Bass Lessons in Boring, OR

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like the aphorism by British guitarist and educator Robert Fripp "We begin where we are". It means to me that at any given point we are all beginners. So if we come with an open mind to explore and learn something new, perhaps what it could be challenging might become easier if we apply the right mind set. So if we are learning a scale...perhaps we begin with a note at the time, then add a second and third, so on, until we have all eight notes or sixteen. - Slow down: If you want to play fast you gotta be able to play it slowly with accuracy and precision. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I am a passionate and driven teacher whose focus is always on my students' musical goals and development. I focus on roots American styles: the blues, early rock, bluegrass, country, folk, and jazz. I graduated with a degree in Guitar Performance from Lewis Clark College, where I studied performance under renowned Portlandguitarist Dan Balmer and music theory under Portland pianist Susan Smith. Authentic and time-honored musical styles are my emphasis and serve as the foundations upon which my performances and lessons are based. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin

There are so many ways to approach music - via reading music, improvising, composing, playing by ear, and I make sure to include them all over the course of my lessons with students. I encourage students to bring songs that they are interested in learning, and also provide plenty of material to get them on their way to undersanding how to navigate both their instrument, and music. I usually use the Hal Leonard method for guitar students learning to read, and the Faber piano method for paino students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With new students, my first goal is to surmise what they have learned thus far. I then "fill in the gaps" to get them up to speed, which depending on their skill level, can take one lesson or many lessons. For younger students who need more inspiration to be able to do that sort of catch-up work, I attempt to balance the fun with the learning. Learning instrument technique can be tedious, so I do my best to help my students be aware of their weaknesses and play to their strengths, to work smarter, not always harder. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele

For beginning drummers I will often take a basic rock beat and break it apart, focusing on one piece at a time and then putting it back together. This gives us a foundation to work from to which we can later add rudiments, etc. For more advanced students I like to first look back and see if there are any techniques or skills that they have neglected as they progressed. 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 Guitar Violin Bass Guitar

My teaching experience stems from 5 years ago, where I would share whatever knowledge of music i could with those around me. In those five years I have made it my duty to make myself a resource to all musicians around me. I believe that consistent practice, and lessons is the key to success with music. More importantly I in making music a healthy outlet for emotion, and self expression. Read More