Students who are taking private lessons in addition to their music class show a higher rate of success and a higher level of enjoyment on their instrument. These students have a lower frustration level because they are able to receive more individualized attention that they cannot always receive in class due to the structure and size of the class. Students who seek the additional help of a private teacher are more likely to continue on their instrument past high school.

Private lessons typically cost $20-25 for a thirty minute lesson and $40-$50 for an hour lesson, depending on the teacher. A weekly thirty minute lesson for elementary and middle school students is recommended, although a longer lesson is recommended for more serious students. 

It is important to contact several private teachers to find a compatible personality for your music student. Ask about the teacher’s background and experiences, and tell them a little about your child before the first lesson.

The following is not a complete list of teachers in the area, but a list of those that I am aware of who are highly recommended. If you know of other recommended local private teachers, please let me know so that I can contact them and possibly add them to the list.

Lesson Instructors and Accompanists in the Coeur d’Alene area

Updated August 15, 2023

Violin

David Armstrong / violinist.david@yahoo.com / 425-591-7951

Emily Benjamin* / emily.dn.benjamin@gmail.com / 406-788-8516

Garnik Goukasian / goukaslukas@yahoo.com / 509-280-5193

Scott Grunsted* /  derbowmeister@roadrunner.com 208-818-5295

Dr. Karen Hoatson / khoatson@lynxstudio.com 951-809-5827

Dr. April Martin / april@lakewoodmail.com / 208-946-8524

Cathyanne Nonini* / violincpa@gmail.com / 208-659-7712

Viola

David Armstrong / violinist.david@yahoo.com / 425-591-7951

Scott Grunsted* / derbowmeister@roadrunner.com / 208-818-5295

April Martin / april@lakewoodmail.com / 208-946-8524

Mo Oliver / mo@theofficenet.com / 208-819-0362

Cello

Kristina Phillips* / kmphil@hotmail.com / 208-660-9295

John Wheeler* / jpw@jlamarketing.com / 208 665-0694

Olivia Hebert / osaurette6@gmail.com / 208-763-8797

String Bass

Kristina Phillips* / kmphil@hotmail.com / 208-660-9295

Flute/Piccolo

Jennifer Slaughter / jennslaughter@gmail.com / 515-474-1077 / http://www.jenniferanneflutist.com/spokane-private-flute-lessons/

Oboe

Jill Cathey* / jill_cathey@yahoo.com / 509-926-7801

Lindsay Hutson / lindsyhutson@gmail.com / 208-230-4090

Clarinet

Geoffrey Flolo / gfloloshalom@gmail.com / 703-673-6425

Mark Secilla / msescilla@lakeland272.org / 208-687-0455

Saxophone

Dr. Michael Keepe / mike.keepe@gmail.com / 208-217-2870

Ron Kieper / info@ronkieper.com / 208-699-6693

Tyler Renninger / trenninger@sd273.com

Bassoon

Erin Foster / fosterbe@mac.com

Jonathan Madrid* / jonmadrid25@gmail.com

Caleb Hill* / calebleehill1993@gmail.com / 817-655-5412

Trumpet

Michael Harrison / mharrison@cdacharter.org / 208-449-6591

Terry Jones / terrymljones@icloud.com /208-659-1631

Jim Phillips* / jwp3coug@hotmail.com / 208-660-4110

Horn

MariAnn Flynn* / flynn.horn@outlook.com

Casey Traver* / caseytraver@comcast.net / 509-922-2486

Trombone/Euphonium

Michael Harrison / mharrison@cdacharter.org / 208-449-6591

Tuba

Michael Harrison / mharrison@cdacharter.org / 208-449-6591

Percussion

Chris Grant* / cmgrant78@msn.com / 509-294-2283

Michael Harrison / mharrison@cdacharter.org / 208-449-6591

Piano / Accompanists

Dr. Rita Huber / mtsareva@yahoo.com / 208-964-4746

Dr. Colleen Hunter / hunterc@gonzaga.edu / 208-659-6657

Cynthia Marlette / cynthia.marlette@gmail.com / 208-964-4746

Dr. April Martin / april@lakewoodmail.com / 208-946-8524

Cynthia Munson / munsonpiano@gmail.com / 208-667-1741

Diana Pratt / Diana_pratt@hotmail.com / 253-670-4192

Dr. Deborah Rambo Sinn / deborahrambosinn@gmail.com / 360-461-0904

Mina Somekawa / msomekaw@msn.com / 509-443-3546

Scott Michaelsen / scm88keys@gmail.com / 541-948-1516

Dr. Cara Herrick / music88keys@gmail.com

*Coeur d'Alene Symphony Orchestra member