Thank you so much for visiting my teaching page! I hope that we can work together soon.
A Music Education is valuable to children and adults. Especially at a young age, music can help us coordinate our brains with our bodies. It teaches discipline, focus; it strengthens memory, kinesthetic independence, regulation of emotion. It helps develop a healthy whole person.
And MUSIC IS FUN!
For adults, we now know that our brains are elastic so it's never too late to start. Learning and practicing music is good for our brains. It helps to stimulate new synapsis, and is a wonderful way to learn something new, or strengthen a skill you started learning as a kid.
All of my students have different desires, needs, goals, and learning styles. I teach all ages, multiple levels and neurodiversities, and tastes in music.
Piano, Guitar, Voice, Theory, Composition, Improvisation, Songwriting, Ear Training, are all studied in my home studio, or on line.
COMING: I will be teaching on the Olympic Peninsula!
PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY FOR THE DIFFERENT PRICE OPTIONS FOR GROUP and PRIVATE LESSONS. (Groups lessons are more affordable than the one on one lessons).
Scroll down to find Fees and Policies toward the end of this page
A bit about me:
I've been teaching children and adults for decades. I am also a performer and composer. I was a ranked adjunct professor at Cornish College of the Arts for 11 years from 2002-2013. I was invited back to teach at Cornish College, now Seattle University in the winter of 2025 where I still teach.
I hold a Dalcroze Teaching Certificate (click on link to learn more).
I designed music programs at Seattle Emergency Housing, First Place School, Happy Medium (Giddens School), and Seattle Conservatory of Music (for toddlers and young children).
Location
My studio is conveniently located on North Beacon Hill, Seattle, with street parking as well as short term parking in the adjacent library lot. I am walking distance to two cafes, several restaurants, the Red Apple grocery store, and across the street from the Beacon Hill Light Rail Station, and bus lines. Please email me for the address: gretta.harley8(at)gmail.com
I am happy to teach on line. Zoom is a platform that is available when illness or vacations prevent an in person lesson.
Also asynchronous lessons are available. Students can send me their work on video and I can offer suggestions and notes during your scheduled lesson time should you need to cancel for any reason.
Below are details with headings divided by topic. It's a lot of info. Feel free to scroll down to see rates, and stop on any topic that applies to you, and feel free to skip the rest. Or come back later and read the details of the method to my madness.
I do expect that all the students who enroll in my school have read the rates and payment/cancellation policies and accept them to avoid any confusion.
Teaching Children
I consider it my privilege to foster and nurture your child's curiosity and love for music. I am passionate about participating in sparking and nurturing the love for music which will remain through the whole of your child's life. I combine several teaching methods with each student's individual learning style, creating the correct balance for each student. My certificate in Dalcroze is based on a teaching ideology (not methodology) that incorporates: "Eurhythmics" (teaching rhythm and nuance of music through the body), "Solfeg" (sight singing and ear-training), and improvisation. Dalcroze is based on the principle that the first instrument is the body. The Eurhythmic component is especially helpful with young children as their large motor skills are dominant to the smaller muscles in the fingers. In a lesson, we might walk away from the instrument and move around the room to feel a rhythm, or we might move our bodies to the music in order to feel a musical phrase or nuance with the whole body. I have several percussive instruments which provide opportunities for jam sessions and rhythmic study. I have notation software that not only aids in the understanding of music notation, but provides published sheet music for compositions. I also play games with young children to help them not only learn musical notes, but to feel comfortable in trying to sound out pitches with various available tonal instruments.
Practicing
I work with students and their parents to develop a practice plan that makes sense for everyone. Incorporating music into the realities of busy lives that people lead today requires finesse and patience. I have a high success rate with students staying with and developing a lasting relationship with music in my studio and at home. I do not shame children when they do not practice, because fear and pressure of failure often result in children wanting to quit music. If the child is not prepared for a lesson, we simply practice together that week. That is not to say that regular practice is not encouraged. Depending on the age of the child, I think it's important to add at least 10 minutes a day to your schedule for playing or even singing music at home. We work together to encourage a window of time, which might increase- if possible. Incorporating music into your life's routine is by far the most successful (but not the only) way to build an inspired and strong connection to your instrument(s) and to music.
I offer mid-week practice time with me at an affordable rate. Please talk with me about the details.
Here are some practice tips for children to integrate music into their lives:
Especially in this digital era, immediate gratification wins the excitement of most children. In addition, all of us gravitate toward what comes easy to us. It is important to communicate to children, and adults for that matter, how much time and regular music practice is required to get really good at an instrument. We don't see the struggle involved when watching a finished video or hearing a song on YouTube or TikTok. Kids translate the time it takes them to learn a song as "I'm not very good at this." This assumption needs to be guided and re-directed. I do my part to make music enjoyable at the lessons, and communicate this topic. Reinforcing this at home will assist us in communicating that learning music is a journey.
Anxiety and Perfectionism
Some children can get upset when they make a mistake. I've even heard through tears that they are upset because they are not "perfect." I don't know all the contributing factors to what I see as an increase in anxiety in some children, but I imagine the world that we live in, with its uncertainties, the past global pandemic, social media, etc, and that they may be picking up on the adult stresses, has contributed to anxiety in some children. I also suspect the lack of transparency in the "sausage making" is a contributing factor. To reiterate, the kids who watch a lot of YouTube videos, and TikTok, and other platforms– where they see children their age or slightly older with a remarkable finished product, don't consider how many hours went in to creating that "perfection." (I remind children often that no one is perfect, that no performance is perfect; and that creating, and mastering something takes regular practice.)
I hope these words are taken as helpful information: I often see parents of young children understandably clapping and "yaying" when their child accomplishes something. I try to encourage parents to offer praise in more of a "this is what we do" attitude toward music. You know your child best, and I am not saying to not praise them when they accomplish finishing or performing a song for example. On the contrary, encouragement is great. There are, however, music pedagogical studies that show that overly praising a child can lead to performance anxiety in some children. I praise when something is accomplished. Of course. I just don't go overboard. Rather: Good job. This is what it takes. This is what we do. I see you've been practicing. I can tell. That was really good.
It is a delicate balance. Most importantly, I aim to create an environment of safety here in my music studio.
Listening to Music at Home
I encourage families to have music playing at home whenever possible. Turn off the TV, put the phone down, and listen to and dance to music together. Music can be a group activity, shared and enjoyed as a part of your lives. As a parent, your relationship to music will often determine how your child will relate to music. If you show that you love music, and love to sing for example (regardless of your opinion of your voice), you will share that loving relationship you have with music with your child. In contrast, if you hate to sing and say out loud in front of your child that your voice is terrible, or that you are not musically inclined, your child will likely pick up your discomfort and can copy it. Singing is an imperative tool in training the ear, and strengthening improvisation, as well as creating those neural connections in the brain. I am often surprised and saddened when a kid proclaims they don't sing. They learn that some place. Many places. Let's have the home not be one of those places.
Theory & Composition
I apply music theory to help students understand theory through composition (and the music on the page). When studying a scale for example, the student immediately creates melodies using that scale. They learn the chords in the key and create harmonies to that original melody. They write their songs down on staff paper. They learn how to draw clefs, and notes and rhythms. Music notation software is available at my studio for the student to deepen the learning experience; to enrich their relationship to their music; and to see their original music published on a sheet of paper with a title they created– and with their name on the page as the composer. I also have recording capabilities, so we can record their playing of an original piece, or a piece from a music book, or improvisation.
Technique and the Instrument(s)
I encourage ergonomic playing and good technique early on- in age-appropriate ways, such as hand exercises that look like spiders and flowers, animals or rainbows. I have adjustable stools for the piano so that the child can sit at a proper height, thus training the correct muscles while they play. I often assist with the purchase or rental of a piano that will be in good working order while fitting into the family budget. I often help parents to purchase a guitar or to choose an instrument that is suitable to the size of the child. At my studio, I have different sitting options to provide a balanced guitar stance, which encourages healthy guitar–holding muscle memory patterns at an early age.
I have knowledge of the workings of the piano and guitar (acoustic and electric), and can assist you in the care of your instruments.
I am trained and well-versed in various vocal techniques that ensure a healthy voice , while singing the music you love. I work to stretch your range and strengthen your voice through vocal phonation exercises, vocal "aerobics" and most importantly, singing the music you love. I have the capacity to accompany you on the piano or guitar, or put on a karaoke track. I can also help you accompany yourself.
Many of my students play more than one instrument. I sometimes share the lesson with various instrument training, or we alternate the lessons with a focus on one or the other. There are strategies to coordinate singing while playing the piano and/or guitar.
Material
A vast library of music in my studio and online is available to all of my students. I welcome the students' ideas, passions and opinions in the music choices that fit their desire. I encourage students to bring music that they like to listen to, and want to play- regardless of style. Rock, pop and hip-hop are invited, and I have a library of classical, standard, pop and jazz choices as well. I will consult with the parents about any new score purchases; and I charge an additional 5% on music that I purchase for the student. If you would like to save that 5%, feel free to go shopping and I will be happy to help you to choose the best music for your purpose. I have an account with several online sheet music stores, and if we access those, there is an additional 5% charge.
Recitals
We have two recitals a year: a Holiday Recital in December and an End of School Year Recital in June. These are informal, fun, potluck parties with music performances and social time. The student is not required to perform, but always welcome to attend. Families and friends are welcome. I also live stream the recitals so you can invite your family and friends across the country and the world. We have had visitors from as far away as Japan!
Adults
Adults sometimes bring music that they have created, or music that they started to learn on their own; or the adult student simply starts at the very beginning. I like to assist you in discovering new skills, or to help you hone the ones you already have. I work with you to find music that is enjoyable to play. I am knowledgeable and patient with all styles and learning levels, including adults whose motor skills and coordination don't always match their desire to play (or their competence with other various skills in their lives). This seeming lack of motor control of small muscles can be frustrating for some beginning adult students, especially if their children are moving with more ease- which is not unusual. I work with beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of players. With more advanced players, we work toward finding more beautiful and clear phrasing; and to strengthen your understanding of music theory, and physical techniques to allow for better ease of playing.
My Teaching Experience
Although I've been teaching music since I was a teenager, and have complimented my life teaching part-time while a returning student in higher education, my full time teaching focus began in 1998. My students have ranged in ages from 19 months (I taught classes at the Seattle Conservatory of Music for 7 years) to 70+ years old. I have designed several music/movement programs for very young children and teens, including at Seattle Emergency Housing, First Place School, Happy Medium/Giddens School, and Seattle Conservatory of Music. I have taught workshops at the Experience Music Project (formerly EMP, now MoPOP) and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (Bonnie Raitt Guitar School for Girls). I taught and designed several courses at Cornish College of the Arts: Ear Training, Rhythm, Theory, Composition, Inter-Disciplinary Art, Music for Dancers, Audition for Actors; and I co-developed and music directed the Senior Cabaret class. I was "Resident Musical Director" and "Composer–In–Residence" in the Theatre Department at Cornish from 2002-2013. I re-joined the faculty at Cornish and now teach at Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University.
A Music Education is valuable to children and adults. Especially at a young age, music can help us coordinate our brains with our bodies. It teaches discipline, focus; it strengthens memory, kinesthetic independence, regulation of emotion. It helps develop a healthy whole person.
And MUSIC IS FUN!
For adults, we now know that our brains are elastic so it's never too late to start. Learning and practicing music is good for our brains. It helps to stimulate new synapsis, and is a wonderful way to learn something new, or strengthen a skill you started learning as a kid.
All of my students have different desires, needs, goals, and learning styles. I teach all ages, multiple levels and neurodiversities, and tastes in music.
Piano, Guitar, Voice, Theory, Composition, Improvisation, Songwriting, Ear Training, are all studied in my home studio, or on line.
COMING: I will be teaching on the Olympic Peninsula!
PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY FOR THE DIFFERENT PRICE OPTIONS FOR GROUP and PRIVATE LESSONS. (Groups lessons are more affordable than the one on one lessons).
Scroll down to find Fees and Policies toward the end of this page
A bit about me:
I've been teaching children and adults for decades. I am also a performer and composer. I was a ranked adjunct professor at Cornish College of the Arts for 11 years from 2002-2013. I was invited back to teach at Cornish College, now Seattle University in the winter of 2025 where I still teach.
I hold a Dalcroze Teaching Certificate (click on link to learn more).
I designed music programs at Seattle Emergency Housing, First Place School, Happy Medium (Giddens School), and Seattle Conservatory of Music (for toddlers and young children).
Location
My studio is conveniently located on North Beacon Hill, Seattle, with street parking as well as short term parking in the adjacent library lot. I am walking distance to two cafes, several restaurants, the Red Apple grocery store, and across the street from the Beacon Hill Light Rail Station, and bus lines. Please email me for the address: gretta.harley8(at)gmail.com
I am happy to teach on line. Zoom is a platform that is available when illness or vacations prevent an in person lesson.
Also asynchronous lessons are available. Students can send me their work on video and I can offer suggestions and notes during your scheduled lesson time should you need to cancel for any reason.
Below are details with headings divided by topic. It's a lot of info. Feel free to scroll down to see rates, and stop on any topic that applies to you, and feel free to skip the rest. Or come back later and read the details of the method to my madness.
I do expect that all the students who enroll in my school have read the rates and payment/cancellation policies and accept them to avoid any confusion.
Teaching Children
I consider it my privilege to foster and nurture your child's curiosity and love for music. I am passionate about participating in sparking and nurturing the love for music which will remain through the whole of your child's life. I combine several teaching methods with each student's individual learning style, creating the correct balance for each student. My certificate in Dalcroze is based on a teaching ideology (not methodology) that incorporates: "Eurhythmics" (teaching rhythm and nuance of music through the body), "Solfeg" (sight singing and ear-training), and improvisation. Dalcroze is based on the principle that the first instrument is the body. The Eurhythmic component is especially helpful with young children as their large motor skills are dominant to the smaller muscles in the fingers. In a lesson, we might walk away from the instrument and move around the room to feel a rhythm, or we might move our bodies to the music in order to feel a musical phrase or nuance with the whole body. I have several percussive instruments which provide opportunities for jam sessions and rhythmic study. I have notation software that not only aids in the understanding of music notation, but provides published sheet music for compositions. I also play games with young children to help them not only learn musical notes, but to feel comfortable in trying to sound out pitches with various available tonal instruments.
Practicing
I work with students and their parents to develop a practice plan that makes sense for everyone. Incorporating music into the realities of busy lives that people lead today requires finesse and patience. I have a high success rate with students staying with and developing a lasting relationship with music in my studio and at home. I do not shame children when they do not practice, because fear and pressure of failure often result in children wanting to quit music. If the child is not prepared for a lesson, we simply practice together that week. That is not to say that regular practice is not encouraged. Depending on the age of the child, I think it's important to add at least 10 minutes a day to your schedule for playing or even singing music at home. We work together to encourage a window of time, which might increase- if possible. Incorporating music into your life's routine is by far the most successful (but not the only) way to build an inspired and strong connection to your instrument(s) and to music.
I offer mid-week practice time with me at an affordable rate. Please talk with me about the details.
Here are some practice tips for children to integrate music into their lives:
- Have a practice goal. Start with 5 minutes a day for children under 6 years olds. 10 minutes a day for 6yrs-8 yrs old, 15 min for 9 yr olds, increasing it in increments.
- Practice at the same time every day, for example, immediately after dinner. Perhaps between dinner and dessert. Maybe before school. Let practice become a part of your routine.
- Unless your child is very independent (or resistant to your input), sit with your young child during the practice time.
- Ask your child to show you what we did in our lesson. Ask them to teach you a song. Or say, "can you play that song again? I like that."
- Consider a reward system. For example: If you practice every day this week for __ minutes we will go get some ice-cream (or a stuffy, etc) after your next lesson. Sticker systems work well, too.
- If your child likes organization, create a practice chart that they can fill in each day. Maybe a sticker on each day? I can help with this.
- It's very important to not let one or two days go by immediately following a lesson without reviewing the work we did in the lesson because the child will not remember it. It's simply how our brains work.
- Try not to struggle with your child about practice. Power struggles lead to rebellion which translates as dislike toward music instruction, and can add tension in your relationship around music. We want to foster love for music. Eventually, if not immediately, the success (goal) is when your child chooses to practice. This is a long game.
- If your child is playing music that is not part of their lesson/practice specifics, it's ok! I encourage improvisation, exploration of any kind. Exploration is great.
- If you think it appropriate, share with your child the known benefits of regular music practice. Playing music makes the neurological connections stronger, creating better coordination and communication between areas of the brain. Not to mention, the more you practice the better you get. The better you get, the more music that you love will be available to play. The better you get the more confidence you have. Admittedly, these are hard concepts for young children to grasp. (I draw silly anatomically incorrect pictures of the brain to show how synapsis fire.) I try to teach people how we learn. I have found that this knowledge gives power to the student and takes the shame away if they feel they are not "good" at their instrument.
Especially in this digital era, immediate gratification wins the excitement of most children. In addition, all of us gravitate toward what comes easy to us. It is important to communicate to children, and adults for that matter, how much time and regular music practice is required to get really good at an instrument. We don't see the struggle involved when watching a finished video or hearing a song on YouTube or TikTok. Kids translate the time it takes them to learn a song as "I'm not very good at this." This assumption needs to be guided and re-directed. I do my part to make music enjoyable at the lessons, and communicate this topic. Reinforcing this at home will assist us in communicating that learning music is a journey.
Anxiety and Perfectionism
Some children can get upset when they make a mistake. I've even heard through tears that they are upset because they are not "perfect." I don't know all the contributing factors to what I see as an increase in anxiety in some children, but I imagine the world that we live in, with its uncertainties, the past global pandemic, social media, etc, and that they may be picking up on the adult stresses, has contributed to anxiety in some children. I also suspect the lack of transparency in the "sausage making" is a contributing factor. To reiterate, the kids who watch a lot of YouTube videos, and TikTok, and other platforms– where they see children their age or slightly older with a remarkable finished product, don't consider how many hours went in to creating that "perfection." (I remind children often that no one is perfect, that no performance is perfect; and that creating, and mastering something takes regular practice.)
I hope these words are taken as helpful information: I often see parents of young children understandably clapping and "yaying" when their child accomplishes something. I try to encourage parents to offer praise in more of a "this is what we do" attitude toward music. You know your child best, and I am not saying to not praise them when they accomplish finishing or performing a song for example. On the contrary, encouragement is great. There are, however, music pedagogical studies that show that overly praising a child can lead to performance anxiety in some children. I praise when something is accomplished. Of course. I just don't go overboard. Rather: Good job. This is what it takes. This is what we do. I see you've been practicing. I can tell. That was really good.
It is a delicate balance. Most importantly, I aim to create an environment of safety here in my music studio.
Listening to Music at Home
I encourage families to have music playing at home whenever possible. Turn off the TV, put the phone down, and listen to and dance to music together. Music can be a group activity, shared and enjoyed as a part of your lives. As a parent, your relationship to music will often determine how your child will relate to music. If you show that you love music, and love to sing for example (regardless of your opinion of your voice), you will share that loving relationship you have with music with your child. In contrast, if you hate to sing and say out loud in front of your child that your voice is terrible, or that you are not musically inclined, your child will likely pick up your discomfort and can copy it. Singing is an imperative tool in training the ear, and strengthening improvisation, as well as creating those neural connections in the brain. I am often surprised and saddened when a kid proclaims they don't sing. They learn that some place. Many places. Let's have the home not be one of those places.
Theory & Composition
I apply music theory to help students understand theory through composition (and the music on the page). When studying a scale for example, the student immediately creates melodies using that scale. They learn the chords in the key and create harmonies to that original melody. They write their songs down on staff paper. They learn how to draw clefs, and notes and rhythms. Music notation software is available at my studio for the student to deepen the learning experience; to enrich their relationship to their music; and to see their original music published on a sheet of paper with a title they created– and with their name on the page as the composer. I also have recording capabilities, so we can record their playing of an original piece, or a piece from a music book, or improvisation.
Technique and the Instrument(s)
I encourage ergonomic playing and good technique early on- in age-appropriate ways, such as hand exercises that look like spiders and flowers, animals or rainbows. I have adjustable stools for the piano so that the child can sit at a proper height, thus training the correct muscles while they play. I often assist with the purchase or rental of a piano that will be in good working order while fitting into the family budget. I often help parents to purchase a guitar or to choose an instrument that is suitable to the size of the child. At my studio, I have different sitting options to provide a balanced guitar stance, which encourages healthy guitar–holding muscle memory patterns at an early age.
I have knowledge of the workings of the piano and guitar (acoustic and electric), and can assist you in the care of your instruments.
I am trained and well-versed in various vocal techniques that ensure a healthy voice , while singing the music you love. I work to stretch your range and strengthen your voice through vocal phonation exercises, vocal "aerobics" and most importantly, singing the music you love. I have the capacity to accompany you on the piano or guitar, or put on a karaoke track. I can also help you accompany yourself.
Many of my students play more than one instrument. I sometimes share the lesson with various instrument training, or we alternate the lessons with a focus on one or the other. There are strategies to coordinate singing while playing the piano and/or guitar.
Material
A vast library of music in my studio and online is available to all of my students. I welcome the students' ideas, passions and opinions in the music choices that fit their desire. I encourage students to bring music that they like to listen to, and want to play- regardless of style. Rock, pop and hip-hop are invited, and I have a library of classical, standard, pop and jazz choices as well. I will consult with the parents about any new score purchases; and I charge an additional 5% on music that I purchase for the student. If you would like to save that 5%, feel free to go shopping and I will be happy to help you to choose the best music for your purpose. I have an account with several online sheet music stores, and if we access those, there is an additional 5% charge.
Recitals
We have two recitals a year: a Holiday Recital in December and an End of School Year Recital in June. These are informal, fun, potluck parties with music performances and social time. The student is not required to perform, but always welcome to attend. Families and friends are welcome. I also live stream the recitals so you can invite your family and friends across the country and the world. We have had visitors from as far away as Japan!
Adults
Adults sometimes bring music that they have created, or music that they started to learn on their own; or the adult student simply starts at the very beginning. I like to assist you in discovering new skills, or to help you hone the ones you already have. I work with you to find music that is enjoyable to play. I am knowledgeable and patient with all styles and learning levels, including adults whose motor skills and coordination don't always match their desire to play (or their competence with other various skills in their lives). This seeming lack of motor control of small muscles can be frustrating for some beginning adult students, especially if their children are moving with more ease- which is not unusual. I work with beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of players. With more advanced players, we work toward finding more beautiful and clear phrasing; and to strengthen your understanding of music theory, and physical techniques to allow for better ease of playing.
My Teaching Experience
Although I've been teaching music since I was a teenager, and have complimented my life teaching part-time while a returning student in higher education, my full time teaching focus began in 1998. My students have ranged in ages from 19 months (I taught classes at the Seattle Conservatory of Music for 7 years) to 70+ years old. I have designed several music/movement programs for very young children and teens, including at Seattle Emergency Housing, First Place School, Happy Medium/Giddens School, and Seattle Conservatory of Music. I have taught workshops at the Experience Music Project (formerly EMP, now MoPOP) and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (Bonnie Raitt Guitar School for Girls). I taught and designed several courses at Cornish College of the Arts: Ear Training, Rhythm, Theory, Composition, Inter-Disciplinary Art, Music for Dancers, Audition for Actors; and I co-developed and music directed the Senior Cabaret class. I was "Resident Musical Director" and "Composer–In–Residence" in the Theatre Department at Cornish from 2002-2013. I re-joined the faculty at Cornish and now teach at Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University.
Schedules, Policy & Rates
Lessons are conducted in my home studio or on line.
There are various options for payment. You may pay on a subscription basis, or per lesson (the subscription is paid for in Semester (3)- or monthly if that is easier for you- and based on a certain amount of lessons per semester.
RATES BELOW ARE BASED ON REGULAR WEEKLY LESSONS
A full enrollment at Gretta Harley Music means that you are reserving a weekly lesson with me regardless of how many weeks are in a month. Payments may be made either monthly or quarterly. If paid quarterly you will save monty. If monthly your tuition is due at the first of each month.
I accept payment through Venmo, Zelle, cash and check. I encourage autopay so you don't miss the payment. If you pay later than the 5th of the month there is a late fee of $10. If you pay after the 10th, the late fee is $25
I TEACH TUESDAY- SATURDAY in Seattle
I TEACH MONDAY on the Hood Canal (and on Zoom)
2026-2027
Tuition option #1
There is a savings if you purchase your lessons by semesters
SUBSCRIPTION MODEL:
Calendar dates first semester: We begin after Labor Day (No lesson on these dates: Labor Day Sept 7; Thanksgiving. Break (Nov 26, 27) and Holiday Break from Dec 21-Jan 3)
You will be scheduled to receive 13 lessons from Sept 14-Dec 19 (your subscription allows for two missed lessons per semester outside of the schedule. If you or I don't miss a lesson you receive extra lessons this semester.
Semester 1 FALL (Sept-December- 4 months)
30 minutes: $1150
45 minutes: $1420
60 minutes: $1580
Family Savings (2 students sharing one hour): $1940
Semester 2 WINTER (January - May- 5 months)
(No lessons week of Mid-winter break: Feb 15- 20; Spring Break: April 12-17; Memorial Day May 27 )
You will receive 16 lesson from Jan 4th to May 31. Your subscription tuition allows for two missed lessons per semester outside of the schedule.
If you or I don't miss a lesson you receive extra lessons.
30 min: $1440
45 min: $1760
60 min: $1980
Family savings (2 students sharing the hour): $2425
Semester 3 SUMMER 4 months (June- August)
PRICING TBA
You have options. You can maintain your monthly subscription price (also same as FALL SEMESTER), which will save you money, or you may choose a number of lessons through the Sumer months, which hopefully gives you flexibility to arrange around summer vacations. The benefit is you may leave your normal time slot for lessons, and choose a few lessons a week; or longer lessons.
Choosing a package ensures your enrollment in the FALL.
OPTIONS:
You will receive 9 lessons during the summer months
30 min: TBA
45 min: TBA
60 min: TBA
You will receive 8 Lessons during the summer months
30 minutes: TBA
45 minutes: TBA
60 minutes: TBA
You will receive 7 Lessons during the summer months
30 minutes: TBA
45 minutes: TBA
60 minutes: TBA
OR
Subscription Monthly Payments (nearly same amount of lessons as the Semester. Please see dates)
$290/month for weekly half hour lessons
$360/month for weekly 45 minutes lessons
$395/month for weekly hour lessons
(Family savings rate of two family members sharing the same hour: $490)
No credit is given for missed lessons on your end.
*YOUR SUBSCRIPTION FEE INCLUDES ALLOWANCE FOR ONE MISSED LESSON PER SEMESTER on my end or yours. If more are missed makeups will not be guaranteed, but I will attempt to find a time to make the lesson up.
RATES BELOW ARE BASED ON LESS THAN WEEKLY LESSONS, INCLUDING "TRIAL LESSONS," ONE-OFF LESSONS, and REGULAR BI-WEEKLY LESSONS:
$85 for 30 minutes
$100 for 45 minutes
$115 for 60 minutes
(Family savings rate of two family members sharing the same hour: $150)
If you schedule a lesson with me and do not show, you will be required to pay for the lesson.
If you choose to stop your regularly scheduled monthly or bi-monthly lessons, I need ONE MONTH advance notice. You will be required to pay your last month's tuition. Thank you for understanding that this is not only my passion, but also my business.
Scholarships
I have a limited number of scholarships for students who cannot afford the regular rates. Other students are encouraged to contribute to the scholarship program, and I cut my rate substantially to allow for that student to take lessons. Please talk to me about availability if finances are an issue for you.
I DO NOT GUARANTEE MAKEUP LESSONS. I do try to accommodate, but I do not guarantee I can make up lessons missed due to your scheduling conflicts or illness or vacations. That said, please do not come to this shared space if you are ill. Thank you for understanding.
We all share this space and I am adamant about providing a safe space for all. Covid is still a thing, as are the common cold and flu. I am strict on this topic. If there is a cough or sniffle, I may politely ask you to leave; or if mild, put on a mask.
I have K-N95 masks in my studio (adult and child sizes).
If you are feeling contagious but not ill enough to cancel a lesson, we can have the lesson online- any time!
I've taught lessons on Zoom when families travel – Zoom has been a great tool for us.
If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, regular payment is needed to ensure that your lesson spot in my music school is guaranteed when you return. If you choose to give up your lesson time, I can not guarantee that it will be there on your return. My schedule fills up quickly and I often have a wait list.
If a lesson is a "no-show" or cancelled on the day of your scheduled lesson (for any reason other than sudden illness), there will be no make-up considered.
Other
When you begin lessons with me, I have already asked you to read this website and we have agreed to work together. When we have our first lesson it is my understanding that you have read through and have agreed to all details on this page. I consider this our contract.
I am always open to communication about payments, practicing, scheduling and any issues that come up around your music education.
Thank you for making it through all of the details :-) I look forward to working with you!
Location and other:
Please email me for directions to my North Beacon Hill studio
In addition:
Please email me if you would like to schedule a lesson or learn of teaching details on the Olympic Peninsula
Please email me if you would like more information on my songwriting courses
Please contact me if you are interested in a band camp at your school [email protected]
Lessons are conducted in my home studio or on line.
There are various options for payment. You may pay on a subscription basis, or per lesson (the subscription is paid for in Semester (3)- or monthly if that is easier for you- and based on a certain amount of lessons per semester.
RATES BELOW ARE BASED ON REGULAR WEEKLY LESSONS
A full enrollment at Gretta Harley Music means that you are reserving a weekly lesson with me regardless of how many weeks are in a month. Payments may be made either monthly or quarterly. If paid quarterly you will save monty. If monthly your tuition is due at the first of each month.
I accept payment through Venmo, Zelle, cash and check. I encourage autopay so you don't miss the payment. If you pay later than the 5th of the month there is a late fee of $10. If you pay after the 10th, the late fee is $25
I TEACH TUESDAY- SATURDAY in Seattle
I TEACH MONDAY on the Hood Canal (and on Zoom)
2026-2027
Tuition option #1
There is a savings if you purchase your lessons by semesters
SUBSCRIPTION MODEL:
Calendar dates first semester: We begin after Labor Day (No lesson on these dates: Labor Day Sept 7; Thanksgiving. Break (Nov 26, 27) and Holiday Break from Dec 21-Jan 3)
You will be scheduled to receive 13 lessons from Sept 14-Dec 19 (your subscription allows for two missed lessons per semester outside of the schedule. If you or I don't miss a lesson you receive extra lessons this semester.
Semester 1 FALL (Sept-December- 4 months)
30 minutes: $1150
45 minutes: $1420
60 minutes: $1580
Family Savings (2 students sharing one hour): $1940
Semester 2 WINTER (January - May- 5 months)
(No lessons week of Mid-winter break: Feb 15- 20; Spring Break: April 12-17; Memorial Day May 27 )
You will receive 16 lesson from Jan 4th to May 31. Your subscription tuition allows for two missed lessons per semester outside of the schedule.
If you or I don't miss a lesson you receive extra lessons.
30 min: $1440
45 min: $1760
60 min: $1980
Family savings (2 students sharing the hour): $2425
Semester 3 SUMMER 4 months (June- August)
PRICING TBA
You have options. You can maintain your monthly subscription price (also same as FALL SEMESTER), which will save you money, or you may choose a number of lessons through the Sumer months, which hopefully gives you flexibility to arrange around summer vacations. The benefit is you may leave your normal time slot for lessons, and choose a few lessons a week; or longer lessons.
Choosing a package ensures your enrollment in the FALL.
OPTIONS:
You will receive 9 lessons during the summer months
30 min: TBA
45 min: TBA
60 min: TBA
You will receive 8 Lessons during the summer months
30 minutes: TBA
45 minutes: TBA
60 minutes: TBA
You will receive 7 Lessons during the summer months
30 minutes: TBA
45 minutes: TBA
60 minutes: TBA
OR
Subscription Monthly Payments (nearly same amount of lessons as the Semester. Please see dates)
$290/month for weekly half hour lessons
$360/month for weekly 45 minutes lessons
$395/month for weekly hour lessons
(Family savings rate of two family members sharing the same hour: $490)
No credit is given for missed lessons on your end.
*YOUR SUBSCRIPTION FEE INCLUDES ALLOWANCE FOR ONE MISSED LESSON PER SEMESTER on my end or yours. If more are missed makeups will not be guaranteed, but I will attempt to find a time to make the lesson up.
RATES BELOW ARE BASED ON LESS THAN WEEKLY LESSONS, INCLUDING "TRIAL LESSONS," ONE-OFF LESSONS, and REGULAR BI-WEEKLY LESSONS:
$85 for 30 minutes
$100 for 45 minutes
$115 for 60 minutes
(Family savings rate of two family members sharing the same hour: $150)
If you schedule a lesson with me and do not show, you will be required to pay for the lesson.
If you choose to stop your regularly scheduled monthly or bi-monthly lessons, I need ONE MONTH advance notice. You will be required to pay your last month's tuition. Thank you for understanding that this is not only my passion, but also my business.
Scholarships
I have a limited number of scholarships for students who cannot afford the regular rates. Other students are encouraged to contribute to the scholarship program, and I cut my rate substantially to allow for that student to take lessons. Please talk to me about availability if finances are an issue for you.
I DO NOT GUARANTEE MAKEUP LESSONS. I do try to accommodate, but I do not guarantee I can make up lessons missed due to your scheduling conflicts or illness or vacations. That said, please do not come to this shared space if you are ill. Thank you for understanding.
We all share this space and I am adamant about providing a safe space for all. Covid is still a thing, as are the common cold and flu. I am strict on this topic. If there is a cough or sniffle, I may politely ask you to leave; or if mild, put on a mask.
I have K-N95 masks in my studio (adult and child sizes).
If you are feeling contagious but not ill enough to cancel a lesson, we can have the lesson online- any time!
I've taught lessons on Zoom when families travel – Zoom has been a great tool for us.
If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, regular payment is needed to ensure that your lesson spot in my music school is guaranteed when you return. If you choose to give up your lesson time, I can not guarantee that it will be there on your return. My schedule fills up quickly and I often have a wait list.
If a lesson is a "no-show" or cancelled on the day of your scheduled lesson (for any reason other than sudden illness), there will be no make-up considered.
Other
When you begin lessons with me, I have already asked you to read this website and we have agreed to work together. When we have our first lesson it is my understanding that you have read through and have agreed to all details on this page. I consider this our contract.
I am always open to communication about payments, practicing, scheduling and any issues that come up around your music education.
Thank you for making it through all of the details :-) I look forward to working with you!
Location and other:
Please email me for directions to my North Beacon Hill studio
In addition:
Please email me if you would like to schedule a lesson or learn of teaching details on the Olympic Peninsula
Please email me if you would like more information on my songwriting courses
Please contact me if you are interested in a band camp at your school [email protected]