Piano Lessons in Richmond

Welcome to piano lessons! My goal is to inspire creativity, foster a love of music, and support each student’s growth in a positive, encouraging environment. I strive to build not only strong musicianship, but also confidence, connection, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Playing piano can become a meaningful creative outlet, and I’m honored to guide students on that journey.

With over 25 years of teaching experience, I specialize in early childhood development, helping adult students overcome performance anxiety, and promoting Coordinate Movement—a technique that supports ease of playing, healthy coordination, and injury prevention.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Music and Master’s degree in Education from Portland State University in 2011, while teaching piano part-time. I work with students of all ages and have had the privilege of teaching many from early childhood through high school graduation. As a parent of four, I bring a deep understanding of child development and a genuine love for nurturing curiosity and enthusiasm. I believe there are no mistakes—only opportunities to learn—and I use thoughtful redirection, questions, and natural consequences to create a supportive, low-pressure learning environment tailored to each individual.

A typical lesson includes warm-ups such as scales and technique, review of previous material, and focused work on new skills. Lessons are engaging and varied, incorporating games, duets, improvisation, theory, and Coordinate Movement exercises. I enjoy composing and improvising with students, often using sections of their current pieces or exploring styles they enjoy—such as transforming a classical melody into a blues style or experimenting with tempo and expression. We also build listening and musicianship skills through interactive games like “Name That Tune,” as well as memory games where students echo back short musical passages that gradually increase in length. Each lesson is tailored to the individual student’s learning style and interests, creating a balance of structure and creativity. I also offer optional recitals twice a year for students who wish to perform.

I began playing piano at age eleven and quickly developed a passion for composing and singing. Throughout my education, I participated in choirs as a vocalist, accompanist, and conductor, and later served as a music director for ten years, leading choirs for children and adults.

After college, I performed in Portland-based bands as a keyboardist and singer, including Joytribe, Anikka Forrest Project, Girl Can’t Help It (a tribute to Journey), and Bridgetown Get Down. I also released an original RnB/rock album, Tasha Flynn Band, recorded with a group of professional Portland musicians. I performed this self-titled project throughout the Northwest from 2011–2012.