Violin Lessons Washington County, OR

Instruments: Violin, Electric Violin, Music

My teaching style revolves around guiding each student through the mental process of developing one's music skills, both in a technical and musical sense. I believe everyone is capable of becoming a fantastic violinist, as long as they are shown what to focus on and what to look out for in their own relationship with the violin. Often, students are thrown into the deep end and asked to swim. I am more concerned with teaching each of my students how to observe themselves so that they can make adjustments and improvements based on their own assessments of themselves, rather than just telling each student what to do. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola

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. Read More

Instruments: Violin, Viola

Ben Gardner initially wanted to play the cello, but instead chose the violin to make the walk to school easier. He quickly fell in love with the instrument, and 16 years later he holds 2 degrees in Violin Performance and has appeared as a soloist and ensemble member across the Western United States in both Classical ensembles and in orchestras specializing in Historical Performance Practice, playing on historically authentic instruments. Ben holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, and a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Bass Guitar

For beginning students I start with the basics of music theory, and demonstrating how this theory is used in rock n' roll, blues, and classical depending on what the student is interested. for intermediate students I aim to build upon their knowledge and help them discover more music, and build a greater understanding of music theory. For advanced students I focus on guiding their studies to a greater level through analysis of historically great pieces, the study of harmony, and how to capture and retain the emotional and mental intrigue of the audience. 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