Music Lessons in Happy Valley, OR

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: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion

My philosophy is, music is fun! I keep lessons light and friendly. I encourage questions. If a student doesn't understand a concept, I can probably describe it in a few different ways. but to save time, ask questions! I believe in honest praise and warm criticism. There are no bad vibes in my studio! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I believe that fundamentals are the most important, and these should always be a focus. However, I also understand that you play an instrument to have fun as well. I believe that there should be a mixture of hard work and play, and will often assign fundamental exercises combined with solo or duet material. I also believe there should be an overarching goal to be achieved - this could be anything from intonation, to memorizing scales, to performing a recital. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The curriculum that I use varies according to the various orchestral instruments, singing or piano, and of course according to the levels of ability. I work with many different technique books and workbooks to teach music notation and reading.Within 3-6 months, my students will be reading notes, understanding rhythms both complex and simple, and playing and singing anything from classical to Pop to Broadway and even writing and recording (I am a recording producer as well)their own songs, if they choose! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hi, I'm Matt! I've been teaching music for over 10 years and I absolutely love doing it! I started to play the guitar when I was 12 years old and have been actively teaching and performing since I was 16 years old. I've performed as a solo artist playing Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Country, and Original music and I've played in various groups including a live Tango band and an acoustic duo. I graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelors of Music in Performance. 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: Voice Flute

 Encouraging regular practice is one of the key components I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the strudent progress and gain a passion for the instrument.  If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job!  My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own material.  I look forward to working with all new students! Read More