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25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Music lessons in Portland . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice
I began my teaching career about 7 years ago, during my senior year of high school. I have taught lessons for both piano and guitar consistently since that time, including my time as the Piano Instructor at Cadenza Academy in Portland, OR. I like to let the students navigate the material they learn, as I feel that they should have complete control of what they are focusing their money and time on. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar
My teaching experience dates back to my high school years, as I assisted in arranging and directing performances for my high school's Varsity Men's chorus. During my undergraduate years, I was involved in the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities' School of Music University Singers, Chamber Singers, Gospel Choir, and Madrigal Singers; these groups allowed me to serve as a section leader, soloist, and as a conductor for classes on advanced choral conducting. Read More
Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion
Teaching is all about relating it to the student. Making sure the student is engaged. I adapt to the student and teach them what they want to learn. I'm always here to help and guide the student to what they should know or how they should be playing, but it's ultimately up to them how they're accomplishing everything. Students don't have to tell me this- it's my job as a teacher to recognize it in each student. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer
I have toured the world 5 times and have been on US and Worldwide radiostations, had3 songsthat I co-wrote get submitted for Grammy consideration, have been on 9 albums and performed on several national, international and local TV stations. I have had 14 songs on the airwaves in the last 5 yrs with various bands and performers.Recorded and submitted some music for a couple of upcoming TV shows airing this 2013 season.Currently, I am on hiatus from working with an Award Winning Country Rock artist. Read More
Instruments: Banjo Classical Guitar
I teach the whole of music in an effort to teach to all learning biases. Kinetic, Visual, and Aural learners will all have something to learn from in my lessons. We have a hands-on learning for music history, appreciation, light theory, and reading/language in order to supplement learning of the instrument. We move slowly through techniques in order to fully understand posture and how to use your body correctly to not form bad habits that might hurt our playing down the line. Read More
Instruments: Piano
I have loved music as long as I can remember. As a child, I started taking piano lessons as soon as I could. I have learned a lot in the last five years of giving private lessons, and I continue to learn with each lesson. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar
I began teaching five years ago while attending Lewis Clark college, giving lessons for free and for trade among the students. Since then, I have given many lessons to students, friends, fans, and to my 8-year-old little sister. I love teaching both children and adults, and I am a patient and courteous instructor. I have experience teaching a variety of musical styles, and each lesson will be tailored to the specific student's particular musical passion. Read More
Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I have been gigging since high school when I used to lead worship (acoustic guitar/vocals) for several county wide events that drew hundreds of students from youth groups that crossed denominational backgrounds. During that time (late high school, early college) I also performed on the alto saxophone at a inner city youth group in the gospel/funk/R&B style. There was no music. Everything was by ear and I played most often in the keys of F#, B, C#, E, G and D. The leader said I could show up anytime, even in the middle of the set, open my case and walk on stage. It was a very unique experience that fit the carefree part of my personality.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Saxophonists generally have a societal expectation to be more versatile than any other instrument. By being more versatile I mean we are expected to play both classical and jazz with equal conviction and double on flute and clarinet within classical and jazz with equal conviction. This is very difficult. The saxophone is not part of the orchestra so we frequently get a wide array of opportunities which requires the performer to be versatile in ability and equipment set up.
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Last year at Parkhill Junior High in Richardson ISD, Dallas, TX; I had one student win the first alto chair in the all-region wind ensemble
Another student (8th grade) placed second in the district wide concerto competition
I have had 3-5 other students make the all region bands as well in the last year.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Manhattan Music competition Gold medal
Protege Concerto Competition First Prize
Being selected as 1 of 2 top saxophonists in the University of North Texas concerto competition 3 years in a row
Being able to tour around the world as a musician aboard Cunard and Holland America ships
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My grandfather led his jazz band "Fred Kelley and the Saratogans" in the mid 1930's performing alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, flute and clarinet.
My mother loved jazz and my uncle is an incredible jazz pianist with a natural ear and dexterity for performance.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
see answers in "My Teaching Style"
Becoming aware of our emotions and physical body during practice is essential to managing our sentiments and ultimately how we feel about playing.
When will I start to see results?
If you follow instruction and practice techniques you should see results immediately, but at the very least within 4 lessons. It really depends on the sentiment and focus that someone exudes during their practice sessions.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My first saxophone teacher was Dr. Roger Eckers (Eastman) who is an incredible musician, jazz player and woodwind doubler. He was my band director and performed on the weekends with his groups. My jazz band director was Rich Thompson who is still the drum set professor at the Eastman School of Music.
Dr. Steven Mauk (Ithaca), Dr. Lin (Eastman), Dr. Eric Nestler (University of North Texas) and Nancy Boone are other teachers that have inspired me.
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Music lessons in Portland to students of all ages and abilities.
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