https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/home daily 1.0 2025-01-17 https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/about-lcmta daily 0.75 2021-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631995097337-F96HSDNYYSG33RDMKGE6/2021+9+10.jpg About LCMTA - About We are a music chapter affiliated with the WA State Music Teachers & the Music Teachers National Association. LCMTA was started in 1978 and our chapter consists of the private music teachers who live in Lewis County. There are a vast number of instruments taught by our local private music teachers: Piano, Violin, Clarinet, Flute, Voice, Percussion, and many more! If you are interested in pursuing music lessons with one of our teachers, please contact them from the information they have left on their bio page or contact us and we will put you in touch with a teacher specializing in the instrument you are interested in learning. Also, we are always encouraging and accepting local music teachers to join our Chapter. We would love to have you! As a Chapter, we host multiple music events yearly for our students and the community. A few events in the past have been Play-a-thon, Teacher Performances, Music Artistry Program, Music Literacy Program, M.U.S.I.K Extravaganza, etc. As teachers, we have also performed in concerts at the Centralia College through orchestra, choir, etc. Our Chapter is a 501C3, so any donation is tax deductible, and we solely rely on donations from our community. https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/our-teachers daily 0.75 2023-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631990054922-XI2ZWM01HXHE6F0DQGKR/GA3A3122.jpg Our Teachers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631990082746-YEQ4BBZIL3AT5YNGII6H/GA3A3101.jpg Our Teachers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631990118844-GZNAHR4M7M2APD8NHHUB/GA3A3099.jpg Our Teachers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631990530465-ZRMW2AHIUNM3DSVYHYNF/GA3A3122.jpg Our Teachers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631990566391-PL1HQ55K48DJHO2Z1B0L/GA3A3091.jpg Our Teachers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631990601439-VH1BIWHYJURGN6PVDHCO/GA3A3099.jpg Our Teachers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631990640835-XHTUK0JQZXYXJLHFZ46H/GA3A3101.jpg Our Teachers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631991289596-MO2N13P5WVAUN8KQI4F8/FB+Image.png Our Teachers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1632883092139-K7Q0XXSW6SVHLUOPICSM/Logo+LCMTA+Website.png Our Teachers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631993368850-KX70N33B9R0R4EFK3CHQ/GA3A3091.jpg Our Teachers https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/join-lcmta daily 0.75 2021-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1632591204402-N3EK2CRHKC04AUMK2SUY/2021+9+10.jpg Join LCMTA - Join LCMTA LCMTA is open to all teachers in the Lewis County area. Benefits of being in LCMTA Camaraderie with other teachers in the area This is one of the best things about being involved with this organization. Being able to talk to the other teachers about any questions you may have is an excellent resource. Because we are a smaller chapter, we all know each other quite well and have formed meaningful friendships with the members of the group. Programs for students We have many student programs in which any member may enroll their students. We participate in the Washington State MLP and MAP programs. As well as having a piano play-off competition. Association with WSMTA and MTNA This is a huge benefit of being part of our chapter. Being part of something bigger than just our small community! Click link to get started!!! Join LCMTA Lewis County Music Teachers Association is an organization of professional music teachers affiliated with the WSMTA and MTNA who provide vast musical experiences for students. https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/contact-us daily 0.75 2025-07-08 https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/music-artistry-program daily 0.75 2023-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/aed1395b-17b7-4621-9e85-99cc8cbc9c24/Michelle+Huang+Photo.jpg Music Artistry Program (MAP) - Music Artistry Program - MAP What is the Music Artistry Program? For the Student: Sets goals which encourages preparation beyond the normal weekly routine. The process is similar to sports: practice – games – tournaments. Perform for a highly-respected visiting artist Work one-on-one with the visiting artist to improve your performance Receive written comments and a certificate for your hard work For the Parent: The Music Artistry Program serves as a goal for your child to prepare two memorized pieces of contrasting style. This non-competitive format encourages learning, rather than comparison with others Visiting artists are experienced teachers with advanced training, have been carefully screened by WSMTA, are nationally certified by MTNA and many serve on college faculties around the Northwest Lewis County Music Teachers Association is an organization of professional music teachers affiliated with the WSMTA and MTNA who provide vast musical experiences for students. https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/music-resources daily 0.75 2021-11-04 https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/musiclink daily 0.75 2021-09-18 https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/dorothy-parker-memorial-grant-fund daily 0.75 2021-09-25 https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/allen-lesser daily 0.75 2026-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/2916e7eb-94fb-40f3-bdbf-9c858bb584ab/IMG_1575.jpg Allen Lesser - Allen Lesser Violin, Viola, Fiddle, Theory, and Improv Phone: (360) 496-4300 Email: alpractices@yahoo.com Teaches in Chehalis and Morton Allen’s Bio: I have over 40 years of teaching experience, including violin, viola, country, bluegrass and Celtic fiddle, improvisation and theory. My training started at age 10 in the LA public school system, after which I was studied for 8 years with Heimann Weinstine who had been the associate concertmaster of the LA Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra and the NY Philharmonic. As a teen, I played in the American Youth Orchestra Under Mehli Mehta, father of Zubin Mehta. I moved to Humboldt County California as a young adult and joined the Eureka Symphony and formed the Chamber Players of the Redwoods with Val Phillips, dean of art and music at Humboldt State University. I also played in the pit of Humboldt Light Opera, and along with a local pianist, clarinetist and trombonist formed the Past Time Orchestra accompanying silent movies at Jazz festivals. I moved to Morton Washington in 2016, becoming the concertmaster and soloist for the Pacific Northwest Chamber Orchestra in Centralia. In 2022, I began playing with the larger Southwest Washington Symphony in Longview. Substituting in the Lewis County Schools began when the Centralia Strings Department lost their teacher and I was asked to fill in. Currently, I substitute in the Morton Schools and enjoy playing violin for all the grades from 4 years old to seniors. My teaching techniques have evolved throughout the years. At the first lesson, I always ask why the student chose their particular instrument, and I keep their answer as the focus of the lessons. My goals for each student are to develop a strong foundation in form and posture, keeping the body relaxed and free of tension, a thorough understanding of practice techniques and always, a sense of fun and enjoyment of the instrument and music. Another goal is to get students playing in the community, like their church, summer camp orchestra in Longview, the Lewis County schools solo ensemble, and other fiddle jams in the area. https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/judy-meyers daily 0.75 2021-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631990530465-ZRMW2AHIUNM3DSVYHYNF/GA3A3122.jpg Judy Meyers - Bio coming soon https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/karen-monroe daily 0.75 2021-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631993209207-JUFT787VPI7EFCLRW4R9/Logo+LCMTA+Website.png Karen Monroe - Karen Monroe Musical Note Studio Email: karen@musicalnotestudio.com Phone: 360-740-8022 (no text) Phone: 360-219-6350 (text only) Musical Note Studio Teaching Area: Piano, Harp, Organ, Theory. (Online or as possible, in-studio) Teaching Ages: All ages; 4 on up. Karen is passionate about connecting students to the enduring world of music. She enjoys students of all ages and abilities whether you are professionally bound or a recreational player. Teaching Style: In studio, structured environment using on-bench and off-bench activities. Teaches goal setting with students. Comprehensive curriculum and extensive theory training. Music includes traditional favorites from Western European Art Music as well as explores world cultures, improvisation, and music of our time. Up-to-date technology in computer/piano lab. Monthly group lesson to share music with each other and build friendships while learning important music skills/knowledge. Teaching Schedule: Mondays-Thursdays. Lessons are scheduled weekly (45-75 min in length). For more details, please contact Karen. Student Event Opportunities Music Artistry Program (Adjudications) Music Literacy Program (Ribbon Festival) Chapter Playoff Competition Royal Conservatory of Music Development Program Guest Artistry Program Community Outreach Performance Education/Credentials Nationally Certified Teacher in Music (NCTM) BA in Music (Pacific Lutheran University) MA in Mental Health Counseling (City University) BA in Home Economics/Business with Music minor (Linfield College) Certified Music Practitioner (Therapeutic Harpist) Affiliations Music Teacher National Association Washington State Music Teacher Association Lewis County Music Teacher Association American Harp Society Music for Healing and Transition Program Other Former Lewis County Music Teacher Association Chapter President. Over 40 years teaching experience. Over 40 years experience performing solo and collaboratively locally and abroad, in many types of settings. Over 20 years accompanying church and school choirs, English and Bilingual, on organ or piano. Pianist for past 10 years at St. Joseph Church. Past posts include Chehalis United Methodist Church and Winlock Adventist Church. Provides therapeutic harp music to hospice patients. Past students have won local competitions and have gone on to receive awards and become Band, Choir and Church Music Directors, Music Teachers, Organists. https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/kay-morton daily 0.75 2021-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631993368850-KX70N33B9R0R4EFK3CHQ/GA3A3091.jpg Kay Morton - Kay Morton Piano 360-520- 2440 (also text) 360-262- 3270 Email: musicmakerkay@q.com I have been teaching for over 40 years. My first priority is to share and instill a love of music. Not everyone will be a professional musician in the future but everyone can learn to love music and enjoy it. I teach every age from 5 through 90! and use a structured learning system for the first few years with additional music that is geared to the student’s personal interests. Lessons are scheduled weekly (Monday through Thursday) with the fourth week lesson being a group lesson with 4-6 students . We do theory drills (games!), play for each other and, in general, have fun making music together. There are two studio recitals each year: December (Christmas) and June Other opportunities for students include: Young Artist Master Series lessons The WSMTA Music Artistry Program (formerly adjudications) Honors Recitals Music Literacy Program (Ribbon Festival) https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/ruth-hilligoss daily 0.75 2023-08-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631993631654-8W4OVO0I2X6TXAJA0SPT/GA3A3099.jpg Ruth Hilligoss - Ruth Hilligoss Voice, Piano, Flute and Violin Text/Call: 360-623-2564 Ruth Hilligoss has been teaching for over 10 years, and believes the most important concepts she can impart to her students is having joy in learning and love for music. Ruth has pursued both of these ideals at the schools she attended. At Centralia College (CC) Ruth received her Associate of Fine Arts with a focus on piano. During her time at CC she was involved in the Lewis County Community Band, Centralia College Choir, Pacific Northwest Chamber Orchestra and many other groups. At Central Washington University she decided to focus on singing, and graduated with Bachelor and Master Degrees in Vocal Performance. During her time at Central she was involved in Chamber Choir, Vox Divina, University Chorale, CWU Opera, various student groups, numerous community led organizations and many church music programs. https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/selah-newkirk daily 0.75 2021-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1631993672253-PGE7KZA2R0VGTVGMKHIM/GA3A3101.jpg Selah Newkirk - Selah Newkirk Piano, Violin/fiddle, Clarinet, Guitar, & Cello Email: Selahnewkirk@gmail.com Selah has been teaching for over 12 years now. Her joy for teaching is one of the things that her students notice first. She tries to pass on her love of music to all of her students. She has been very involved with many different music groups in the area including the Lewis County Community Band, of which she has been a member for over 15 years, the Pacific Northwest Chamber Orchestra, the Centralia College Choir, and the Northwest Strings Camp. Studio Info: Selah teaches out of her home in Centralia, but she also travels to student’s homes for lessons (as long as they fit in with her route!) She uses many different teaching methods including Piano Adventures, Suzuki, Accent on Achievement, and many more. https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/ryan-sowers daily 0.75 2021-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/1632883092139-K7Q0XXSW6SVHLUOPICSM/Logo+LCMTA+Website.png Ryan Sowers - Ryan Sowers - Piano Tuner Website: Pianova Email: ryan@pianova.net Phone: 360-705-4160 - Call Phone: 360-480-5693 - Text Address: 2302 State Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98506 - We show pianos by appointment only at our home boutique: Philosophy: I love bringing out the potential of fine pianos, however I also work on many modest instruments as well. The same techniques that work on a Steinway concert grand will also work on old uprights and spinet pianos. In fact, it is important that I practice these skills regularly on everyday instruments in order to keep my skills sharp. For this reason, I treat all my clients’ pianos as worthy instruments. Even small, inexpensive pianos have musical potential that can be realized with proper techniques and workmanship. In fact, these are frequently the most neglected instruments that can show the most dramatic improvement with appropriate service. Children and beginners deserve good-playing instruments. Learning to play piano is a challenging enterprise. The additional stumbling block of a piano with unpleasant and uneven touch and tone can sabotage even motivated students. Every piano owner’s needs and expectations are unique. I strive to use my time in the most efficient manner possible to meet my clients’ needs to the best of my abilities. I endeavor to build partnerships with my clients in order to best realize their musical aspirations. Experience: Over 40 years of piano playing experience 1994-Present - Owner, Pianova Piano Service, Olympia WA 1998 - Worked for Michael Reiter, RPT, Tacoma’s most well-respected piano technician/rebuilder. 1997 - Worked for Snyder’s Piano Service, Bonny Lake, WA 1995 - Worked for Grace Piano Service, Olympia, WA https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/teacher-area daily 0.75 2025-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Teacher Area https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Teacher Area https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Teacher Area https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/fbd349f9-fd82-443b-a25b-6a054b0ac35b/20211210_124139.jpg Teacher Area - Make it stand out Dec. luncheon w/past and present teachers! Not all pictured. https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/grant-application-and-forms daily 0.75 2024-07-26 https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/scholarship-application daily 0.75 2021-12-24 https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/donate daily 0.75 2022-10-14 https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/yams daily 0.75 2023-09-04 https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/ribbon-festival daily 0.75 2024-03-18 https://www.lewiscountymusicteachers.org/musik-extravaganza daily 0.75 2025-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613e5112d7b77e157a0d07a3/a6996a58-67d4-4fdc-87b0-e66472d2474e/Yellow.jpg