Philosophy

The studio offers quality music instruction to students of varying styles, levels, and goals. While we are confident in our ability to pass along our knowledge, we never forget that our students are our clients. HALF NOTE students follow a curriculum based on two primary criteria: Our first consideration is predicated on what the student wants out of the lessons. This deals with the intensity of the lessons as well as the student's specific musical styles of interest.  Second, students will receive specific tasks designed to improve necessary skills as determined by the instructor. In summary: Students wants (self-proclaimed) and needs (determined by the instructor).

About the schoolHalfnote lobby

In June 1996, Director Jack Dowdell resigned from his public school post, closed his San Antonio guitar studio and relocated to the Seattle area with the intention of continuing his public school and part time private instruction practice.  Within 3 months, the private instruction practice had become too busy to properly manage as a home business.  So in August of 1996, the Half Note Studio was officially established as an outside business.

Shortly after opening, the studio began receiving requests from people interested in studying other instruments in a studio setting. To meet the requests, Jack put together a small staff of instructors capable of teaching their disciplines at the same level and with the same integrity Jack's guitar students had come to expect.

As a result of the careful selection of the top instructors and a priority of quality service, the HALF NOTE enjoyed growth of 400 percent its first year in business.  Today, the Half Note Studio boasts maintaining between 6 and 10 instructors at the "top of their game!"  The studio is honored to have taught teachers from other local schools.

Inside the Studio 

The main studio features fully furnished teaching studios, music library and student lounge. Studios include pianos, amplifiers, sound systems and video/audio recording/playback equipment.

Location 

Most lessons are taught at the main studio at 13400 Northup Way Ste. 23 in Bellevue, WA  Directions and map to the studio. There are a few optional locations in the greater Seattle area, contact the studio for more details.