“Our daughter has loved music since she was a baby. She began exploring piano as a toddler on a tiny red floor piano and sitting alongside as her grandmother played piano. She began taking lessons with Miss Tess 163 lessons ago. In that time, she has progressed into a beautiful, creative, and confident musician under Tess's tutelage. Miss Tess teaches more than piano. Our daughter has learned how to manage her time, set goals, reflect on her work and self, push through challenges, ask for help, and most importantly has learned that she can do hard things. Miss Tess understands our daughter and honors her creativity and unique learning style. She knows when to push, when to support, and when to celebrate. Our daughter loves going to lessons, regularly asks for extra time with Miss Tess, and sees her as a role model. We cannot speak highly enough about our experience with Miss Tess.”
— Michelle and Scott, studio parents

“8 years ago, on a walk in our neighborhood I saw a sign in a yard about Miss Tess’ Music Studio that caught my eye. I’m so glad I followed my intuition and reached out to Miss Tess to start lessons for my then 7 year old daughter, and myself - I would also be a beginner and wanted to learn alongside her. My daughter is now entering high school, and although I stopped my own weekly lessons after 3 years, the experience of being both a studio student, in addition to a studio parent, is one I really cherish. Miss Tess creates a unique learning environment tailored for each student. It’s a special combination of tutoring and mentoring that enriches. Miss Tess’s students learn how to set big goals, and achieve them, with grace and grit. The experiences in the studio translate beyond into life, in so many ways.

We recently attended a Seattle Chamber Music Society performance, where a world renowned pianist and violinist played a beautiful program in an intimate space. I watched their poise, their heartfelt introductions to each piece, and of course their artistry while playing - and I thought, Miss Tess’s students are truly peers of these professional musicians. Each student is playing their personal best, and has been given a foundation to share their music and hard work. Thank you, Miss Tess!”
— Rachel, studio parent

“Tess has a magical ability to match a student’s creativity with the appropriate structure to develop a young person’s piano technique and positive practice habits. Our daughter always looks forward to her weekly lesson and often expresses her excitement during the car ride to Tess’ studio. Tess channels that excitement into making music.”
— Doug, studio parent

“My daughter joined the Miss Tess Studio community when she was in first grade. She has been involved with the studio for 6 years. Learning to play the piano is only the tip of the iceberg of what she has gained from the studio. Tess is organized, diligent, comprehensive and soul-filled. She imparts all of these outstanding qualities to her students through her teachings. Not only will your young person learn to play piano, they will also have the support of an entire community, complete with holiday events, recitals and a lending library! If you and your young person are ready to take a deep dive into the world of piano, this is the place to be.”
— Beth, studio parent

“Miss Tess possesses a rare combination of affectionate sweetness and a clear passion for creative discipline. Our daughter adores her and practices her lessons as much as anything to earn her continuing approval. Miss T is a magician!”
— Jock, studio parent

“Tess unlocked the artistic ability that was inside our son Alex's autism and has helped him find a way to express his unique skills and give himself something that he can take pride in and call his own. She accomplished this by applying her artistic skills with her ability to know and understand Alex — nurturing his talents, teaching him life skills, celebrating him for who he is, and also holding him accountable for his work and his behavior. His artwork is remarkable, demonstrating what Alex CAN do with hard work and dedication, rather than assuming that he can't. We are very grateful for the difference Tess has made in Alex's life journey, and in ours as well. It is a gift that Alex will carry with him the rest of his life.”
— Jim and Amy, studio parents

“My daughter has been studying piano with Miss Tess since kindergarten (with a few months’ hiatus while we adjusted to pandemic-style learning). In addition to teaching the fundamentals of piano technique, Miss Tess supports my daughter's creativity (while keeping her focused) and encourages her to think about her learning process and about what is happening in the music. She has tailored her approach to fit my daughter's needs and interests; for example, Miss Tess added a piece to my daughter's repertoire because my daughter was very enthusiastic about learning it, but modified the piece to better match my daughter's level of proficiency.

Several times a year, Miss Tess gives students opportunities through group sessions to present pieces they have been working on, along with their thoughts about the music. This gives the students a chance to observe others at different stages of learning, in a supportive environment. Even though many of the lessons and the group sessions have had to occur virtually because of the pandemic, my daughter still feels that she is part of a group, and at random moments will talk about music that the other students played and how it made her feel. I feel that this sense of cohesiveness is due in great part to Miss Tess’s ability to create a positive, non-competitive group atmosphere, even remotely.

On the logistical side, she is very good at communicating expectations both for practice between lessons, and for ensuring that the studio runs smoothly. I highly recommend Miss Tess!”
— Erika, studio parent

“Our two daughters have been working with Miss Tess for the last six years and we appreciate Tess’s ability to relate to our girls on multiple levels. While providing a strong background in music theory, Miss Tess has also encouraged the girls to step out of their comfort zones and explore other creative and educational avenues such as Art and Latin. Miss Tess’s deep understanding of and ability to relate to young people across multiple disciplines is truly amazing. Tess has instilled in our girls a strong work ethic and the knowledge that hard work is fulfilling and rewarding. Tess’s subtle yet consistent instruction in self-worth and empowerment has provided a great foundation from which our girls can navigate the waters of life. Miss Tess is so much more than a piano teacher and we can’t thank her enough.”
— Todd and Claire, studio parents