“I wish to see all arts, principally music, in the service of Him who gave and created them. Music is a fair and glorious gift of God…Music makes people kinder, gentler, more steady and reasonable. I am strongly persuaded that after theology there is no art that can be placed on a level with music; for besides theology, music is the only art capable of affording peace and joy of the heart…the devil flees before the sound of music almost as much as before the Word of God.”

–Martin Luther

Tammy Rutgers has been teaching piano and organ locally since 1996.  Her home studio averages between 25 and 30 students ranging in age from seven years old to 70+.  Several of her high school age students have earned honors as Lynden Music Teachers Association chapter representatives/alternates to the Washington State Music Teachers Association convention and District I recitals.  Tammy also serves as organist and choir accompanist for First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham, and accompanies the Lynden Christian Middle School choir as well as singing in the Lynden Choral Society and the Bellingham Festival Chorus.

She is deeply grateful to her Lynden Music Teachers Association colleagues for providing her with superb continuing education through monthly meetings, chapter recitals, access to workshops, publications, repertoire, student musicianship and adjudication opportunities, and general networking for excellence in music education.  She is also a certified Ultimate Music Theory instructor.

She is currently accepting students and can be reached at tammy@rutgersmusic.com.

 “Very well prepared students — a joy to work with.  Students were responsive to suggestions, had a fine sense of style and played very musically.  They played rhythmically and with good articulation.  You obviously  have helped them understand the scores and how to pay great attention to detail.  Your students are blessed to have you!  Best wishes.”  — Robin Chadwick, Lewis County NCTM, Washington State Music Teachers Association Adjudicator, March 2015.

“I enjoyed very much working with Tammy’s students.  They were very well prepared, friendly, eager to learn and try new things.  Tammy presented a large studio with all levels from beginner to advanced.  The repertoire for each student was chosen carefully, presented diverse styles and appropriate challenges.  All students played bringing out many details in their scores:  dynamics, articulation, rhythm.  They played with energy, accuracy, secure memorization, and most importantly, with the joy of making music.  I wish Tammy and her students lots of success and inspiration!”  –Dr. Yelena Balabanova, WSMTA adjudicator, March 2014.