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Music Factory

Current and Past Teachers

The Music Factory will hand-pick the ideal instructor based on age, instrument, availability, and learning goals. While we can't guarantee all of our rosters availability, students are encouraged to fill out the sign up form with as much detail as you can, and use the notes area to share any goals, needs, or requests. Complete our quick intake form HERE to find your best match today!

Showing 46 teachers

Alex Mortland

Alex Mortland

Guitar
Bass
Ukulele

Growing up in Lake Stevens WA, Alex Mortland’s musical life began at age 10, taking guitar lessons with a local instructor & spending nearly every idle moment practicing, learning & listening. His earliest inspirations ranged from 1990s alt-rock heroes (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins) to classic rock icons (The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd), and by his early teen years he was rapidly digesting a massive amount of esoteric influences….. everything from avant-garde rock & classical music (Captain Beefheart, Can, Charles Ives, etc) to jazz & fusion (Charles Mingus, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Weather Report, etc) to left-lield pop/rock (The Beach Boys, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, etc) to soul/R&B (Stevie Wonder, Sly & The Family Stone, Prince) to acoustic fingerstyle virtuosos (Nick Drake, Michael Hedges, John Fahey, etc) and countless other musical neighborhoods. At age 15, Alex had the opportunity to make his first professional recording, working with Billy Oskay (veteran Windham Hill Records producer/engineer/artist) to produce a 5-song EP of instrumental acoustic guitar compositions at Big Red Studio in Corbett, Oregon. Alex learned a great deal about the recording process from Oskay, and this knowledge would serve him well in the years to come. By 17, Alex had become highly proficient on guitar (electric & acoustic), bass guitar & keyboards, having taught himself the latter two instruments. He was soon gigging regularly with several local jam/cover bands, sometimes switching between several instruments in a single night. In 2002 (age 18), Alex became the bassist/co-songwriter with Othello & The Hipknotics, an experimental hip-hop group specializing in a blend of concious hip-hop lyrics with the crafted arrangements of a live jazz/fusion band. The band’s album “Classic” was issued in Japan (on Miclife Records) as a CD/vinyl release in 2004, and quickly reached the #3 spot on HMV’s Hip Hop Album charts (just behind The Beastie Boys & The Roots). A Japanese tour (also featuring The Procussions, who employed The Hipknotics as their backup band) took place in early 2005, and the band performed to sold-out crowds throughout the country. Back in the USA in 2006, Alex became the guitarist for Sambusa, a six-piece Seattle rock band best described as “alternative soul”. The band self-released one album (Riddle For Reason), toured the West Coast and generated a massive following in the Seattle area before calling it quits in 2010. The next chapter saw a long & extremely fruitful tenure as guitarist & songwriter with Saruna, which also featured Seattle luminaries such as Kent Halvorsen, Christa Wells, Jeremy Lightfoot & Derneill “Woogie D” Washington. Saruna specialized in a unique blend of rock/pop/jazz/r&b, and the band was a major staple of the Seattle scene from 2013 until 2025, with an extraordinary self-titled album released in 2023. At this writing (2025), Alex’s professional performing/recording career focuses around his longtime work with Lee Oskar & Friends (astute listeners will know Mr Oskar’s harmonica wizardry from his legendary work with the band War) and The Witness (a theatrical combo focusing upon classic soul/r&b deep cuts and original music in that same vein). New original music is also brewing in a singer/songwriter context. Besides the above, Alex has worked with MANY other bands & artists as a guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer, producer & songwriter. A short list would include: Blake Lewis (American Idol), KJ Sawka (Pendulum, Destroid), Thomas Erak (The Fall Of Troy, Just Like Vinyl, Chiodos), Blackout Media, Awake Underwater and many more. After teaching music (on a semi-professional basis) for many years, Alex became a full-time teacher at The Music Factory in 2011. Specializing in guitar instruction, he also provides lessons on electric bass, keyboards and ukulele, for all ages, styles & skill levels. Not being an adherent of the “one size fits all” approach, Alex custom-designs his lesson plans for each individual student based on the student’s goals, influences & personality.

At MF
Online
15 years experience
Dylan Bell

Dylan Bell

Piano
Violin
Cello

Dylan is a cello and fiddle player and teacher who believes deeply in music as a way to connect people, traditions, and communities. With a 10+ year background in classical performance and extensive orchestral and chamber music study, Dylan uplifts students and serves as a compassionate guide on their musical journey. Dylan studied cello at Central Washington University and holds an Associate’s degree in Arts and Humanities from Columbia Basin College. His teachers include legends like Dr. Edward Dixon, John Michel, and Bruce Walker. Dylan is Suzuki Book 1 certified and has performed with ensembles such as the Mid-Columbia Symphony, WMEA All-state orchestra, and served as principal cellist of multiple youth and collegiate orchestras. His musical path began with piano lessons from his grandfather and led him to the cello in middle school. He later found a musical home in folk traditions and has since studied Irish, Scottish, Swedish, and old-time music at festivals and intensives across the U.S. Dylan now performs regularly for musicals, weddings, music festivals, and dances.

At MF
Online
5 years experience
Erik Esvelt

Erik Esvelt

Piano
Clarinet
Trumpet

Erik began playing trumpet at the age of 11 and began studying piano at the age of 17 when he realized he wanted music to be a big part of his life. Private lessons were extremely helpful in getting through a difficult start on the trumpet, and also led to high marks at solo competitions and doing well in school ensembles. Erik's performance career began in his late teen years with small brass ensembles and jazz bands, and has led to performing a wide range of music styles including rock, classical and latin. He continues to perform regularly in the Seattle area. While in high school, Erik started tutoring young trumpeters and found that his early difficulties helped him understand how to help others work through problems with learning an instrument. Several hundred students later, he has many different approaches to learning and finds what is best with each new student.

At MF
In Home
30 years experience
Alexis Maurer

Alexis Maurer

Piano
Guitar
Drums

Here’s a little about how my musical journey was inspired. I began studying classical music through the Suzuki Violin Method at age five, which laid the foundation for my early musical development. By thirteen, I was performing with the Seattle Youth Symphony. During my early teens, I became deeply interested in jazz — studying, listening, and eventually performing professionally as a jazz guitarist by the age of eighteen, in a duo with my guitar instructor. While living in Washington, D.C., I led my own trio, performing weekly for many years at venues such as Rumba Notes, Rumberos, and Columbia Station. Coming of age in D.C., I had the opportunity to perform with and learn from many top musicians, including several legendary Blue Note recording artists. Back in Seattle, I continued to perform regularly as a bandleader, with my trio holding long-running weekly gigs at well-loved venues like The Scarlet Tree, Mona’s, and The Hotel Decca. Alongside my focus on performance, I’ve also found great fulfillment in teaching — offering private guitar instruction for many years. ​

Online
In Home
15 years experience
Bailey Ehrgott

Bailey Ehrgott

Guitar
Piano
Bass

Dr. Bailey Ehrgott is a jazz guitarist, performer, clinician, adjudicator, and educator whose work spans jazz, contemporary improvisation, and groove-based music. A 2026 DownBeat Student Music Award winner in the Graduate Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist category, she has performed professionally with Sheryl Bailey, Kellin Hanas, Molly Redfield, Ada Rovatti, Shirazette Tinnin, Chuck Bergeron, Steve Tressler, Neil Smith, and many others. Her performance credits include appearances at the Jazz Education Network Conference, Siena Jazz Symposium, TMEA, Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy, Jazz Point Ibiza Festival, New Orleans Jazz Museum, and Dallas LAUNCH Music Conference & Festival, where she appeared on a featured lineup alongside artists including Mark Lettieri. She has also performed with the One O'Clock Lab Band, headlined the North Bend Jazz Walk in Washington State, was selected as an Airmen of Note Diversity Fellow, and has been a PRS Guitars Pulse Artist since 2023. Ehrgott serves on the faculty of Berklee Guitar Sessions and has taught at the University of North Texas Jazz Combo Workshop. Her work as a clinician and adjudicator includes presentations at Berklee College of Music, TMEA All-State jazz guitar workshops at the University of Texas at Tyler, adjudication for the Bainbridge Jazz Combo Workshop in Washington State, and directing the University of North Texas's award-winning L-5 Jazz Guitar Ensemble. Her current projects include an organ trio recording and two books in development.

Dylan Hughes

Dylan Hughes

Bass
Drums
Guitar

Dylan Hughes has years of professional experience working with other artists, touring the U.S. and Europe as a bass player, and writing, recording, and engineering. His solo project, BassFienD, melds the tonalities and mindset of improvisational jazz music with modern, R&B and hip-hop influenced production style and the ear of someone who has been a professionally gigging musician. He has released 3 EPs, Side A and Side B and Side C, of a four EP project, “Four Sides To Every Story”. Dylan has many years of teaching experience in the Northwest, both as a salaried instructor in other music schools as well as privately from his own studio. Dylan’s catered approach to each student’s learning style helps beginners through advanced players learn bass, piano, and guitar in the way that is clear, fun, and lasting.

Online
13 years experience
Heather Hunter

Heather Hunter

Voice

Heather Hunter is a passionate music educator with a wealth of performance and teaching experience. A native of South Carolina, she earned her degree in violin performance from the University of South Carolina with an additional emphasis in classical voice. She has performed with numerous orchestras across the country. Since moving to Washington in 2023, she has played as principal second violinist of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra. In California, she played in the Santa Cruz Symphony and San Francisco Academy Orchestra, and in the southeast she played in groups such as the South Carolina Philharmonic, Greenville Symphony, Augusta Symphony, Rock Hill Symphony, Long Bay Symphony, Aiken Symphony, North Charleston Pops, and others. She performed as a soloist with the touring show Violins of Hope, and she is an alumna of the Brevard Music Center summer music festival. She has also been playing chamber music at weddings and other special events since the age of fourteen. Aside from classical music, Heather enjoys learning fiddle music, Arabic and Syriac music, and many other genres of music. When she is not playing or teaching violin, Heather enjoys the art of singing, having worked extensively as both a solo and choral singer. In Seattle she has performed as a singer at churches such as Epiphany in Madrona, St. James, Blessed Sacrament, and others. In California she worked as the Assistant Music Director at St. Veronica’s South San Francisco and sang at St. Dominic’s San Francisco, and in South Carolina she worked at both the Basilica of St. Peter and Trinity Cathedral. She is experienced in working with children’s choir, leading her choral students to perform alongside pit orchestra at live productions of The Nutcracker ballet. She has also sung in many secular settings, including the premiere of Michael Abels’ At War With Ourselves alongside the Kronos String Quartet. As a teacher, Heather is experienced at working with students of all ages and skill levels, and she enjoys helping students prepare for auditions and other opportunities. She currently coaches violin sectionals at high schools around the Seattle area. She has also worked in many orchestra and general music settings, including teaching for several years at the University of South Carolina String Project and assisting with many string summer camps and youth orchestra programs. Heather has been teaching private lessons since 2016 and her students have achieved leadership positions in youth, regional, and state orchestras. Heather deeply believes in every child’s ability to succeed in music when they feel inspired and are provided guidance towards healthy technique and helpful methods for consistent practice. She always seeks to help students find music they love to play, whether it is classical, folk, pop, or another genre they are interested in. With commitment, determination, and daily devotion to building their abilities, Heather has watched many of her students improve from week to week, and she is continually enthusiastic about the opportunity to encourage her students in their musical growth.

Online
12 years experience
Josef La Bolle

Josef La Bolle

Violin
Viola
Cello

Josef is a passionate music teacher who loves sharing music with others. He performs and teaches: The Violin family, the Piano, and the Concert Flute. Josef has worked with hundreds of young and adult students, from beginner to advanced levels, as they develop on their music journey. Music is a language and Josef gives his students a strong foundation in music by providing a thorough education in: Notation, Theory, Rhythm, Expression, Intonation & Improvisation. His students develop a relationship with music through their instrument that enables them to thrive in any musical setting. Violin / Viola / Cello The Violin Family is a soulful and expressive family of instruments. In Josef's classes, you will learn to: Read sheet music, master your intonation, shift with accuracy and confidence, develop a measured and balanced vibrato, use good technique to develop a wide range of expression, intonation, and dynamics. You will learn to perform solos; as well as accompany others. Piano The Piano is a brilliant and versatile instrument whose repertoire spans across all genres of music. The piano is very special, as it allows a single musician to play melodies with their own accompaniment. In Josef's classes, you will learn to read sheet music and analyze musical structure, learn proper fingering and form, learn to navigate the piano with your senses which liberates your eyes from staring at the keyboard, voice all chord types & learn to play all genres of songs and accompany others. Concert Flute The Concert Flute is a highly-agile, chromatic, soprano woodwind that is an extension of our voice and breath. It has a wide range of expression and access to three octaves (C4 - C7). It excels at producing music that is bright and energetic, dark and powerful, or soulful and somber melodies. In Josef's classes, you will learn excellent embouchure technique (how to properly produce a clear tone), read sheet music, create balanced trills and articulation, and navigate difficult passages with excellent rhythm and expression.

Sam Clewans

Sam Clewans

Drums
Guitar

Sam Clewans has been a music teacher since 2020, working with a wide range of styles from rock to pop, jazz to Latin, and much more. He has taught a variety of students as well, from kids as young as 5, to retired adults looking to expand or nurture their musical capabilities. Sam has also been an active member of the Seattle music scene since 2018. After graduating from Cornish College of the Arts with a degree in both Performance and Composition from the jazz department, he went onto perform and write music for the band Type 85. After releasing their debut album in May 2024, they were featured in Earshot Magazine’s May issue. Sam has also been the house drummer at Aslan Brewing’s Seattle location where he curated a weekly jazz night with his trio, and continues to perform around the Seattle area with various trios and quartets. Sam is a patient and empathetic teacher. He combines his personal experience as a musician with his time as an educator to help people begin and foster their lifelong musical journey. His teaching style emphasizes functional understandings of music, improvisation, and curiosity. His students learn how to decode the music they like, play like their idols, and interact with music in a holistic way.

Online
In Home
5 years experience