Music Lessons in Lafayette, OR

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: Clarinet

My teaching experience began with giving private lessons in 1997 when I caught the 'teaching bug' seeing someone make actual progress and improvement. My teaching methods and training further developed during pedagogy classes and workshops during and after college. Performance experience includes formal recitals to complete my undergraduate degree, Portland Wind Symphony, Portland Community Wind Band, Northwest Wind Symphony, Opera Theater Oregon, Oregon Symphonic Band, North Coast Symphonic Band, Astoria Music Festival and a variety of small chamber ensembles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Fiddle

Kathleen utilizes the Suzuki, Galamian, and Flesch method systems, as well as integrating music theory and aural skills into every lesson. When teaching classical violin and piano, she emphasizes listening skills and applied theory to help develop strong sight-reading skills. In fiddle lessons, she creates practice videos and audio files for students to practice along with in between lessons, incorporating use of the metronome to increase speed and rhythmic stability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

There are lots of great teaching tools and methods available, and once I have an understanding of a student's current ability level and what they want to work on, I can make recommendations. For wind players, Essential Elements provides a good way to get started on an instrument. I look for ways to incorporate different styles of music from classical to jazz to pop music in addition to the important fundamentals you will learn from a method book. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion

I typically will start students with excercises of my own creation. I then will add either Esssential Elements, or Rubanks Elelmentary Method depending on the learning style of the student. we will play duets from Amsdens Celebrated Practice Duets, or Selected Duests for trombone vol. 1 or 2 by H. Voxman. If students are interested in jazz, we will practice with How to Play Jazz and Improvise by Jamey Abersold and play chord changes using irealpro. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

My lessons are rooted in concrete music that my students are passionate about. From the get-go my students learn to play real music that sounds good, and every instruction and new piece that we play is rooted in the student's passion for and enjoyment of the music. I find that this method of teaching is particular essential when teaching children, who frequently wont practice unless they really enjoy what they're practicing. 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