Music Lessons in Boring, OR

Instruments: Banjo Classical Guitar

I use method books by Hal Leonard and Bryan Johanson to begin with, along with exercises from pumping nylon. Once we get to a point where we can read fairly fluently, we begin repertoire work from Canada's Royal Conservatory. I also use chord charts to begin learning how to play as well, as most students like to learn chords to play pop or folk tunes in the meantime as they're learning the fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I began teaching when I was halfway through college. I began teaching private students as well as drumlines at local high schools. I focus heavily on technique and self-expression in order to make music making as engaging and as fun as possible! I also incorporate real life scenarios into my lessons in order to better prepare my students for what they might encounter in live musical situations. I highly encourage my students to practice every day for a minimum of 20 minutes in order to retain information as well as their technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I have always enjoyed helping students play better.  My private teaching career began in 1978 and continues to the present.  It is always more fun for the student it they understand why something is important and what the long term benefits are for them.  No question is questioned.  We enjoy exploring the Language of Music and the requirements of their instrument.  Additionally,  I have developed a method for addressing Performance Anxiety that has proven effective in any performance situation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Synthesizer

For the latter 6 of my 9 semesters at Berklee College of Music, I worked in the college Core Music Tutoring department, working 1-on-1 with fellow college students struggling with mandatory theory courses (Harmony, Ear-Training, Arranging, Conducting, and Tonal Harmony [Traditional Harmony]). After just 1 semester as a tutor, I was promoted to two additional positions in the department: mentor and supervisor. As a CMT mentor I worked with 2nd semester students who had failed their 1st semester theory courses and thus required more involved coaching with regards to music and learning habits, as well as correspondence with faculty. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The first thing I do with all of my students is figure out what kind music they are passionate about. Knowing what my students musical tastes and goals are is extremely important so I can help get them to the place they are envisioning themselves. Once I have a general idea of what my student wants to learn I can tailor specific lessons that fit their ideas specifically. I find that this keeps students the most excited because they have a personal goal to strive for rather than trying to teach them something they are not interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Ukulele Recorder

My teaching approach is tailored to the interests and goals of each student, but always includes fundamentals such as scales, strength-building exercises, rudiments of theory, and ear training. Some of the method books I've used include the Faber "Piano Adventures" series, Alfred and Bastien series, and Hanon's The Virtuoso Pianist, among others. I always supplement these materials with arrangements and transcriptions of popular songs and classical pieces, along with original exercises designed to teach specific styles and techniques. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

My Philosophy is "learn how the student best learns". Expose all the students to note reading, ear training, youtube, music theory, improvisation techniques, composition, fingerstyle patterns, tablature, and singing, and then create a program that maximizes their potential and their long term feeling that music is fun and worth doing. Read More