Business Details
40 Years
experience
Expert Music Lessons in Seattle
B Sharp Studio has been dedicated to music education in Seattle since 1986, offering personalized instruction in guitar, bass, drums, and music theory. Founded by Tim Cashman, a lifelong musician with formal training from institutions like the MacPhail Center for the Performing Arts and University of MN, the studio emphasizes patient, student-centered learning tailored to individual goals. Our approach integrates technical skill development with creative expression, allowing students to explore genres from classical to jazz while building repertoire through hands-on practice and performance opportunities.We provide access to a recording studio for students to refine their craft and offer flexible lesson formats, including in-home instruction and group sessions. With decades of combined teaching experience, our team fosters a supportive environment where students of all ages and skill levels can thrive, earn achievement certificates, and develop a lifelong passion for music.
Services
Guitar Lessons
Bass Lessons
Drum Lessons
Music Theory
Composition/Song Writing
Performance Coaching
Flamenco Guitar
Jazz Guitar
Classical Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience teaching guitar, bass, and drums to all skill levels.
- Our curriculum integrates music theory, technique, and performance tailored to student interests.
- Students gain access to a professional recording studio for hands-on experience.
- Flexible lesson formats include private sessions, small groups, and in-home instruction.
- We emphasize patient, student-driven learning with achievement-based progress tracking.
What people say
Patient and kind instructor
Significant technical improvement
Supportive learning environment
Flexible teaching approach
Encourages musical creativity
Services
Guitar Lessons
B Sharp Studio offers comprehensive guitar lessons covering electric, acoustic, classical, and flamenco styles. Students learn chord vocabulary, scales, music theory, and technique tailored to their preferred genre. Lessons emphasize practical application through song repertoire, improvisation, and performance, with options for all skill levels from beginner to advanced.
Bass Lessons
Our bass lessons focus on developing rhythmic precision, fingerboard knowledge, and ensemble playing. Students study foundational techniques like alternating fingers and flat picking while exploring diverse musical contexts. The curriculum includes reading bass clef, chord progression analysis, and opportunities to perform with other musicians in our rehearsal studio.
Drum Lessons
Drum lessons at B Sharp Studio teach fundamental rudiments, coordination, and musicality for rock, pop, jazz, and Latin styles. Students learn to read drum charts, construct beats, and play in various time signatures while developing ensemble skills through jam sessions with guitarists and bassists in our studio space.
Music Theory
Music theory is integrated into instrumental lessons to enhance understanding of scales, chords, keys, and harmonic relationships. This practical approach helps students analyze song structure, improvise solos, and compose original music while building reading skills and technical proficiency applicable across all instruments.
Composition/Song Writing
Our composition lessons guide students in crafting original music through melody development, chord progression creation, and lyrical structure. Students learn to arrange ideas, record demos in our studio, and refine their unique musical voice while exploring genres from pop to jazz and classical traditions.
People
Tim Cashman
Owner/Instructor
Tim Cashman has taught music in Seattle since 1986, specializing in guitar, bass, and drums. He studied at the MacPhail Center for the Performing Arts and University of MN, with jazz training from Norm Calen. Tim emphasizes student-centered learning, combining technical mastery with creative expression.
Adam
Adam studied flamenco and Brazilian jazz with Tim for several years, progressing to advanced techniques like rasgueo and tremolo. He now performs publicly and refers students to B Sharp Studio for its patient, knowledgeable instruction.
Daniel
Daniel, a West Seattle tattoo artist, earned recognition as B Sharp Studio's Most Improved Student. After mastering flamenco techniques, he now performs publicly and continues studying improvisation with Tim.
Questions
What instruments do you teach?
We offer lessons in guitar (electric, acoustic, classical, flamenco), bass, and drums for all skill levels.
Do you teach both children and adults?
Yes, we welcome students of all ages, with specialized approaches for kids, teens, and adult learners.
Can I learn to read music?
Yes, reading music is emphasized for classical and advanced students, while others may learn by ear and technique.
Are group lessons available?
We offer private lessons and small group sessions, including family duets and peer ensembles.
Do you prepare students for performances?
Yes, we provide live performance opportunities and recording studio access to develop stage-ready skills.
What lesson formats do you offer?
Lessons are available in-studio, in-home (with additional fee), days and evenings, with flexible scheduling.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Natalie Perez
Oct 31, 2019
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I was Tim's student from March until July, I had to leave due to a move. Tim is incredibly knowledgeable-I can say with confidence, I wouldn't have learned as much as I did with any other teacher. I told him exactly what I wanted to work on and we stayed on track; he quizzed me weekly to make sure I was doing what he taught me and I grew as a guitar player. If I missed a lesson we always found a way to reschedule. I hope to be in the Seattle area again, if I am, I will reach out again.
Anna Wilde
May 24, 2019
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Musicians are never finished. It is a new frontier everyday in the music world. I've been taking guitar lessons and song writing instructions with Tim for 10 years! He is a patient and precise, as well as a methodical, music instructor. It's been such a pleasure learning guitar and developing to higher levels though his experience and instruction. However, getting proficient requires practice, practice, practice and more practice and that's where individual inspiration takes over. Thanks for keeping me inspired, Tim!
Marty McLaren
Mar 19, 2015
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I'm so glad I started guitar lessons with Tim Cashman! I'm a retired teacher and presently a School Board Director, and hadn't studied guitar for many years. Tim has been wonderfully patient, and encouraging -- he has a very relaxed approach and always seems to give me just the right amount of structure while making room for my own preferences and goals. As an educator, I appreciate Tim's individualized approach to working with students. I studied with him for about a year and a half before outside issues caused me to take an extended break; am looking forward to starting lessons again soon.
Sarah Robertson Palmer
Mar 08, 2015
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A+++ My son Graham has been taking guitar lessons from Tim going on four years now. He has completely thrived under Tim's calm, knowledgeable, and supportive demeanor. Graham is playing both acoustic and electric. He gets to pursue his own musical interests and songs as well as learn new material and techniques from Tim. There are opportunities to perform with others publicly which is great for gaining performance experience, confidence, and presentation skills. He lets students take turns highlighting their skills through solos. Tim's prices are reasonable and he gives a discount if you pay for several lessons at a time. Highly recommended!
Philip Sanford
Jan 10, 2015
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My son started with Tim before he was big enough to hold a full sized guitar, and continued into high school. Nine years all tolled. Eventually he went off to Berklee College of Music well prepared. Because I took him to his lessons and waited to take him home, I sat through most of the sessions. I enjoyed it. Watching Tim and my son interact was always a pleasure. Tim keeps good notes and makes the instruction fun.
He sets expectations and follows up. Arthur always went to class prepared, at least as far as I could tell. I think Tim is particularly good with kids. Over the years I have recommended him without reservation.
He sets expectations and follows up. Arthur always went to class prepared, at least as far as I could tell. I think Tim is particularly good with kids. Over the years I have recommended him without reservation.
