my name is August Giaccaglia.
Howdy!
First lesson: How to pronounce my last name, Giaccaglia: Jih-Call-Yuh. Sweet, you got it!
I grew up in the grasslands of Ferndale, WA, spent 12 years in Seattle soaking in its diverse culture of music, and now back in Bellingham, WA, where I’ve been teaching for the past 7 years.
But first!—allow me to start by sharing a gargantuan insecurity: I was one of the weirdo-misfit students who grappled with the rigid and inflexible classical approach to learning. Although my dog was often blamed for my missing homework assignments, it never meant I wasn’t playing music. To me, music has always been, first and foremost, a personal passion and a form of therapy (free therapy, I should add!). I know what it’s like to get shot out the other end of traditional lessons - shell shocked, discouraged, and asking, “What just happened?”
That’s why, when I took my musical education into my own hands, it felt much more meaningful. What I teach and why I teach it comes from a deep, personal appreciation. Every bit of music theory and ear training I share with students is something I’ve developed a genuine fascination for.
This experience of not fitting the mold fueled my intense desire to connect with students on a more personal, tailored level. I want to help them realize that music doesn’t belong to a select few but is accessible to anyone (ANYONE) willing to give it a chance (or another). Everyone has the potential to develop their own unique musical identity.
My ultimate ambition is to instill a similar sense of liberation and excitement in my students as they explore their own musical voices. I also aim to cultivate a practical appreciation for music theory at a healthy, sensible pace.
Currently I teach Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, and Bass Guitar.