Play piano with ease.

I help pianists reduce tension and avoid injury through body-based coaching that makes wellness and self-compassion the foundation of great technique.

Work with Me

 

Progress begins with wellness.

When you put wellness first, everything else gets better: your movements, your interpretation, your confidence.

It’s natural to push yourself and your playing, but when we push, we end up stretching our hands, holding our breath, and tensing our body. These things are understandable side effects of wanting to play well, but they only make playing more difficult.

With body-based coaching—that is coaching that helps you to physically sense emotions, musical expression, and movement—you will learn to avoid injury, minimize tension, and hone your artistic voice. If you already have a teacher, no problem—I offer a Technique Intensive as a supplement to your current study.

Together we will investigate everything from practice habits to technique, all with your health as the top priority while keeping things like small hand size, hypermobility, and injury in mind.

Shifting habits is a process that takes time, but it begins the moment you let wellness lead the way.

 
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What students are saying.

"Katie O’Rourke teaches with expertise, clarity of communication, and joy. Katie is a gift to us all."

— Sylvia W.

"Katie’s Feldenkrais background has given her a unique understanding of the movement concerns of musicians. Thank you, Katie, for showing me how to breathe into my discomfort and improve my piano technique."

— Xing J.

"Given Katie’s own exceptional musical talent, her ability to communicate with me in a way that I can understand is remarkable."

— Michael R.

"Katie is an excellent, knowledgeable, patient, and kind teacher and my kids love her and look forward to their lessons. I highly recommend taking lessons from Katie."

— Jeff C.

"Katie's integration of Feldenkrais teachings gradually unwinds stubborn joints and limbs. Although I signed up strictly to learn music, I am finally able to move my shoulders and neck freely."

— Ryan K.

"Ms. Katie is a highly skilled, very effective and all-around wonderful piano teacher and we are so grateful for the growth in piano playing our kids had under her instruction for many years. Thank you so much!"

— Phillip C.

"I feel safe, supported, and curious in Katie’s class which has affected the way I play and teach piano. I find myself enjoying the movement of playing more than ever before."

— Grace O.

"Attending Katie’s session 'The Right Brain’s Role in Music Learning' at the WSMTA Conference was a highlight of the event and I look forward to attending future sessions."

— RoseMarie T.

"I always feel a sense of lightness, easiness, and freedom of movements after each class. I highly recommend anyone who is curious about body movement to take classes from Katie—it will improve your life!"

— Michelle H.

"Katie’s movement workshops for pianists and violinists at Western Washington University were amazing to say the least! I highly recommend this equally comprehensive and fulfilling experience in person and on Zoom!"

— Milica J.
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FAQ

  • Quarterly Enrollment, per lesson rates:
    45 min | $96
    60 min | $125
    75 min | $156

    Technique Evaluation/Feldenkrais® Session
    $175 for a 75 min session that includes written evaluation, video of session, and recommendations for continued self-study.

  • Either! In-person lessons are located in the Harbour Point Neighborhood of Mukilteo. Remote lessons are also offered using either Zoom or FaceTime. I’ve been teaching online since 2016 and continue to be grateful for how well this setup works!

  • While my primary focus is coaching adults, I still enjoy teaching a small group of young musicians—it’s a truly rewarding part of my work.

    I coach beginning through advanced pianists, including professional musicians looking to solve problems related to injury and technique. I love working with adult beginners too!

    I support diverse learners, including neurodivergent and physically disabled individuals, through adaptive instruction.

  • The Feldenkrais Method® is a method of movement education that encourages the development of healthy movement habits to protect against injury and improve performance. The pedagogy of this method is centered on mindfulness, self-discovery, and ease.

  • Yes! Students attending lessons in Mukilteo will always have the option of playing on the D.S. Standard Action.

    I’m also happy to facilitate trials of the narrow action, subject to availability. Please contact me if you would like to take it for a test-drive.

Send me a message.

Please use this form to schedule a free info session or ask a quick question. I’d love to hear from you!