Stan Watkins

Music was my first love. With a mother and an older brother who played piano, this came naturally. Early on I was picking out tunes I had heard on the piano. Once, I remember, I was working hard to find all the notes to “Jesus Loves Me,” when my Dad interrupted to say that we had to leave. I was so upset! I had to finish that song! Mother intervened to let me finish. Soon after that she enrolled me in piano lessons.

I took private piano from age 9 to 18. During my high school years, my eyes were opened to a new musical love—the choir. I continued with my involvement in choir and piano through college, completing four additional years of piano lessons and a Master of Music degree in choral conducting. Following my schooling, over a period of 9 years, I was a church musician in the Seattle area, as pianist, choir director, and minister of music, as well as teaching private piano. I then moved into ministry in Europe for 6 years, first in Estonia, and then England. Music was a major component of my work in both locations. After spending the past six years in the Seattle area as a small business owner, I am excited to return to my first love, music. I hope to launch many others into a life-long love of music.

I pride myself on presenting a balanced approach to music instruction, including not only learning to play the piano, but also understanding the way music is put together, appreciating the relationship between music and history, improving one’s technical ability to play well, and developing one’s creative voice through improvising, arranging, and composing. As part of this comprehensive approach, I encourage students to participate in the The Achievement Program, a national standard of musical success, developed by Carnegie Hall, in partnership with The Royal Conservatory of Toronto, Canada. Students receive assessment in practical areas of their playing, as well as their understanding of music theory and history. They benefit from participation in a nationally recognized program that offers a balanced course of study and meaningful evaluation, which they can reference for college admissions.

To inquire about lessons with Stan, fill out this simple contact form!

- Lessons Home – Teachers – About the Studio  – Featured Students – Gallery – Remote Lessons – Contact -