Music Lessons in Banks, OR

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

I like to balance musical enjoyment and technical training in my teaching method. I like to see the students making new musical and technical discoveries each week. I encourage them to set goals such as performing in quarterly student recitals and to consider taking part in a Syllabus program that has advancing yearly goals. I use the Suzuki method especially with the younger students and encourage parents to become effective home teachers through coaching and printed materials. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching focuses on bodily awareness and fundamental vocal techniques initially; this includes exercises to promote bodily flexibility and release tension in the muscles that can hinder ideal singing. This is paired with vocal exercises that promote use of the voice in a way that allows maximal vocal freedom and health. As the student gains consistency of vocal control and awareness, more time is allotted to working on music. I encourage students to discuss and choose music from the style(s) of their liking, as this keeps the student maximally engaged and allows the student to apply what they've learned to a situation that they can relate to. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I've been a professional music educator for over 15 years, teaching students from elementary school age to those in retirement. I love music and I love sharing it with others through performing and teaching. Watching my students' musical worlds expand is what I love best about this profession. I've played in just about every type of musical situation from orchestra, band, chamber music, and solo classical recitals to jazz bands, singer/songwriter, musical theater, world music, and avant-garde settings. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Firstly, I believe that laughter is important. It helps students relax and enjoy themselves, and it perfectly engages the muscles needed for support. I try to maintain a teaching atmosphere where laughter is possible. I also believe that the student essentially teaches themselves to sing- I diagnose and provide input. I can take a more hands on approach for less experienced singers, but ultimately, nothing is going to stick if the student is not consiously engaged. (For younger students, there is more emphasis on fun and making noise than on specific technique) Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

I'm a kind and passionate teacher with a love of sharing my knowledge and seeing my students succeed. I attended both Clackamas Community College and Portland State University, both of which have highly respected music programs, but ultimately I left before finishing my degree to go on a national tour with my band Intervision. Honestly though, most of my development has come outside of the educational system, and through my own work and practice. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hello! I'm Kurt. I'm a passionate musician and instructor looking to spread the joy of music to all those who seek to learn it! For more than 10 years now I've been playing both guitar and bass. Though I never really thought of it as more than a hobby, after a few years of college music courses and over 7 years of private lessons, I realized somewhere along the line that I may have acquired enough skill to be more than a hobbyist. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

What I enjoy about teaching is helping students reach their goals and being able to see their improvement from week to week. Everyone learns differently so it is a lot of fun to try different things and find the specific way that each student will thrive. The most important thing is that the student is having fun and feels like they are getting the most out of our time together. Read More