Music Lessons in Rhododendron, OR

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I encourage my students to be technically proficient, musically literate, and good listeners. Having these core fundamentals down prepares my students to be able to play any style of music they choose. Lessons are always customized to fit the musical preferences of the student.  I use my preferred method books but am able to incorporate the books the student already owns within the lesson plans.  I encourage the use of technology such as smartphones, iPads, and play-a-longs as teaching aids. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I firmly believe that every student is different and deserves their own personalized lesson experience. I do my best to get an understanding of what a student's musical interests and goals are tailor their lessons towards those goals. I teach lots of songs, because that's what we want to play! I also do my best to make sure you understand WHAT you are playing so that you can take elements of one song and know how to re-use them later. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Friendly and encouraging interaction with students makes for a pleasant experience and allows students to achieve their potential. Lessons are an opportunity to explore creative expression through music. The fundamentals of music are the tools for creative expression.  Creative expression is encouraged even in the beginner's first lesson. I like to explore music from the basic structure of the symbols used and how the sounds are grouped to the more complex. 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 Voice Flute Piccolo

I have taught in four states and two countries. I have been teaching in Portland for two years after graduating with my Master's degree here. 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 Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For kids I find that having a large quantity of music to learn at each level gives more variety and sense of achievement, so I usually recommend beginning students have multiple books to aid in learning. For example a young piano student will study from lesson, theory, performance, and technique books each week. This yields a well-rounded student who is proud of their achievements and eager to move forward. For adults I recommend a lesson/theory combination book at least to help with reading music. Read More