- all individualized lessons include:
* Theory/Composition - This allows each student to know why and how theory works
* Positive and patient environment teaching fundamentals.
* Emphasis on note-reading, rhythm and technique
* Custom written music for the student to play
- in addition, if the student chooses:
* collaborative musicianship opportunities.
* solo ensemble preparation
* autism-spectrum teaching experience and curriculum
Established 2007
Catherine Lowell - MBU Collaborative Pianist, Staunton Choral Society Accompanist, Academy Director
Catherine holds a MS of Higher Education from Mary Baldwin University, Certification in Autism Studies from Mary Baldwin University, and a BA in Economics from the University of Washington. Catherine has taught orchestra, choir, and music theory in the Northshore School District in Washington State serving over 24,000 students across 33 schools. She has performed professionally for over 30 years in venues ranging from churches, cathedrals, and concert halls such as Benaroya in Seattle, WA. In 2007 Catherine founded Foothills Music Academy to meet the growing needs of her students through orchestra camps, competition coaching, collaborative pianist coaching, composition, and private lessons serving students from Pre-K to Adulthood. Too meet the growing demographic of students with autism spectrum disorder, Catherine obtained her masters in higher education with a focus on working with ASD students in a professional and knowledgable setting with an emphasis on obtaining musical skills. Catherine recently relocated to Staunton, VA from Seattle, WA with her German shepherd, Edelweiss.
Emmy Hoech - Violin/Viola Instructor
Emmy is a classically trained violinist having studied under James Marer at the University of Denver. She currently teaches privately and in the Northshore School District as an orchestra strings specialist and Cascade Youth Symphony Summer Camp coach. Emmy has played in several orchestras including the Thalia Ochestra, Bellevue Philharmonic and for the past 15 years the Orchestra Seattle. She has enjoyed performing in many concert halls, including Benaroya and Carnegie Hall. Emmy is a mother of 2 teenagers, and in her spare time loves to spend time with her horse. She enjoys students of all ages!
Hanna Waite
Hanna is a piano performance major and music therapy major at Western Washington University. Hanna specializes in teaching note-reading and rhythm on a very personal level. Hanna is married and in her free time, volunteers and cares for rescue animals. Not just dogs and cats! She works with horses, goats, bunnies and even sheep.