Business Details
Your Premier Destination for Music Lessons in Bainbridge Island
Island Music Guild has been dedicated to music education since the 1990s, evolving from a collaborative space for local teachers into a respected non-profit cooperative. Our mission remains rooted in providing Bainbridge Island with world-class music instruction through a community of experienced, passionate instructors. We prioritize individualized teaching approaches, fostering student growth through diverse musical traditions and performance opportunities. Our board-governed structure ensures ongoing commitment to excellence in education and community arts advocacy. With instructors specializing in over 20 instruments, we offer tailored learning experiences for all ages and skill levels.Our teachers maintain independent studios while benefiting from shared resources and collaborative programming. Community engagement remains central to our philosophy, demonstrated through outreach initiatives and local performance opportunities. The Guild's non-profit status reflects our dedication to accessible, high-quality music education rather than commercial interests. We continue expanding our offerings while preserving the collaborative spirit that defined our founding decades ago.
Services
Piano Lessons
Guitar Instruction
Violin/Fiddle Teaching
Voice Training
Drum & Percussion
Music Composition
Group Workshops
Performance Coaching
Instrument Rentals
Community Outreach Programs
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined teaching experience across 20+ musical instruments
- Our instructors maintain active performance careers alongside teaching responsibilities
- Non-profit cooperative structure ensures educational focus over commercial interests
- Community-based approach with regular group performance opportunities
- Flexible learning paths combining traditional methods and modern pedagogical techniques
What people say
Fantastic instructor
Knowledgeable and patient
Engaging teaching style
Excellent musical guidance
Passionate educators
Services
Private Music Lessons
Tailored music education with experienced instructors specializing in over 20 instruments. Lessons adapt to individual learning styles while maintaining technical rigor. Students progress at their own pace through personalized curricula combining classical training with contemporary applications.
Group Workshops
Collaborative learning experiences fostering musical camaraderie and ensemble skills. Sessions include genre-specific technique development and performance preparation. Participants benefit from peer interaction while maintaining individual growth trajectories within structured group settings.
Performance Coaching
Comprehensive training for recitals, competitions, and public performances. Instructors address technical execution, stage presence, and repertoire interpretation. Students gain confidence through mock performances and constructive feedback sessions tailored to their specific performance goals.
Music Composition
Guided exploration of musical creativity covering theory, arrangement, and composition techniques. Students develop original works across genres while learning industry-standard notation software and modern production methods applicable to contemporary music creation.
Early Childhood Programs
Age-appropriate introduction to musical concepts through play-based learning. Curriculum develops rhythm, pitch recognition, and basic instrument familiarity using Suzuki and Orff-inspired methods that nurture lifelong musical appreciation.
People
Terry Marsh
President
Professional percussionist and educator with 30+ years experience. Developed award-winning drum education program. Former Air Force Band member and international performer. Leads community music initiatives and teacher training workshops.
Randy Parris
Vice President
Multi-instrumentalist with 25+ years teaching experience. Specializes in guitar, banjo, and harp instruction. Former music store owner and composer. Focuses on accessible, student-centered learning approaches for all ages and skill levels.
Chuck Easton
Board Member
Jazz educator and performer with NEA award recognition. Berklee College graduate with extensive ensemble directing experience. Teaches multiple instruments and music theory, emphasizing improvisation and historical context in instruction.
Colleen Walden
Treasurer
Violin instructor with sociology background enhancing student-centered teaching. Combines Suzuki and O'Connor methods with modern pedagogy. Organizes community performance opportunities and youth orchestra programs for developing musicians.
Jane Landstra Embrey
Senior Instructor
Fiddle specialist with 40+ years teaching experience. Certified in traditional and Suzuki methods. Active recording artist and composer specializing in Celtic and Nordic folk traditions. Develops auditory learning and ensemble performance skills.
Questions
How do I sign my child up for lessons?
Contact your preferred instructor directly using contact details provided on our website.
What instruments are taught at the Guild?
We offer instruction in 20+ instruments including strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and voice.
Are there group class options available?
Yes, we offer seasonal group workshops and ensemble opportunities for various skill levels.
How do instructors set lesson rates?
Each teacher establishes their own rates and policies based on experience and lesson format.
Can I rent instruments through the Guild?
We maintain a limited inventory of donated instruments available for student use at no charge.
How are make-up lessons handled?
Policies vary by instructor - please discuss specific arrangements directly with your teacher.
