Music Lessons in Marylhurst, OR

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I've been teaching almost as long as I've been playing. By the time I was in high school I had earned the reputation as "the drum guy" and friends would come to me for informal lessons on how to practice and play drums. Some of these students have continued their musical pursuits and have gone on to attend good music colleges and are playing professionally! During my time at college I continued teaching on the side, and since I have graduated and relocated to Portland I have dedicated myself to teaching full-time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

My teaching experience started with a marching percussion section for a competitive drum and bugle corp located here in the Salem area. After a break in my teaching career, fifteen years ago I resumed teaching both private and classroom lessons. My classroom experience includes a public middle school band class along with thirteen years with a private Christian school. Throughout the last fifteen years I have also taught in home lessons, video lessons and lessons from my private studio. 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 Synthesizer

I feel that if a student is just banging away at notes without getting the big picture of how everything works it can be frustrating and fruitless. I like to teach as we play a song. I think you are able to benefit by using the theory and techniques as the song progresses. I can teach out of a book if the student/parent would prefer. I do customize songs to the age and interests of the student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele

As much as possible, I usually try to make custom lesson plans for each student. For beginning guitar or ukulele students I will usually begin by teaching them to play a familiar song using only a couple chords. This gives them something tangible to work toward right from the beginning. We can then add more chords and more challenging songs as we go, as well as learning to play scales and melodies, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Synthesizer

In my time at Berklee I was able to study with George Garzone among other great minds, and helped pay my way by working as a music theory tutor in the college's Core Music Tutoring department. During school I founded a fusion/hip-hop/RB/neo-Soul group, Sangama, to bring some of my compositions to life; and performed/recorded with/co-wrote and arranged with/toured with a progressive folk group, BAERD. 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