Guitar Lessons in Gaston, OR

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

For students who are first getting started with their instrument(s), I use a variety of introductory book series and pieces depending on the student. Hal Leonard, FJH Method, Alfred, and Faber series are just a few that I keep an inventory of for new students. I typically keep a large Google Drive library dedicated for beginners and younger students, as these lesson plans will include fun activities and pieces not unlike those of elementary general music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Music is all about having fun and exploring one's own creative intuition. I like to teach in a relaxed environment, ensuring that lessons are not only educational but also enjoyable. I want to ensure that my students are learning at a pace that is acceptable to them while also encouraging goal setting and independent learning. I generally also prefer a more conversational style of teaching. I want to engage with students rather than simply tell them to follow a chart or reading materials. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my students develop a passion for music! Its important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals at each lesson and by pointing out and acknowledging growth and success that each student has. By engaging in what inspires a student I tailor my instruction to their interests and needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

Patience, as well as my depth of experience, are characteristics of my teaching style. I'm as happy as the student is when he or she achieves an understanding of a musical concept or mastery of a physical technique on the instrument. The achievement will reinforce more effort toward the next step, but it must be "relaxed" effort. "Slowly but surely" is my motto as the challenges become greater and the success sweeter. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I am a passionate and driven teacher whose focus is always on my students' musical goals and development. I focus on roots American styles: the blues, early rock, bluegrass, country, folk, and jazz. I graduated with a degree in Guitar Performance from Lewis Clark College, where I studied performance under renowned Portlandguitarist Dan Balmer and music theory under Portland pianist Susan Smith. Authentic and time-honored musical styles are my emphasis and serve as the foundations upon which my performances and lessons are based. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I generally split lessons into three sections, 1/3 with chords, 1/3 scales, 1/3 with songs, but every student is different, for example, If your goal is to strictly learn chords to sing folks songs over, I will emphasize more chord reading and learning time. If you want to play leads, I will spend more time emphasizing scales to help you learn how to improvise. There are also other excercises we can do like rhythm reading (just with clapping, no instrument) transcription/listening, and harmonic analysis. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching classical guitar while earning my Bachelor's of Music degree at Western Washington University from 2003 to 2007. My focus was on performance and music instruction, so it seemed the next step for me was to pursue a career in music education. After college, I started with a small client base, which has steadily increased over the years. I provide music lessons & instruction, performing arts education, and tutoring. My students can expect to be instructed in music reading, learning interpretative styles, fretboard theory and guitar technique. Read More