Piano Lessons in Forest Grove, OR

Instruments: Piano

I love to see my students accomplish their goals. Therefore I always assign a piece easily within their reach. However, I believe it is important to have higher goals. In keeping with that, once the student is at an appropriate level, I assign a piece that will take a bit more work to master. I find that this motivates most of my students to really shine and to see the rewards of consistent and effective practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Once students are past the fundamentals and rudiments of their instrument(s), I introduce large selections of solo repertoire to sight-read in lessons; this process allows students to try out a large number of pieces, and then selecting a few to study forward. For every instrument I teach, I keep a large variety of warmups, games, activities, composition strategies, and improvisational pieces in circulation to keep my lessons fun, engaging, and rewarding for every student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My philosophy for quality music education has three main parts: appreciation, practice, literacy. In no particular order... 1. The first part is exposure/appreciation of different musics, cultures and styles: The loving of music This includes: Active listening skills, genre playlists, history of solo repertoire/composers 2. The second part is the practice/performance of music, instruments, and vocally: The doing of music This includes: Physically clapping rhythms, singing, playing, performing, improvising 3. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I tend to emphasize piano theory and lots and LOTS of practice for my methods I link to success. Piano theory and understanding the circle of fifths and chords with their relative minors, etcetera are extremely important as building blocks to a good knowledge base, especially if you'll be composing. I find that learning how to read sheet music takes a while, but is extremely essential in order to behind fluent in practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe that every student is different, and that is important to understand each student’s passions and interests.  It is important to find out how each student learns, and to motivate him or her to improve, grow, and be passionate about music.  I do not want to only teach the notes on the page; I want to instill a lifelong love of music and a basic knowledge of music theory.  Learning the goals and aspirations of each of my students is very important to me, as I know that performing music should be about joy and self expression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student develop a passion for music. Its important that each student progresses add their own pace. We at weekly goals and regularly discuss practice routines. Acquiring new skills requires musicians to break down music into its building blocks and practice additive components step-by-step. By successfully tailoring my instruction to their needs and desires, my students develop fundamentals and musicianship for a lifetime of music making and music appreciation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

I give Suzuki violin, viola and cello lessons. I also use classical method with scales, etudes and solo pieces in my teaching as another option. With fiddle students I use Ann Wheeler method books. My piano students use Faber piano series. My Guitar students use Hal Leonard guitar method and guitar song collections. Ukulele students start with Alfred's ukulele method and more advanced students use Greg Horne and Shana Aisenberg Books 1-3. Read More