Teaching Artist Statement

I enjoy helping students understand and appreciate music. There are many ways to approach music, from sheet music, recordings, and improvisation and my goal is to find the way that suits my students the best. From traditional piano study to Beatles chord charts to jazz theory and improvisation or current pop tunes, we'll enjoy exploring music together.

I've had many students tell me that it was liberating to find new ways to experience music, and learn different styles. I've worked with many students who were in their school's jazz band to help them make their own choices and learn to improvise. I especially enjoy working with adults who may have studied as a child, and would like to rekindle their relationship with the piano.

Teaching Bio

I've been teaching for over twenty five years, at Music Center of the Northwest, Music Works Northwest, Green River Music, North Benson Music, and at my home in West Seattle. I currently conduct the Music Works Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble.

As the recipient of several grants from 4Culture and others, I've been working with local middle & high school bands and orchestras doing residencies for Afro-Cuban music. I recently was a clinician at the Newport Jazz festival. I have been performing jazz, latin jazz & salsa in the Northwest for almost forty years. This experience helps me guide students through the practical aspects of making music in the real world, in solo and ensemble settings.

Performance Bio

I currently lead the latin jazz band, Sonando, and my trio, the Fred Hoadley Trio. Sonando performs every third Thursday at Tula's in Seattle. I also perform regularly with Alma y Azucar & Buena Vibra at Club Sur, The Century Ballroom and others, as well as sub and pickup gigs with other Northwest bands.

With support from a grant from the Seattle Mayor's Office, I recently arranged and performed a special program of the Music of Charles Mingus with an expanded version of Sonando at The Earshot Jazz Festival, Tula's and The Seasons in Yakima.