Ask a Cappella Teacher!

Ms. Tawnya – Voice

What is your first musical memory?

I remember doing singing games in my church’s children program. I think I was 4? I remember my mom around that same time period once noting that she could hear me “singing” all the way down the hall of the church building (pretty sure I was shouting more than singing!) I also remember around 8 singing Carol of the Bells with the adult choir (I was very precocious!) and playing the triangle in it as well.

What inspired you to become a music teacher?

It was a combination of a couple of things. I think the happiness I saw with my choir directors and voice teachers as I or anyone if their students excelled combined with the movie Mr. Holland’s Opus helped me to see that I could also find joy in ensuring that my love and passion of music gets passed down to future generations.

What practice tips and tricks do you have for Cappella Academy students?

1. Consistency! Have a set aside time and place where you practice everyday or nearly everyday (I encourage 5+ days a week).

2. Take notes! It’s the best way to track your progress and pinpoint what you need to focus your practice sessions on for more efficiency. What did you practice? What did you struggle with? What might help your struggles? What do you want to do tomorrow? Questions for your teacher?

3. And ask! If you feel like you need something to help your practice sessions be better just ask your teacher! Your teachers are there to help you learn how to practice as well as instrument technique. You might be surprised at all the little tools a teacher has to help you have great practice sessions.

What is the one thing you want your students to take away from their lessons with you?

Music is for everyone! It doesn’t matter what instrument you do or how “talented” you are. Everyone benefits from music!

Enroll in voice lessons with Ms. Tawnya today!
253-470-8050

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Say Hello to Our New Instructors!

MR. TOM – Piano/Voice

Mr. Tom grew up in Newark, Delaware. His Grandparents often listened to opera and instilled the love of Music in him, which led to him beginning to play piano at age six. He also studied French horn in middle school and won many competitions! He then attended Ithaca College in New York from 2005-2009, majoring in French horn performance and English. Upon graduating, he changed his focus from horn to piano.

A few years later, Mr. Tom studied music therapy at State University of New York at New Paltz from 2015-2020. After graduating, he moved to Washington State to live near his identical twin brother. In his free time, Mr. Tom enjoys playing board games, cards, and trivia. He has a weekly Zoom game night, and is looking forward to having in-person game nights in the not-so-distant future!

MR. PATRICK – Drums/Piano/Trombone

Mr. Patrick is a Vanderbilt University graduate with a Bachelor’s in Music based out of Olympia, who previously studied percussion under professors Ji-Hye Jung and Lee Vinson. During his time at Vanderbilt, Patrick performed with the Vanderbilt Percussion Group, giving outreach concerts and performances in the Nashville, TN area.

Prior to Vanderbilt, Mr. Patrick also studied for 7 years under Seattle Pacific University professor Dan Adams. In 2015, he participated in the inaugural season of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Institute at Whistler, working with VSO Principal Percussionist Vern Griffiths and maestro Bramwell Tovey. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys going on hikes, swimming, studying linguistics and playing with his Great Pyrenees, Gracie.

Enroll in music lessons with our new instructors today!
253-470-8050

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Meet Our New Admin Ms. Becca

Ms. Becca grew up in Lake Havasu City, AZ, but was born in our beautiful Evergreen State. She earned an Associates of Arts degree at Pierce College and plans to pursue her Bachelors soon. She loves music and has been singing and playing the piano since childhood. She also loves to dance, hike, practice yoga, and take her dog Max for walks. She is so excited to work at Cappella where it fosters and encourages the love of music in the youth.

We are so excited to welcome Ms. Becca to Cappella Academy as our newest Admin!

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WELCOME NEW STUDENTS!

Emily R. – Piano/Voice

Zaina J. – Violin

Parker H. – Drums

Penton N. – Piano

Jaylen H. – Piano

Amariyana H. – Piano

Aurora K. – Piano

Amaryllis M. – Violin

Terra L. – Drums

Greg K. – Violin

Terry O. – Guitar

Gunnar G. – Piano

Sara O. – Piano

Yoselin B. – Piano

Isaac M. – Guitar

Wayne R. – Guitar

Lucas A. – Piano

Avah A. – Piano

Anneca P. – Piano

Witten S. – Piano

Lori K. – Voice/Ukulele

Safia K. – Piano

Emmaline M. – Violin

Jackie S. – Voice/Guitar

Joey C. – Drums

Jordan B. – Guitar

Mike W. – Guitar

Anillie C. – Piano

Rima A. – Piano

Carlito C. – Piano

Colin H. – Guitar

Andrea P. – Violin

Lindsey S. – Piano

Breckin F. – Piano

Gage R. – Drums

Mia M. – Piano

Empress-Kaloni T. – Violin

Isla R. – Piano

Eric A. – Guitar

Landon H. – Guitar

Kareem I. – Piano

Victoria K. – Piano

Mason D. – Piano

Marquis M. – Piano

Griffey F. – Guitar

Edrienne M. – Voice

Mallory G. – Guitar

Natalya O. – Piano

Anyssa R. – Piano

Lexi I. – Piano

Veronica R. – Piano

Salvador T. – Piano

Michael W. – Ukulele

Joseph H. – Piano

Jackson D. – Violin

Marcus H. – Guitar

Skylar I. – Piano

Brady I. – Piano

Andre D. – Piano

Jesse M. – Piano

Greyson P. – Drums

Harper J. – Piano

Victoria W. – Piano

Chloeigh C. – Voice

Alexa A. – Piano

Idy W. – Piano

Elena M. – Voice

Evrett J. – Voice