Piano Lessons in Marylhurst, OR

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

In addition to my current work as an accompanist, I've been teaching piano for 20+ years, and I love partnering with students to help them grow musically and realize their dreams. Some of my students have gone on to be professionals or teachers, and some are playing the music they love with their friends. Others are playing in their churches or in bands, and some play simply for personal enjoyment. My lesson focus depends on the student goals, but I will always include elements of theory, as it facilitates a deeper understanding of the music, allowing students the capability of creating their own music and playing in many different styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Fiddle

Festivals include International Celtic Colours Festival, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia;International Festival-Institute at Round Top, Texas; Aspen Music Festival and School, Colorado. Performance experience includes: Miami Symphony Orchestra, Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra, Chehalem Symphony Orchestra, Cape Breton Chamber Orchestra, Lafayette Indiana Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Indiana Symphony Orchestra, Reno Symphony Orchestra, Reno Chamber Orchestra, Newport Oregon Chamber Orchestra. Teaching experience includes: Miami Dade College, George Fox University, Davis & Elkins College, Indiana University, University of Nevada. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I do my best to be a relaxed, grounded teacher who reminds the student to relax and enjoy the process of making music. I do listening exercises, clapping, counting, reciting the letters of the notes with their voice, and demonstrate the songs they are learning to each student. Each lesson is a celebration of music in a carefree environment filled with song and smiles. I always find something I like in each performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I have taught private lessons since 2003 when I was working on my bachelors degree in music. I have conducted youth and adult choirs since 2011. From 2013 to 2021, I conducted a youth orchestra while maintaining my private studio. I now teach piano and violin (and occasionally voice) full-time. For beginning and intermediate students, I select a method book series that best complements there learning style and skills. Hi augment those books with classical and popular music that engages the students interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Synthesizer

For the latter 6 of my 9 semesters at Berklee College of Music, I worked in the college Core Music Tutoring department, working 1-on-1 with fellow college students struggling with mandatory theory courses (Harmony, Ear-Training, Arranging, Conducting, and Tonal Harmony [Traditional Harmony]). After just 1 semester as a tutor, I was promoted to two additional positions in the department: mentor and supervisor. As a CMT mentor I worked with 2nd semester students who had failed their 1st semester theory courses and thus required more involved coaching with regards to music and learning habits, as well as correspondence with faculty. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I feel that, like my piano teachers always said, practice does in fact make perfet. It's amazing what can happen with even a 1/2 hour every other day when it comes to weekly lessons. I tend to assign more, but my point is that it's extremely important to practice! Also, what helped students the most - across the board - was theory workbooks, especially when it came to composition. Getting students interested in composing lends way to their completion rate when it came to homework too! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Ukulele Recorder

My teaching approach is tailored to the interests and goals of each student, but always includes fundamentals such as scales, strength-building exercises, rudiments of theory, and ear training. Some of the method books I've used include the Faber "Piano Adventures" series, Alfred and Bastien series, and Hanon's The Virtuoso Pianist, among others. I always supplement these materials with arrangements and transcriptions of popular songs and classical pieces, along with original exercises designed to teach specific styles and techniques. Read More