Guitar Lessons in Portland, OR

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer

I play both guitar and bass. Guitar is acoustic and electric, lead and rythym. Bass is 4 and 5 string. As I have learned from these instruments you have to come from different fields of thought. They're called guitars but thats where it ends. I love all things music. I want to share the joy of making and playing music. When it comes to teaching theory, I always say that if you can count to 8, than you can write a popular song you would hear on the radio. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like the aphorism by British guitarist and educator Robert Fripp "We begin where we are". It means to me that at any given point we are all beginners. So if we come with an open mind to explore and learn something new, perhaps what it could be challenging might become easier if we apply the right mind set. So if we are learning a scale...perhaps we begin with a note at the time, then add a second and third, so on, until we have all eight notes or sixteen. - Slow down: If you want to play fast you gotta be able to play it slowly with accuracy and precision. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For kids I find that having a large quantity of music to learn at each level gives more variety and sense of achievement, so I usually recommend beginning students have multiple books to aid in learning. For example a young piano student will study from lesson, theory, performance, and technique books each week. This yields a well-rounded student who is proud of their achievements and eager to move forward. For adults I recommend a lesson/theory combination book at least to help with reading music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I've been playing music since the age of 4, first studying violin and then playing in a symphony orchestra at the age of 12 (Peter Meremblum-Hollywood Calif.) as well as doing TV work on violin. At the age of 15 I began playing guitar, and then worked my way through college playing gigs, traveled Europe with my own band, and joined the Beach Boys as a bassist and guitarist. I traveled the world, performing and recording with them for over 20 years as well as doing session work in L.A. and performing with local artists. 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: Piano Guitar Flute Ukulele Recorder

I try to get to know my students in the first few lessons so I can be more sensitive to their personalities. This helps me choose the best teaching approach for them. From the very first lesson I create a relaxed setting so students feel no apprehension, especially when trying something new. This allows them to feel free to take chances and experience playing music as something enjoyable, not a life or death situation! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele

Practice, of course, is important to learning any skill. But if a love of the instrument is there, practicing shouldn't be too much of a chore. I try to never give my students too much material at once, so as to frustrate them to the point of not wanting to play anymore. On the other hand, it is important to present them with challenges to keep them moving forward. First and foremost is to foster that love of music in them through enthusiasm and example. Read More