Jon Mutchler Piano Lessons (aka Ferndale Piano.com) member:
Click here for July 5, 2012 article about Jon in the Bellingham Herald. Click here back to Jon Mutchler.com Click here to Jump to FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) Click here to apply for lessons (new and returning students) Click here for a recent interview with Jon at MainlyPiano.com with piano critic, Kathy Parson Click here for 2006 Bellingham Herald article on Jon Click here to see Jon's musical connections to Haydn, Beethoven, Listz, Bartok, Ford Hill (etc.) Click here for Jon's upcoming performances and concerts Click here for lesson and tuition schedule for current year Click here for other teachers in the Ferndale area Click here for parent quotes and comments on Jon
Jon's Email SIGN UP NOW FOR SUMMER & FALL 2013 LESSONS "From Bach to Boogie" -- All Styles, levels, and ages Over 35 years professional experience Well known regional performer, House Pianist at Semiahmoo Resort playing Saturday nights WWU Graduate in Performance (Classical) + Jazz Studies; student of Ford Hill Faculty member with the Blaine Jazz Festival (you may be able to get your entire tuition paid) Jon can also teach Whatcom Community College students for credit ("Contract Learning") Classical Pop Jazz Rock Theory Composition Gospel New Age Music History Boogie Church Worship Hymns Contemporary Inspirational Coaching Sight Reading
Jon is accepting new students. Contact Jon after reading info (FAQs) below. CLICK HERE for the registration page (new AND returning students)
NEWS: I teach students on a 7 foot 6 inch Yamaha DC7 Disklavier concert grand piano in my new 600+ ft home studio! Students can now immediately hear their own exact playing on the piano (not on tape). An unbeatable teaching tool!
Call (360) 384-9092 or Email me after seeing if your question is answered below. Thanks! Click here for info and contact on other local Ferndale/Custer piano teachers.
Parent Quotes:
Jon is an amazing pianist and instructor and can't help but do well with young people, considering that he and his wife are raising so many of their own children. Our son has truly grown as a pianist under Jon's tutelage through the last few years. We have particularly appreciated Jon's range of music, his knowledge of musical history and theory, the repertoire he is able to pull from to match students' interests and skill levels and his encouragement of budding composers, not to mention his scheduling flexibility. A highlight is always the June recital concert; it's been wonderful to see the musical maturation of all of his students during this the end-of-the-year performance. And as a special treat, Jon always plays something too to make this a truly "wow" evening. Thanks, Jon! --Sue, parent
We came up from the Seattle area where you can have the pick of incredible teachers. We never thought we would find such quality in a small town. John is not only a masterful pianist, but is down to earth and inspires our daughter. She loves piano! -- Ann, parent
Jon has been instrumental in my son's developing love of music. Any teacher that can get my active 9-year-old to sit down and practice every day -- with joy -- is worth his weight in gold; that's Jon. His easy-going style, combined with the inviting environment of his piano studio, makes Jon the perfect teacher for any budding Mozart ... or Billy Joel! ....[Jon] has been such a tremendous influence in Kyler's life. He loves piano and you have helped instill that love. Your kindness, patience and musical talent, along with your family's generosity, have been a boon to our time here in Ferndale. Thank you for every thing...." Bonnie, parent
Jon makes piano lessons fun -- Sonja, student
"You have been such a tremendous influence in K-----. he loves piano and you have helped instill that love. Your kindness, patience, and musical talent, along with your family's generosity, have all been a boon to our time here in Ferndale. Thank you for everything!" -- M--, parent)
Whatcom County is fortunate to have a piano teacher like Jon. He has a passion for music and knows how to inspire his students to reach higher. Our Hannah has been his student for 4 years! -- A.C., parent
"Jon is exceptional with young children. Our 6 year old daughter and 11 year old son (who started lessons at age 9) have been musically inspired by Jon's lessons. " Sabrina, parent
"Recently we experienced an increase in school work that needed to be done at home. Jon was very accommodating and worked with us to create a new schedule that would fit our families present needs. He is very kind, flexible and easy to work with. He has a love for music that shines through to his students and we feel very blessed to have him as our daughter's piano teacher. She has really taken on a great appreciation for music under his tutelage. -- Shari, parent
I teach all ages (including adult piano teachers) and tend to teach a more traditional method. I enjoy exposing students to various types of piano literature (from baroque, classical, romantic, modern, to jazz and church/worship music for those interested). But I also help students explore jazz, rock, improvisation, chords, and modern church styles. I am currently accepting students but have limited my lesson days to Thursdays and Fridays. About half my students are home schools children. I have coached and taught fellow teachers as well and happy to do so.
My home studio is located in Ferndale near the corner of Church and Thornton Roads. I teach on a Yamaha DC7 7' 6" Concert Grand with Disklavier (computer/recorder). This is an extraordinary instrument. It is a concert/conservatory level instrument with the technology to record your student and playback immediately (on the piano) for feedback and instruction.
I have a very comfortable sitting area in my studio for parents who are always welcome to come and observe. Don't hesitate to ask for a cup of coffee! Kids who come early often bring their home work. Parents are welcome to observe.
I have taught piano in Whatcom County since 1984 from beginners to adults (including local piano teachers). I have played piano professionally since 1976. My schooling includes a Bachelor of Music degree (Magna Cum Laude) from Western Washington University (in classical piano "performance" and "jazz studies") and I've studied under Ford Hill, Nancy Yaeger, Jeffrey Gilliams, and Nadine Clarke. I am active in the Whatcom County music scene in various jazz groups and have recorded 7 CDs of solo piano. I'm the house pianist at Resort Semiahmoo on weekends. I also have 7 children whom I homeschool with my wife Diane (who has an earned master's degree in education and taught in the Ferndale public schools). I completed a Master of Divinity degree at Regent College (Vancouver, B.C.). My full time work is that of husband, dad, and pastor of the Ferndale Alliance Church. I have also served on the faculty for several years at the Blaine Jazz Festival, teaching piano, jazz, and theory.
1. Tuition for weekly 1/2 hour lessons for the 2011-2012 school year is $92 per month ($80 for the 2nd and 3rd child in the same family) payable on or before the first lesson of each four week period. A lesson/tuition payment schedule is below. Please pay by check as no receipt will be given unless you ask. Thanks!
2. In general I follow the Ferndale Public School schedule. There will be no lessons on public school holidays. There will be lessons on so-called "staff days" when students are out of class but the teaching staff works. On "snow days" please call me.
3. There are no deductions or refunds for missed lessons except for protracted/long-term illness. I will try to schedule a "make-up" lesson for students who notify me in advance that they will not be attending their lesson if there are extenuating circumstances (illness or an extraordinary scheduling conflict) for the missed lesson. Also, I am usually happy to teach an extra "free" lesson during school holiday weeks (Christmas, Spring Break, etc.) but it is up to the student/parent to request the extra lesson.
4. I will "pro-rate" tuition for students who begin lessons after school has started.
5. There is no extra charge for recitals (which are held once or twice per year).
6. Most of the student's piano music will be purchased by the student. Some will be loaned to students. Please take good care of music and return when done!
7. I do teach piano in the summer for usually an 8-10 week session and encourage students to continue their studies. Contact me for more information (360-384-9092).
1. Your piano must be in good working condition. All the keys and pedals must work. Ideally, a piano should be serviced (tuned) twice a year. Once a year is a minimum. Please maintain your piano! It will make a big difference in how much your child enjoys piano. I can recommend a piano technician or you can look in the yellow pages. Love your piano! Electric keyboards or organs are not an adequate substitute for piano practicing!
2. Your child must be able to practice in a place that is comfortable (clean and warm) and without distractions. If your piano is in the major "traffic" area of your home then either move it or encourage family members (including yourself!) to stay clear during scheduled practice times (unless you are assisting your young child's learning).
In general I will take any grade beyond the first grade and any level of adult. There are teachers who will teach at grades lower than 2nd but I prefer to start at about the same time children are reading sentences (and are able to sit in one place for 30 minutes!). At times I have taken students who are beginning first grade, but they generally need extra attention and support from a parent.
1. Students are expected to practice 5-6 days each week. I encourage each student to take one day off each week from practicing. The "sabbath principle" applies to practicing and homework too!
2. Beginning students should practice 25 minutes each practice day. This can be done at one sitting or in two shorter sessions each day. A regular schedule (time slot) works best.
3. Most students will also do theory (written) work which is important to your child's musical development. It's a good idea to do this in pencil!
4. Students are expected to work on their lessons and assignments during scheduled practice times. After lesson work is done students may improvise, "play around," or sight read new music on the piano. I encourage this type of creative exploration but I think it should be done within the discipline of learning their lessons. I am also more than happy to help young students who are interested in writing music. We cherish creativity!
5. It would be normal for a student to not play each assigned piece every day. Generally, a student might work on 1/2 to 1/3 of the work assigned on a given day. Or, if a student is working on scales he might do half of them each practice.
Talk to me! If you see something in your child's practicing which you think would be helpful for me to know about don't hesitate to call. I am interested in providing for your child the most positive musical experience and opportunity to learn about one of our greatest musical instruments-the piano. I see myself as a team member with you in the education and promotion of music to your child.
I am often asked to teach jazz to my students as well as contemporary church/worship playing. In general I am happy to do so within the context of teaching traditional piano. They go together and build on one-another. I would seldom teach a young pianist "just jazz." Also, students are invited to bring to lessons music from school performance groups like jazz (stage) band. For the more advanced student I do offer one-time "coaching" for special needs situation. See below.
Generally, we hold a year-end graduation type recital in early or mid June. Students are generally expected to learn and memorize 2-3 songs to perform for other students and family. This is an important part of the musical process: learning to share and perform before others.
I encourage kids to listen to as many pianists as they can. They can attend various recitals and concerts in the community. Listen, listen, and listen some more! And CDs can be fantastic as well. I am happy to provide suggestions. And I'll even make a shameless plug here: You can hear me perform now and again in our community!
I note here that there are some great performance at the local schools, and at Western Washington University. You can call the music department there (650-3130) and ask to receive their concert mailing list. Also check out the "Take Five" section of the Thursday edition of the Bellingham Herald
I am currently teaching Thursdays and Fridays. I have a handful of openings and will do my best to schedule your student. Though not always possible, I try to schedule families together if they wish. And former students get schedule preferences over newer ones.
For accomplished adults and very advanced teens I can offer specialized "coaching." Usually, this is the occasional 30 minute or one hour lesson where I help a pianist with a certain classical piece they are working on, provide some help with some aspect of jazz playing, help with some church/worship music, give some pointers on theory or writing, or some other special one-time circumstances. The cost is $50/hour. or $30 for half an hour. This is not designed or would it be appropriate or helpful to replace regular weekly lessons for the beginning or intermediate student. It is to help the accomplished pianist in some special area where you think I may be helpful.
Yes, I do teach in the summer and encourage your student continue if they are able. I generally cover a two month period from mid/late June through mid August. Just ask for details!
For beginner students, a helpful Grand Staff/Keyboard Correlation Chart. Click on chart to download your copy!
2012-2013 Mutchler Piano Lesson and Tuition Schedule
Note: we basically follow the Ferndale School Schedule (which you can find online). But there are still lessons on "staff days" and on Veterans Day (if you wish or need this day off, I am happy to reschedule). There are 3 big breaks: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break (first week of April).
Lesson Dates and Notes
1 Sep 6, 7 TUITION DUE ($92, $80, $80, etc.)
2 Sep 13, 14
3 Sep 20, 21
4 Sep 27, 28
5 Oct 4, 5 TUITION DUE
6 Oct 11, 12
7 Oct 18, 19
8 Oct 25, 26
9 Nov 1,2 TUITION DUE
10 Nov 8, 9
11 Nov 15, 16
- - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (Thanksgiving Break, Nov 22-23)
12 Nov 29, 30
13 Dec 6, 7 TUITION DUE
14 Dec 13, 14
- - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FERNDALE CHRISTMAS BREAK
15 Jan 3, 4
16 Jan 10, 11
17 Jan 17, 18 TUITION DUE
18 Jan 24, 25
19 Jan 31, Feb 1
20 Feb 7, 8
21 Feb 14, 15 TUITION DUE
22 Feb 21, 22
23 Feb 28, Mar 1
24 Mar 7, 8
25 Mar 14, 15 TUITION DUE
26 Mar 21, 22
27 Mar 28, 29
- - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FERNDALE SPRING BREAK
28 Apr 11, 12
29 Apr 18, 19 TUITION DUE
30 Apr 25, 26
31 May 2, 3
32 May 9, 10
33 May 16, 17 TUITION DUE
34 May 23, 24
35 May 30, 31
36 Jun 6, 7
37 Jun 13, 14: POSSIBLE MAKE UP LESSONS (snow days)
END OF YEAR RECITAL TENTATIVE DATE: Thursday Night, June 13, 7:00 PM at the Mutchler Home Studio,
There are other terrific piano teachers in the Ferndale/Custer area! I am pleased to list their names, phone numbers, emails, and web sites here. If you are a local teacher (teaching within the Ferndale School district) let me know your data and I will post it here...for free! AND if your name got posted here and you are not teaching or you wish it removed, or modified, let me know! Or, if you have a web site or email link I am happy to include it.
Mary Marshall email, Phone: 201-4478 (piano and strings, violin)
Kim Bowman web site and email., phone: 398-2554
Kathy Mader 384-1323
Cathy Lewis, 366-5372
Gwen Penner, 384-3053
Sue Gault, 380-5466
Maryann Brudwick, 384-3894
Terri Irwin Brown, 384-4680
Christy Hart, 380-4905
Rene Arbogast, 360-595-7674 and email
(note from Jon: this is a list of people who are teaching in the area. I am unable to make recommendations or provide information about about their teaching methods or abilities as I simply do not know. I would suggest contacting them and perhaps even asking for references from current/past students)