Mentoring Students Through Music
Music lessons are more than notes on a page.
They’re moments of discovery, confidence, and resilience. Each student arrives with their own strengths, challenges, and story — and my role as a teacher is to meet them where they are.
I teach piano, voice, and guitar in one-on-one lessons. Some days we focus on technique. Other days we work on building courage or problem-solving through a tricky passage. Always, I create a supportive space where students can grow not only as musicians but also as people.
Parents often tell me their children come away from lessons not just with new skills, but with more confidence and a stronger sense of self. That’s because music isn’t just practice — it’s a way of learning patience, creativity, and persistence.My background as a performer and recording artist keeps lessons fresh and real. Students see music not only as something to study, but as something alive — a language that can move audiences, tell stories, and express what words sometimes can’t.
If you’re looking for lessons that blend musical skill with mentorship, I’d love to connect.
Offering lessons online, in person in Richland, WA, and in-home in the greater Tri-Cities area.
Email at lmichelle@lmichelle.io with Music Lessons in the subject line or text 509-539-2009.
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WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Erin Z
L. Michelle is a rare find in music education. She taught both of our children piano and voice, and her ability to blend patience with genuine creativity is unmatched. She has a gift for making complex concepts accessible and, most importantly, fun. Our kids didn’t just learn notes and scales; they developed a genuine love for music because Michelle’s methods are so engaging and 'sticky.' If you are looking for a teacher who is as effective as she is kind, we cannot recommend her highly enough
Chris M
L. has done such a great job combining a soft teaching style
while maintaining the expectations of high standards.
Additionally, L brings an unusual and refreshing approach to teaching. She is more than capable of
teaching highly technical classical pieces, but is also very experienced performing and recording
contemporary music. This was refreshing, as I was looking for a teacher who was capable of providing
instruction on a wide array of styles. Additionally, L is an accomplished vocalist who helped my
daughter prepare for her first vocal session in the recording studio
Lara H
L's patience and gentle encouragement has always been just the right thing for my daughter. I can't imagine a better teacher for her and it's been wonderful to see her growth over the years.
Pennie W
As a 64 year old woman, I began taking lessons four years ago as a complete beginner. L became my teacher part way into four years, and I greeted her with my psychological baggage packed full of insecurities, imposter syndrome, and memorization resistance. She didn't flinch! She showed up for every lesson on time and astutely created a strategy for connecting with me. L escorted me through the door of new ideas and techniques - I even learned to memorize pieces, something I thought was impossible.
She was professional, prepared, articulate, and genuinely kind.