Music Lessons in Estacada, OR

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience began roughly four years ago during one of my college summer breaks when I taught weekly private piano lessons to two children who were advanced-beginner students. In our lessons, the students learned various ways to develop their technique and prepared repertoire that they later performed at the end of the summer. After the summer ended and they finished giving their recitals, I took a break from teaching to finish getting my degree. Read More

Instruments: Flute

My teaching experience begins as early as 9th grade. I started teaching middle school sectionals to 7th and 8th graders. I would help with tonal and technical work, as well as their band pieces. Once I began my senior year in high school, I started to lead and teach my high school sectionals. As well as the freshman level band and do their sectionals twice to three times a week. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

As far as methods, I do not believe that there is one system that will work for every student, and so I try to find the right combination for each individual.  For piano students I begin with a combination of Alfred and Faber method books, and also teach different scales for technique.  For voice students I try to pick a combination of vocal exercises, classical music and contemporary music based on the student’s unique voice.  Students learn best from music they are passionate about.  What is most important is finding the right songs for each person. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Beginning piano students have used The Music Tree series. The format provides excellent reading skills and develops tonal memory and theory. Clarinet for Beginners by Avrahm Galper is the method book that has given students a foundation for whatever level they aspire to achieve. Students are encouraged to tell me what they would like to play. Overcoming performance anxiety is an important skill. I have developed a technique that has successfully overcome that problem for many students and friends.  Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching style can be adjusted to each particular student. Some students take piano lessons for relaxation, others are wanting to pursue a career in music. I can teach for both styles or even a combination of both styles. I set goals for each week that is provided in the piano homework or play work that I assign. I find this works very well. I have a very calm approach to my teaching and do not force things to work or happen. 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: 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