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24 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: 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
Instruments: Voice
While I sometimes recommend rep for certain students, I like to begin with songs that are meaningful to them, provided that I see no way it could be harmful to their voice. If the student feels insecure (all too common of a problem) I try to help them feel relaxed and comfortable while boosting their confidence. I believe that finding one's voice can have powerful implications in other areas of life. Read More
Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet
I discovered my talent for teaching during my college days where I found myself tutoring classmates who were behind in their classes. It was also around this time where I began giving music clinics to local high school bands. I enjoyed the feeling of helping others succeed and decided to start accepting private students. Are you a beginning student still learning notes? Maybe you're a seasoned player just wanting to get better? Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele
I've been playing music since the age of 4, first studying violin and then playing in a symphony orchestra at the age of 12 (Peter Meremblum-Hollywood Calif.) as well as doing TV work on violin. At the age of 15 I began playing guitar, and then worked my way through college playing gigs, traveled Europe with my own band, and joined the Beach Boys as a bassist and guitarist. I traveled the world, performing and recording with them for over 20 years as well as doing session work in L.A. and performing with local artists. Read More
Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion
I am extremely passionate about music and about passing on my love and knowledge to others. So much so that I gave up a promising career in the television industry to return to school, get my music and education degrees, and become a middle school band director.I have performed with the Beacock Swing Band, the Southwest Washington Wind Symphony, the NoPo Swing Band, Portland state University's Jazz band and Wind Ensemble, and Clark College's Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
Music is all about having fun and exploring one's own creative intuition. I like to teach in a relaxed environment, ensuring that lessons are not only educational but also enjoyable. I want to ensure that my students are learning at a pace that is acceptable to them while also encouraging goal setting and independent learning. I generally also prefer a more conversational style of teaching. I want to engage with students rather than simply tell them to follow a chart or reading materials. Read More
Instruments: Trombone
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
During my college years we did a tribute to Miles Davis. I arranged a big band chart of the Davis tune "Joshua" and was a featured soloist on NPR during our live telecast.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest thing to master on a trombone is the ability to improvise. It involves music theory, dexterity, scale knowledge, and flexibility.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
Arban, Rochut, and Mueller. These books provide different challenges, technical studies, and studies. I like how they all accomplish technical and musical aspects that help a student become more confident in their instrument.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
30-45 minute warm up (long tones, legato lounging, lip slurs, couple lounging, scale studies)
Five minute break
30-45 minutes of transcriptions
Short break
20 minutes of technical studies, solos, or exerts
I try to repeat this later in the day if I am lucky.
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
Bachelor's in Jazz Studies, covering performance and composition.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I would love to play all of Louis Armstrong's solos. His musicality and style are so personal yet so worldly.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I love soul music. It is fun, yet still offers great challenges and some great musicality. Also, it makes fantastic music to jam, or sit in on with a band.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started teaching myself piano in college to further understand chord structure and theory. I also taught myself some trumpet so I can double and offer more services. I am currently learning guitar.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music does not run in my family, but both my brother and I became professional musicians in spite of this. We both studied music at our universities, and have been playing professionally for over 20 years. He later became the guitarist for my band, and is currently working with some country artists in Nashville.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose trombone after seeing James Brown on tv, and falling in love with his horn section. The trombone looked like the most fun!
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
The easy answer is if they enjoy their instrument and music. It's never too early to start if they are excited.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
In high school. It looked fun, challenging, and something that I could do all over the world. Since then I have performed on four continents, on cruise ships, and with ensembles ranging from shortness to orchestras to jazz combos to gospel bands.
When will I start to see results?
A beginning student can see results quickly. As time goes on, results will still happen but will come in smaller increments. This is when practice and dedication can excel a student. At the end of the day, it is really a matter of how much and willing the student is to practice.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Develop a warm up. Play long tones every day, and make them long. Then work on scales, and finally lip slurs. You can add to this over time, but a warm up is the most consistent thing that should be done.
24 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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