Music Lessons in Damascus, OR

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I enjoy giving my students control over their own learning process at times. This means that I will sometimes provide them choices within the context of what I am trying to teach them. I also make lessons fun by performing duets with students to take a break from the daily material. I also emphasize site-reading in every lesson to develop this much-neglected skill. All of these techniques are designed to keep the student mentally engaged because it is only then that they will truly be learning as much as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

As a 9th grader, I participated in The Bronx Borough Wide Band and played clarinet on the stage of Carnegie Hall. Later, in college, I sang in a classical chorus on the stage of Kleinhan's in Buffalo, NY with The Buffalo Philharmonic. I studiedbassoon withFrank Ruggieri of The New York Philharmonic as well. In rock, I sang with many bands and some famous artists. Also, played piano in restaurants, etc.One of my bands later performed at The Capital Theatre in Port Chester, New York as an opening act for other famous artists.Very exciting!! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a fast paced, energetic, positive-reinforcement kind of teacher. I like lessons to be fun and productive no matter the ability level. It is my belief that EVERYONE can sing, you just have to practice. A typical lesson involves a 10-15 minute warm-up, depending on the length of the lesson. That is followed by working on the songs that a student has prepared for the week. I like to work on a variety of songs to prevent boredom and frustration if a song is proving to be difficult on a particular day. 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 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: Saxophone Clarinet

I am passionate a motivated while also being able to teach all levels of saxophone and clarinet. I have both a Bachelor of Music from the University of Oregon and a Master of Music from the University of Wyoming in Saxophone Performance. I have played both saxophone and clarinet for over twenty years. I have taught privately and in group lessons at the novice, intermediate and collegiate levels. In high school I was named the best saxophone soloist in the state and won numerous awards in both jazz and classical. Read More

Instruments: Voice Flute

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for what they are learning.  I therfore believe that it is important for each student to progress at his or her own pace.  Acknowledging accomplishments of goals that have been completed helps fuel the desire to progress and learn more. Within this teaching style I always strive to focus on positive ways of reinforcement for all of students when they are learning something new for their instrument. Read More