Doniell Cushman
About
My journey to being a music teacher started when I was two and would play on the old rotor organ my parents had saved from being dumped by our church. I took formal lessons from age 8 to 18, and then in college for another 3 years. My primary instruments are piano adn flute, and I am well versed in most types on music.
I have attended Washington State University, The University of Maryland University College, and Western Governor's University. I am part of the way through a Master's in education, and absolutely love learning.
I compose my own music, transcribe and arrange music, and I also work on comissions. I sell my sheet music through various online platforms were you can instantly download music after purchase, and print from home.
I have been teaching music for 24 years, and Hope to continue until I'm old and frail, and can't stand noise! (little joke) In my teaching career, I have taught in Germany, and in Washington state. Currently, I have been teaching lessons where I live for the last 14 years and still love doing it! I have students that have gone on to pursue music in college, have competed for competition prizes, and who have performed on public radio.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is a mixture of classical and contemporary. I am personable, and like to get to know my students so that I can relate big concepts in terms they understand (like soccer). I usually run my lessons in order:
Review new terms/topics
Perform Assignments
Feedback and Work
New Assignments (if any)
Game or Flashcards (time willing)
Check written assignments & assign new writing
I am, for the most part, laid back and here to be a knowledgable guide. I view myself in a relationship with the student as a mentor, a friend. It is not my job to tell them what is bad. My job is to teach them how to grow in music, encourage them, support them, and provide constructive feedback that is relevant.
Curriculum
I primarily work from the Alfred methods as it works well for most people.
Alfred's Basic Piano Library
Alfred's Basic Prep Course (For younger or slower learners)
Alfred's Basic Adult Course
I am also competent in Bastien Method, Piano Adventures, and am newer to teaching out of Piano Town but not opposed to continuing to do so if it's the right fit for a student.
Most of my students are assigned 4-6 books to begin, 1-2 of those being writing books where we practice writing and drawing what we read. The remaining books are some combination of: Lesson, Performance/Recital, Technical Skills, and a Genre-based fun title. Each student is uniquely different, therefore I will assign books according to their individual needs.
Credentials & Affiliations
Doniell graduated with honors from the University of Maryland, University College with a degree in Humanities (Fine Arts) with a focus on philosophy. She also studied music for 3 years at the Washington State University School of Music under Dr. Gerald Berthiuame, and Ann Yasinitsky. She has been playing piano since she was two, and took formal lessons for 10 years with Cami Lichtenwaldt. She is currently studying her Master's Degree in Education with WGU, and works part-time as a Preschool Director for M&M Tots at Manito United Methodist Church. Mrs. Cushman also plays flute regularly for church services at Liberty Lake Baptist Church, and serves as the backup and special occasions pianist.
Her most valuable experiences as a piano player came twice as a youth playing for a Seattle Art Exhibit at the University of Washington when she was only 10, and playing the pre-show event for Katiya Skinavi at the Pantages Theater in Tacoma, Washington at the age of 16.
MTNA & WAMTNA
Kappa Kappa Psi - Lifetime Member
Pi Gamma Mu - Lifetime Member
ArrangeMe (aka sheetmusicplus, sheetmusicdirect, Hal Leonard)
MusicaNEO
Score Exchange