Play piano with ease.

Offering music instruction grounded in awareness, creativity, and excellence. Located in Lynnwood, Washington.

Work with Me

 

Get started with an intensive.

A Technique Intensive is a chance to minimize tension, improve your piano technique, and hone your expressive capabilities through a body-based investigation of your playing habits. This session will help you immediately find more ease along with:

  • A precise explanation of what is causing tension in your playing

  • A list of movements to avoid, to improve, and to keep

  • An examination of whole body involvement in playing, including posture and breath

  • Recommendations for self-study so that you can keep seeing results

  • Exhaustive written notes and a video recording of the session

At $225, the 75-min a technique intensive provides the perfect entry point into a somatic learning process that will completely transform your playing!

 
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Hear 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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Meet the D.S. Standard 5.5® piano.

The DS Standard action is a custom built piano keyboard with narrow keys, thoughtfully designed so smaller hands can avoid injury and play with greater ease. The octave spans 5.5 inches, or 7/8 of a traditional piano octave. This narrow key Steinway is now available for lessons and trials. It’s currently the only D.S. Standard in the Pacific Northwest.

Why students love it:

  • Reduction in muscular activation, stretch, and fatigue

  • Rapid technique improvements through experiences of true comfort

  • Evidence supported injury protection for small-handed pianists

  • The safest way to return to playing after injury

Learn more
 

Questions? See below.

  • Quarterly Studio Membership

    Per lesson rates:
    45-min | $96
    60-min | $125
    75-min | $156

    Technique Intensive/Feldenkrais® Session

    $225 for a 75-min session that includes a written evaluation, video of session, and recommendations for continued self-study.

  • ONLINE: I have offered online lessons since 2016 and continue to be impressed with how well it works. My online setup includes an overhead camera, and quality mic setup.

    IN-PERSON: Currently, lessons on the D.S. Standard piano which is the most suitable instrument for Technique Intensives, are located in Mukilteo, WA. Weekly lessons are offered in Lynnwood, WA at the Evergreen Music Collective.

  • In short, I teach kids ages 8 and older, adults, and all levels.

    KIDS: While my primary focus is coaching adults, I enjoy working with a small group of young musicians.

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

    GOALS: All students may formally or informally choose a between a recreational versus performance track. Performance track students are expected to maintain six days a week practice and participate in a variety of adjudicated and non-adjudicated performances.

    ADAPTIVE INSTRUCTION: I support neurodivergent and physically disabled individuals through adaptive instruction.

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

    In 2021 I became a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner. I offer group classes and private sessions, and often blend this modality with my teaching, especially when working on technique.

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

    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!