Piano Lessons in Woodburn, OR

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I have always enjoyed helping students play better.  My private teaching career began in 1978 and continues to the present.  It is always more fun for the student it they understand why something is important and what the long term benefits are for them.  No question is questioned.  We enjoy exploring the Language of Music and the requirements of their instrument.  Additionally,  I have developed a method for addressing Performance Anxiety that has proven effective in any performance situation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

For beginning students in piano, I like to use either the Alfred Reed books or the Piano Adventure method books. It really depends on which the student understands the best! Both offer a variety of explanations on musical elements and topics, while also offering a variety of pieces to play. Once certain topics and musical elements are covered, I like to have the student pick a solo piece from several that I will have ready, which will also reflect the new musical elements that were covered. 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

Instruments: Piano

For those students who are children and are just starting out, I'll have them work through a lesson book that I find fit for them so they can grasp the fundamentals. Once they establish the fundamentals, I'll assign them solo repertoire so they can begin learning their own pieces. For older students, I'll find out what they are interested in learning and go from there. Some examples of a main focus for piano lessons may be to learn a specific genre of music, learn how to compose original music, or improve their technique in an existing realm of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My approach to all my students, children and adults alike, takes on a friendly, casual appearance while at the same time utilizing my classical and technical training. I believe music is the most joyous of all "subjects" to study and my greatest desire is for my students to learn a lot while feeling the joy that music provides. Having said that, studying with me will be fun, detailed, technical and productive. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a dedicated musician and teacher beginning my fifth year in Portland. My background is multi-disciplinary: on top of my musical coursework I hold degrees in poetry and language. I am a songwriter as well as an instrumentalist and composer. I believe creativity and originality are very valuable parts of musical expression that sometimes get overlooked! I have more than three years experience playing in local bands, and I am well-versed in the Portland music scene (though I continue to add to my knowledge!) Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Ukulele Recorder

As a soloist he's played classical music, blues, jazz, and original compositions. Before devoting himself to music full time, he worked for 8 years as a radio announcer on WUFT-FM Gainesville hosting shows such as "Nothing but the Blues", "Montage" (acoustic jazz), and "Musica Antiqua" (Renaissance and Medieval).  He currently hosts a jazz radio show called "Hard Choices" which airs on Saturdays at 11 a.m. on KMHD 89.1 FM in Portland, OR. Read More