Piano Lessons in West Linn, OR

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

Instruments: Piano Voice

My students describe me as patient, fun, understanding, and challenging. :) For the shy ones, I like to get to know them, and see what I can do to get through to them and get them to open up to music. For the adventurous one, I dare them to go on adventures with me. For the self-critical ones, I become their voice of encouragement and love. For the over-confident ones, I open their eyes to more challenges that will demand more of themselves. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teacher in college was a proponent of Alexander Technique, and she helped me loosen up and play with more ease and fluidity. Because of this, I use some of the techniques she taught me in many of my lessons. I usually teach out of the Faber piano series, but I am willing to be flexible if a student has already started with another series. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar

When I teach I enjoy seeing my students express their emotions through their music, and develope a passion for their instrument. That passion is so very magical, and I aim to encourage this with personalized lesson plans hinging off of the musical stylings of a musicians that my student is interested in so they can begin to build a unique and passionate style of their own. Most of all I believe that its important to have fun with music, which is why I consider improvisation an important part of my curriculum. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I like to start each student off with the fundamentals. I think the fundamentals are very important for every musician. Once you master the basics, then we can move on the solo repertoire, or start to develop each musicians individual style. I want the lessons to be both fun and engaging. So it’s important to find what kind of music each student is interested in and then develop that interest and passion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

I remember teaching my first lesson about 15 years ago. I was very nervous! However it was smooth sailing after that.  I grew up attending Harmony Road Music School, and they recently offered me a job, but I passed on it to focus more on my own lesson practice. I've worked for Beacock Music, Margie's Music School, and subbed at others, as well as had many of my students for 10+ years. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students (children) I use the Piano Adventures books by Faber also with a notespeller and possibly some Hanon exercises. For beginner adults I use the adult beginner Piano Adventures, notespeller, and Hanon. So for any student there is a combination of music theory, finger exercises, and learning how to play and enjoy piano music. Once my student becomes more advanced I will encourage them to play short classical pieces such as a waltz or prelude, or a piece of music of their choice. Read More