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Jon Pontrello

Teaching: Guitar, Banjo

Jon Pontrello grew up in a very musical family. Jon’s first instrument was the drum kit, which he played in school and in rock bands starting 1997. Drums grounded Jon in the rhythm that is so basic to music.

For his senior project in high school Jon decided to learn the banjo. He went on to play and learn from many different people. He learned and explored three-finger picking bluegrass style but also wanted to incorporate other styles to bring out more of the rhythm which the banjo has such a gift for expressing. He moved on to study old time styles such as clawhammer and drop thumb while continuing to learn the basics of music theory. He is also a guitarist, focusing on fingerstyle folk, country and blues. For a more in-depth understanding of music Jon has also studied jazz piano privately.

Jon has a gift for imparting a practical understanding of music theory and rhythm through the banjo and guitar.

Website: http://www.pontrello.com/jon

Sound files:

  Blue Banjo

You can contact Jon by:
Phone: 425-268-4917
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Testimonials about our Teachers

"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,... read more>>

"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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

"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

"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... read more>>

"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

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

"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... read more>>

"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)

"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."
--... read more>>

"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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

"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)

"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... read more>>

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

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

"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... read more>>

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

"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... read more>>

"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)

"…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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

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... read more>>

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... read more>>

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)

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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

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.

"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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

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

"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... read more>>

"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

"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"... read more>>

"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. ... read more>>

"I’ve known Meg Mann professionally for several years. Ms. Mann has been involved in theWell-Prepared Pianist Institute (WPPI) for the past 4 year, learning the highest standard ofperforming and teaching excellence from Steinway pedagogue, N. Jane Tan. Ms. Mann’s dedication... read more>>

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

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

Dylan Scott, one of Kristi's students:

"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

"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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

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,... read more>>

"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 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.... read more>>

"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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

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

"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.... read more>>

"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)

"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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

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

"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... read more>>

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... read more>>

"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,... read more>>

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

"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)

"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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

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

"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. ... read more>>

"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... read more>>

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

"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... read more>>

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

"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

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

"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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

"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... read more>>

"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)