Guitar Lessons in Portland, OR

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: Piano Guitar Flute Ukulele Recorder

In 2011, Chuck moved to Portland, Oregon from Gainesville, Florida, where he was a staple of the music teaching and performing community for more than 25 years. Originally from Chicago, Chuck completed his BA in Music History and a Masters of Music (MM) at the University of Florida. Chuck began piano lessons at age 12 at a time when The Beatles caught his attention. His first attempt at composing was actually improvising melodies over the ending chords to "Hey Jude". Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I can make my lessons fun for all levels of players, and my students will see their skills develop quickly in the direction that THEY want to go. If a student is unsure where they see themselves going as a musician, that is perfectly ok too! When my students have yet to develop a library of music they like and don't have a sense of what they want to play I help them figure these things out which is extremely rewarding for the both of us. 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 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 Voice Ukulele

Overall my work is focused on discovering music with the students and facing hurdles as we go. For voice I often let the student dictate the repertoire and support them with good technical basis. My students love a variety of singing, soft jazzy or loud and belty. For piano i prefer to use the Faber methods. I have been teaching students up to level 3. For guitar I can use hal leonard or Alfreds but the Alfreds seems to move faster. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My philosophy for quality music education has three main parts: appreciation, practice, literacy. In no particular order... 1. The first part is exposure/appreciation of different musics, cultures and styles: The loving of music This includes: Active listening skills, genre playlists, history of solo repertoire/composers 2. The second part is the practice/performance of music, instruments, and vocally: The doing of music This includes: Physically clapping rhythms, singing, playing, performing, improvising 3. Read More