her maturing voice to a higher level. We love Ashleigh and appreciate her flexibility in working with our busy family schedule."
--Craig and Shannon Ponkey (Jaina and Grace's Parents)

"I did not know what to expect [from an Educated Ears class].  If pressed, I suppose I thought [my girls] would learn some songs.  What they have learned, however, has been far more valuable.  They are learning foundations of music.  The class has exceeded our expectations.  Both of our kids are excited to learn about music.  They love coming to...

"I started taking lessons from Charles in kindergarten. Now I like playing my guitar more than any other activity."
--Shila, age 10

"Sam's teaching has helped me go from just struggling to keep a beat to incorporating new techniques and styles into my playing in only a couple months.  He's a versatile drummer and great about teaching me what I want to learn while keeping focus on the finer, technical aspects, and keeping it interesting.  Lessons are always fun and comfortable and...

"For 20 years, Alan has played 1st Mandolin with me on 2nd Mandolin, in groups of every size, from duo to orchestra.  He has taught me everything I know about reading music and classical mandolin tremolo technique - and most of all - how to play with emotion.

Alan is a brilliant musician with a deep understanding and feeling for the...

Will Holmes, an alumnus of Charles McCrone's guitar program, and his band Great Waves won EMP's 2010 Sound Off! competition

"Not only does Alan know his instuments well, but he is patient and encouraging to players.  He knows how much challenge to give and makes me feel successful.  This keeps me wanting to learn more!"
--Marilyn

Charlotte taught my daughter piano for approximately 3 years until she (Charlotte) went away to grad school.  She was a great classical teacher, and my daughter got a very good foundation (Charlotte was her first piano teacher). Charlotte was a great inspiration for my daughter, and did a good job at arranging her own recitals. I would highly recommend Charlotte as...

"After 5+ years of different music classes/teachers, I feel confident that this [Educated Ears] class/method and Kathy Rausch are a great fit.  The class has engaged [my children] and they are both happy to go to music class in addition to the fact that I have noticed improvement.  My son will now sing, whereas he would not before.”
-- TB (mother)

"Kristi taught my two children piano for several years, since they were 5 and 7 respectively and it was a wonderful experience. Kristi is very personable, patient and a good listener. She knows how to work with children and how to keep them interested and motivated and most important, how to make learning piano fun and rewarding for them.

We always looked...

"My son really enjoyed working with Ashleigh. Nothing is better than your child looking forward to a lesson. His singing not only significantly improved but how rapidly it improved was truly amazing. I would definitely use Ashleigh in the future and highly recommend her to friends."

Tessonja Odette, of Seattle pop band The Shy Ones, is an alumna of Charles’ teaching program.

"You have a great way of making Kylin feel comfortable and proud to sing her heart out! It's so fun to watch her develop" 
-- Lindsay Andreotti, parent of Kylin (age 8)

"Diane is a marvelous teacher and is most certainly an inspiration for her students. Her love of music is apparent to anyone who has seen her at work.  Diane is the ideal combination of fun and discipline and she commands respect from her pupils while maintaining a congenial and lively air during her lessons.  Her enthusiasm for music is infectious...

"Olivia is loving her harp lessons with Meg. Thanks!"
-- Monique

"Caroline is my daughter’s personal violin instructor as well as her after school orchestra instructor.  It is without reservation that I wholeheartedly endorse her as an instructor.  She exhibits patience and thoughtfulness throughout my daughter’s lessons and is always prepared for each lesson.  Also, having grown up playing music, I also appreciate her clear sense of musical direction she gives...

"Charles is one of my favorite people...ever! It's been 16 years since I took lessons from you. I'm still involved in music heavily - can't thank you enough for what you taught me, I'm so glad you are still teaching kids about music, it might have been what saved my life in my teen years."
--TRAVIS (teen student from the...

"Working with Bob has been really great. He has been very dedicated in working me through some of the hardest things, and he always has a ton of ways to show me what he's talking about.. Bob also has a wide variety of expertise, which has been nice because although I started learning because I wanted to play more rock...

I think Sandy is a good teacher, he makes sure you know your beats by practicing rudiments. When you get better at playing the drums he helps you with songs you like.
--Zach D (13 year old student)

"We are taking piano lessons from Diana Quick.    She's been great and my son really likes her.  Thanks!"
-- Robin :)

"Pete Bellomo taught our daughter Kati private trumpet lessons from the 5^th through 9^th grade.  During that time Kati qualified for the Lake Washington School District Elementary School honor band and her Junior High Jazz Band.  And this was just based on lessons every other week due to Kati’s busy schedule.  Kati is now a senior in High School and...

Recording artist and songwriter Taylor Begert is an alumnus of Charles McCrone's guitar program:  www.myspace.com/jenkinseast

"We’ve played classical music for our kids since the day they were born.  Today was the first time I ever heard [my son] sing in tune."
-- Jeff (father)

"For the past four years we have had the pleasure of having Pete Bellomo as a trumpet tutor to our son Phillip.  We cannot express how fortunate our son has been to have Mr. Bellomo as his tutor.  Under Pete’s guidance, Phillip has grown leaps and bounds in his trumpet playing.  He went from someone who could barely blow properly...

"Cherlyn's visit to Newcastle Elementary was terrific. Mainly because of her great presentation, our elementary school has the highest enrollment in 5th grade orchestra of all of the feeder schools into Liberty. I have 4th graders lining up to join next year"
--Robin Wood, public school music teacher

"Ashleigh worked with my son for three hour-long voice/acting sessions. She helped him select an audition song, choreograph and arrange his song and monologue and learn to project his voice. He felt much more confident with her guidance and ideas. Her assistance helped him get a callback for one of the lead roles in the show."
--Veronica Presedo-Floyd

"Ashleigh made a really make a huge improvement in taking my son from a choir singer to a solo singer in training. Thank you so much for getting all three my children ready for their auditions. You were awesome."
--Sue L. and Brooke

"I'm writing to recommend Pete Bellomo as a trumpet teacher at your music school in Issaquah.
My son took trumpet lessons from Pete from 6th through 9th grades at another music studio. He was always friendly and supportive, and my son always looked forward to the lessons.
Pete taught my son the basics of playing the trumpet and guided...

"John Marino has been teaching guitar to my son, Niall, for the past several months.  Niall is 11 years old, and has been studying popular guitar for 3 years.  We were delighted to come across John when we moved to the US last year.  Niall has really enjoyed his lessons.  I asked Niall to think of words to describe John...

Max McDevitt, an alumnus of Charles McCrone's guitar and rock class programs, has opened for international metal acts Lacuna Coil, Sonata Arctica and Epica, with his North Bend group If I Were a Gladiator.

"We bought about 4 flute lessons at our school auction. . . My daughter had just started in the band as a flutist, and I spontaneously decided that maybe she could use a few lessons. Alastair was wonderful as he took in our new student!  I was sure that we were going to do it for just a few months,...

"I've been taking 1 hour lessons for a couple of months now. Was at a beginner level when we started and I've drastically improved in both theory and technique. So far we've mainly focused on jazz, but he's definitely comfortable in other genres, especially Latin. Would highly recommend!" 
-- Nick G.

"Sam is a great drum teacher.  Since I am a beginner adult drum student he is a very patient,  excellent teacher.  He helped me learn some standard beats right away which boosted my confidence. He always combined fun with technique. Highly recommended teacher." 
-- Lori F.

"Having lessons with Tiger has helped me drastically improve my vocal skills in the short time I have thus far taken lessons. I can't wait to see how much more I can improve in the future. She has become more of a friend to me as well as a teacher." 
-- Kathleen Borden (teen student)

"Ashleigh is a dream to work with! We will take our children to lessons with Ashleigh for as long as she will have them! Ashleigh has always challenged our children to achieve more of themselves in their singing. Ashleigh also has a unique talent to gain the respect of children in a large group setting and get things done in...

"Lessons with Tiger were much more than vocal technique. They were unique, completely fresh and the honesty was a welcome respite"
--Catherine Henderson (backup singer, the Rockits)

"I'm an adult taking guitar lessons with Bob Limbocker. I think he's a great teacher, and I'm learning a lot of technique, theory, and practical music. I highly recommend Bob."
-- Andrew

Guitarist Ian Brudnicki is an alumnus of Charles McCrone's guitar and rock class programs:  www.myspace.com/ianbrudnickitrio

Former student Katrina Grace, an acoustic guitarist and singer/songwriter in the Seattle area.

"We have truly enjoyed being in the piano lessons.  Not only has it been a revelation to see how instrument instruction can happen at this early age - with my son being not quite 6 years, it was wonderful to see how good you are with working with kids.  Despite the initial hiccups of the kids being sometimes  reluctant to participate, you knew...

"Daniel Ayotte and I have played trombone and euphonium together for several years in several local musical organizations.  I believe Daniel is a fine teacher and would provide excellent instruction to students at any skill level.   Daniel’s understanding of the trombone is superb.  Daniel understands that being a teacher requires special skills in relating to students at whatever level and...

Charlotte was one of the best piano teachers I've had. She was very reliable and always came on time to lessons an often stayed a couple extra minutes if there was something specific I really needed help on. She had a very consistent teaching method - I would play whatever I had been practicing, then she would correct me on...

"I am writing in regard to the wonderful years when our children, Tom and Allison, were lucky enough to take piano lessons from Kristi Thompson Szilak. Over a period of three years, Kristi was our wonderfully skilled piano teacher and her enthusiasm for music instilled a great appreciation and love for music in both our kids. She was always attentive...

"Charles lets us bring what we want to learn, but he also teaches what we need to know, like showing me the blues scale by playing Black Flag".
--Shane, age 15

"Kathy taught my daughters music last fall. She is a WONDERFUL teacher and very knowledgeable. My daughters enjoyed the class very much and learned a great deal. I would definitely recommend her to anyone."
-- Daniela (parent)

"I think Bob Limbocker is a wonderful teacher. He is attentive to our particular goals and learning styles, and doesn't gloss over the important lessons, like theory. The theory is taught and then applied with a song of the student's choice, which I think is great because it helps me understand the theory in action and actually practice its use."

"We recently moved to the Seattle area and John Marino has been teaching us both guitar (my husband and son) and piano (me and my son).  He is a very personable instructor and we have been very happy working with him.  He really works to find pieces that we each are interested in working on and he always has a...

"After your guitar recital, my kids are deliriously proud of themselves; their smiles just light up the room tonight.  Will was going to ad lib tonight when introducing himself;  he wanted to do a monologue on how much he loves having you as a teacher, how much he loves coming to guitar lessons, and thanking you for teaching him to...

"Kathy is an exceptional teacher—unique, effective approach for truly understanding the foundation of music; she is extremely patient and tuned into her students’ needs.  I’ve enjoyed being able to participate and fill in gaps in my own music education."
-- A.R. (mother)

"Tom is very skilled in many types of music…he is easy to work with and I am able to get the information I need to help me in the moment while still building my foundations for the future."
-- Tarik (adult student)

I have known Charlotte as my piano teacher for about four years.  I am an adult student and she has been a wonderful, inspiring teacher.  She was recommended to me by the University of Washington Music Department, where she was an undergraduate at that time.  As a beginning adult student I originally had a teacher who I found to be...

Way Too Loose guitarist Doug Faber is an alumnus of Charles McCrone's guitar program:  www.myspace.com/waytooloose

"Alan Jacobson is a professional Mandolinist to a very high degree. I know him as the conductor/leader of the Seattle Mandolin Orchestra and his clean playing and knowledge of the music shines through to lead his orchestra. His knowledge of mandolin music and its history is priceless in today's society."
--Brian Oberlin (Conductor and Mandolinist of the Oregon Mandolin Orchestra)

"Hello…I’d like to comment on Masa.  He teaches my son electric guitar on Monday afternoons.  He has done a terrific job.  He holds him accountable to practice each week and calls him on it when he has not practiced.  He also asked him which songs he’d like to learn and has taught him those.  It’s a great fit.  Thanks!"
--...

"Thank you for making me sing and play my songs for an audience at your recitals, for teaching me to play an instrument I can no longer live without, for motivating and encouraging me when I was frustrated, and for being a great example.   I wanted to let you know that as of the first of next year, I am...

"I like Mrs. Rausch as a teacher because she teaches to make things easier, or if they are easy, makes them even easier. Also, she is fun and very nice."
-- Megan

We're very happy with Sandy!  My daughter has been taken lessons since February and really enjoys each one.  She can read drum music, plays a number of beats and plays a few songs she likes.  He has kept it fun which translates into her sticking with it (so to speak).
--Jeff Jones (parent)

"I have 2 children taking lessons from Caroline and they love her!  Sophie (8 yrs) says she is "fantastic and creative" Grace (10 yrs) says Caroline "gives good demonstrations to make a complicated piece more easy for me to understand" and "she is an awesome teacher".   She is patient and has a wonderful way with the kids... They always look...

Singer Lindee Hoshikawa is an alumna of Charles McCrone's guitar program: www.myspace.com/lindeesings

"The [Educated Ears] class is excellent. More than just building music skills, it builds community and gives great modeling for respectful student/teacher relationships."
-- Don and Karrie Sutkus (parents)

"Pete Bellomo is one of those people that every Mother wants in their children’s life. We first met Pete after an extremely bad experience with another private teacher. He did not have any openings at the time. When I explained how important it was for me to erase what just occurred and start in a positive way, he found a...

"Tiger's strong points were an ability to motivate and nurture yet set goals... and an ability to teach in different ways to adapt to my learning style"
--Cecile Thomas

Peter Tilton, guitarist for rocking local teen band Trace, is a Kaleidoscope student:  www.facebook.com/traceofficial

"Very talented instructor. Knows how to teach kids and keep them motivated and energized."
-- Nilendu (father)

"Ashleigh made my daughter more confident in her voice and taught her to use the resources she has naturally to sing. It was a transformation after one lesson."
--Beth Okunski (Tyler's Mom)

"Charles offers the background and flexibility to go wherever my interests take us. Charles simply has amazing talent and - more important - he has the ability to teach."
--Skip, age 47

Two members of the Cold Cold Ground, Zan Ferguson and Ben Applegate, are alumni of Charles McCrone's guitar program: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cold-Cold-Ground/106102636524

Actor and voice teacher Dylan Bandy www.dylanbandy.com is an alumna of Charles McCrone's guitar and rock class programs.

"My children have been taking music classes from Kathy for five years and piano for three. She is a fabulous teacher who teaches music from a holistic approach. She focuses on every aspect of music (singing, warming up, notes, dancing, reading music, playing by ear, etc.).  Kathy is not a cookie cutter piano teacher. She does a great job figuring out each...

"Ashleigh has been a wonderful teacher for my girls. Both of my daughter's (ages 8 and 11) were part of a group choir that Ashleigh directed and they had great experience. In addition, Ashleigh gave my older daughter voice lessons and we saw an immediate improvement in our daughter's skills. Ashleigh is a patient and highly competent teacher and I...

"Educated Ears surpassed my expectations.  It differs from the usual type of classes which are redundant due to repetitiveness.  I now have more tools which used to be in my subconscious now opened up for me to use.  Kathy really knows all the material and seems to teach you more than just because she has to.  Great class"
-- Sebastien, age...

"Two of my children are in lessons with Masa, one for Bass and one for Guitar. I have one in Metal Shop and so far he is having a blast."
--Paul (parent)

I recently had the privilege of taking a music introductory course with Kathy Rausch.  Both of my daughters (ages 9 & 10) took the class with me.  Kathy’s teaching style cut across all age borders and skill levels, of which there was a variety in the class.  Outside of a very basic public school music background with no follow up...

"Working with Charles brought me from the amateur to the professional."
-- Recording artist, Ben Schor, 22

"Mrs. Rausch is an excellent music teacher.  She is able to bring out the best in her students, and helps to learn while making music fun! I have never heard her once raise her voice, and she is extremely patient.  She does not criticize a student when they make a mistake - she simply reminds that no one is expected...

"I highly recommend the Well Prepared Pianist method for learning piano, taught by Meg Mann! From day one with no prior piano instruction, our son learned to read and play the entire range of the piano keyboard, to utilize white and black keys and the pedal, to play both hands and both clefs simultaneously, to apply excellent technique to produce...