Business Details
Your Trusted Music Lessons Provider in Anchorage
At Hillside Music, we believe every individual can find joy in music through personalized instruction tailored to their unique interests and skill levels. Founded by David McCormick, a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience, our approach prioritizes student enthusiasm by focusing on their favorite songs and styles while fostering technical growth. Our team of passionate instructors spans diverse musical backgrounds, from classical training to contemporary performance, ensuring every learner receives guidance suited to their aspirations. With studios in Anchorage and Eagle River, we serve over 500 students annually, helping beginners and advanced musicians alike achieve their goals. Our philosophy rejects rigid traditional methods in favor of encouragement and adaptability, creating a supportive environment where students thrive.Whether pursuing music recreationally or professionally, our students benefit from individualized lesson plans and a curriculum that evolves with their interests. We collaborate with local homeschool organizations and offer flexible scheduling options, including online lessons, to accommodate diverse needs. Our commitment to quality education has earned us consistent praise from families across Alaska, with many students progressing to careers in music. By emphasizing accessibility and enjoyment, we aim to cultivate lifelong musical engagement for all ages. From piano to fiddle, our instructors bring expertise and dedication to every lesson, ensuring a rewarding experience for every student.
Services
Piano Lessons
Guitar Lessons
Voice Training
Ukulele Instruction
Violin/Fiddle
Viola Lessons
Flute Instruction
Recorder Classes
Clarinet Lessons
Bass Guitar
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in music education.
- Our lessons are tailored to each student's interests.
- We offer instruction in 10+ instruments with specialized teachers.
- Our studios serve Anchorage and Eagle River communities.
- We maintain a 95% student retention rate through personalized approaches.
What people say
Great teachers
Amazing program
Top-notch education
Loves her lessons
Awesome teachers
Services
Piano Lessons
Our piano program develops technical proficiency and musicality through personalized lesson plans. Students learn classical repertoire, contemporary hits, or jazz standards based on their preferences. Instructors adapt teaching methods to match each student's learning pace and goals.
Guitar Instruction
From acoustic to electric guitar, our curriculum covers chord progressions, fingerpicking, and music theory. Lessons incorporate students' favorite songs while building essential techniques for rock, folk, or classical styles.
Voice Training
Vocal instruction focuses on breath control, pitch accuracy, and performance techniques. Students explore pop, musical theater, or classical genres while developing healthy singing habits and stage presence.
Violin/Fiddle
We teach classical violin technique alongside folk fiddle styles. Lessons include bowing patterns, vibrato, and sight-reading while incorporating students' preferred musical genres from bluegrass to orchestral pieces.
Music Theory
Theory instruction integrates with practical lessons to enhance musical understanding. Students learn note reading, rhythm patterns, and chord structures through interactive exercises tailored to their instrument.
People
David McCormick
Owner
With 20+ years of teaching experience, David founded Hillside Music to make music education accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.
Kate Burt
Piano & Voice Instructor
Classically trained pianist and vocalist with California Baptist University music degree, specializing in beginner to advanced piano pedagogy.
Wayne Tester
Piano Instructor
Award-winning Nashville songwriter and music educator teaching piano and songwriting techniques developed through professional experience.
Brett Kuiper
Violin Instructor
Calvin College music graduate with symphony performance experience, teaching violin and music education methods to students of all ages.
Esther Tester
Piano Instructor
Nashville-trained piano and voice teacher with 20 years of experience, specializing in vocal technique and classical piano repertoire.
Questions
What instruments do you teach?
We offer instruction in piano, guitar, voice, ukulele, bass, violin/fiddle, viola, flute, recorder, and clarinet with specialized instructors.
How much are music lessons?
Standard 30-minute weekly lessons cost $44, with flexible payment options available through local homeschool organizations.
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes, we provide virtual instruction options for all instruments while maintaining the same personalized approach as in-person sessions.
How do I choose a teacher?
Our staff helps match students with instructors based on musical interests, learning style, and scheduling requirements for optimal compatibility.
What age groups do you accommodate?
We teach all ages from young beginners to adults, with specialized instructors trained in different developmental approaches.
Reviews (1)
John Croas
Sep 22, 2017
Report
Excellent teacher, very patient, could teach a hippo to play the harp. Particularly recommend to older students.