Music Lessons in Rhododendron, OR

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer

I play both guitar and bass. Guitar is acoustic and electric, lead and rythym. Bass is 4 and 5 string. As I have learned from these instruments you have to come from different fields of thought. They're called guitars but thats where it ends. I love all things music. I want to share the joy of making and playing music. When it comes to teaching theory, I always say that if you can count to 8, than you can write a popular song you would hear on the radio. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Trained in a competitive drumline environment, I have an eagle eye for ways to rapidly improve students' techniques and rudimental abilities. I pass this wisdom on to my students in a much more comfortable, low pressure environment than the world of drumline, however. My passion in teaching lies in finding those moments where students discover that the amazing techniques they want to learn are much more achievable and within reach than they even thought! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

I can teach any skill level. If you are beginning with zero experience, the first thing I teach is middle C. It's the center of the universe as far as the piano is concerned. I also teach 'spider position', which is how the student wants to have their hands positioned. Intermediate students can dictate to me what they want to work on. If they just want to learn "Charlie Brown" I can teach that, or if they want a more regimented lesson plan I can do that as well.  I also have advanced students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Piano Adventures by Nancy Faber. I introduce rhythm reading, music composition, and basic music theory in the first year. I focus on effective practice techniques. My students learn the skills of practice routine that build measurable and gratifying progress from week to week. For advanced students and adults, we explore what the students are interested in. I design my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging in fun no matter the ability level. Read More

Instruments: Banjo Classical Guitar

I've been teaching lessons since 2014 when I graduated with my undergraduate, and have focused my efforts on creating a curriculum that focuses on all elements of music while learning the guitar. I've also created a curriculum for a music theory class, and am currently working on music appreciation. I find all of these subjects important when trying to understand music and implement them in my lessons. I currently sub in for Matt Soloman's guitar studio where I have worked as a teacher, and have worked for Ethos Music doing their Urban and Rural Outreach Programs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like the aphorism by British guitarist and educator Robert Fripp "We begin where we are". It means to me that at any given point we are all beginners. So if we come with an open mind to explore and learn something new, perhaps what it could be challenging might become easier if we apply the right mind set. So if we are learning a scale...perhaps we begin with a note at the time, then add a second and third, so on, until we have all eight notes or sixteen. - Slow down: If you want to play fast you gotta be able to play it slowly with accuracy and precision. 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