Mark W
Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola
Styles: Classical, Pop, Blues, Folk, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes
Mark W
Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Blues, Folk, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 6-80
Master Degree: Univeristy of Missouri, Bachelor Degree: University of Central Missouri
2012 Winner: Best of the Northwest, Young Composers Competition (composer)
2015 Conducted a youth orchestra and choir for the inauguration of Gov. Kate Brown
2016 Conducted a youth orchestra for the encore of Black Violin at the Schnitzer Concert Hall
2022 Celebrated 10 years of conducting the Multnomah Chorus for Portland Parks & Rec
2022 First class of piano students who began lessons with me as 1st graders to graduate HS
I’m a passionate and personable instructor who loves working with beginning intermediate and advanced students. In 2009, I graduated from the University of Missouri with a masters degree in music composition and a focus on music theory pedagogy. I teach piano, violin, and viola. I have conducted youth and adult choirs and a youth orchestras for over a decade. I love teaching private lessons. It allows me to tailor exercises, methods, and pieces of music to each student. I’m looking forward to meeting you.
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 student’s interests. I incorporate developmentally appropriate music theory into lessons. I also enjoy exploring composition and improvisation with students. I’m proud of the retention rate of my students and my ability to keep them excited and interested over several years.
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.
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student develop a passion for music. It’s 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. I love celebrating their accomplishments.
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