Teacher Profile: Jim Kniest
About Jim Kniest
Jim’s musical journey began under the guidance of renowned concert pianist Artis Ostrom of Edmonds, WA. With a deep love for both piano and teaching, Jim uses his skills to inspire others and help them discover their own passion for music.
By day, Jim works as a Paraeducator, supporting children with special needs. His patience, empathy, and ability to connect with students of all abilities shine through in every lesson he teaches. Whether working with a young beginner or an adult rediscovering music later in life, Jim brings warmth, encouragement, and a genuine belief in each student’s potential.
Jim’s love for the arts extends far beyond the piano. He has performed on stage as Will Parker in the high school musical Oklahoma! and as Mr. Bingley in Pride and Prejudice. In college, he sang with the University of Washington’s choir. His creativity also thrives in the world of storytelling—Jim spent six years as a Dungeon Master for Dungeons & Dragons, crafting an entire fantasy world and bringing it to life with unique voices, personalities, and dramatic flair. This same creativity infuses his teaching, making lessons lively, engaging, and memorable.
A proud graduate of the University of Washington, Jim holds degrees in both Computer Science and Psychology. This unique combination allows him to design lessons that are not only well-structured and organized, but also tailored to each student’s learning style and motivations.
Jim has taught piano for six years to students ranging in age from 5 to 65. He believes that every student learns differently, and he adapts his approach to spark curiosity, build confidence, and keep the joy of music alive. His goal is simple: to share his passion for music so that it becomes a lifelong source of happiness for his students.
When he’s not teaching or playing piano, Jim enjoys hiking, walking, and spending time in nature. He’s also an avid fan of role-playing games and continues to enjoy the creativity of Dungeons & Dragons. Outside of his professional work, Jim volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, mentoring a young teen and making a positive impact in his community.