Hi, I'm Ollie!
I'm a multi-instrumentalist, performer and educator, with over five years of experience teaching and gigging in the Bellingham area. I began studying piano at the age of four, and picked up guitar, drums, and bass along the way. Some of my best and most valuable memories have come through learning and playing music as well as the incredible people I've met because of it. My goal is to share that experience with others through my lessons.
I work with students of all ages and experience levels, with an emphasis on the fun part of music - playing it. I like to teach how I learned growing up: pick my favorite song and dive in, learning all the necessary technique, theory and musicianship along the way. My lessons are kept very flexible and student-centered. Whether you want to learn songs, understand music theory, develop techniques, improve your ear, write your own music, or prepare for performances, my goal is to help you become not only better at your instrument, but a stronger musician overall.
As a local musician, I have played in Bellingham, Seattle, and Mexico with my band "Cuttlefish", and have performed with a variety of jazz and funk ensembles in the area. I've also done recording and session work with artists including "City of Pines" and "Shannon Patiño".
Outside of teaching and performing, I am a Biology grad from WWU who loves to birdwatch, swim, sit on the beach, fish, read, and go on long walks. I love to travel, and have explored all over Mexico, Thailand, and much of Europe.
Wherever you are on your musical journey, I'm excited to help you reach your goals and enjoy the process along the way!
The BHAM approach
High-Quality Instruction for Every Budget
We pride ourselves on offering some of the most competitive rates in Whatcom County. Whether you are paying our standard rate or utilizing our assistance programs, you are receiving top-tier instruction:
Customized to You: We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Every lesson is tailored to your specific goals and unique learning style. Whether you want to learn to play by ear, read music, or produce your first track, we build a path that works for you.
Holistic Support: We care about our students' success inside and outside the studio. We are proud to offer homework support to help students balance their academic responsibilities with their musical passion, ensuring they have a supportive environment to thrive in all areas of their education.
Available 7 Days a Week: We know life is busy. To ensure music fits into your schedule, we offer private lessons every day of the week, including weekends.
The Student-Teacher Match: We value the teacher-student dynamic above all else. Our goal is to pair you with the absolute best instructor for your specific needs. If we feel your goals would be better met by an expert at one of our partner schools, we will facilitate that connection for you.
The Lowest Rates Around: Even our regular lesson rates are designed to be among the most affordable in the area, ensuring that professional instruction remains within reach for ALL.
Sliding Scale Tuition: For those who need extra support, we offer a flexible "pay-what-you-can" model. Our goal is to ensure that no student is ever turned away due to financial constraints.
The BHAMS Teacher Guarantee: Our instructors are paid a livable salary and receive their full rate for every session, regardless of scholarship status