Bass Lessons in Lake Oswego, OR

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: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I've been teaching on and off for about 10 years, I enjoy helping students obtain their goals, whatever their age or skill level. I think it's important for guitarists to learn some basic music fundementals we can communicate with other improvisers outside of guitar-centric music. I am not against guitar tablature sites altogether, but I do believe that tablature can be more useful if it at least indicates the rhythms. I believe learning how to read and notate rhythms can help enrich and empower students and help them develop as performs, composers and teachers in their own right. 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: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

- Patience: It is key to take our time to take in what is presented to us. If there is something that is a new piece of music that presents a rhythmic difficulty. Let's analyze it and figure it out together. - Breaking down: As explained above to play something really well, we need to understand and "master" all parts and the whole. It not only facilitates the performance but also gives a sense of detail and belonging. - Guitar Circle Techniques: I spend 14 years working with guitar circles worldwide. Read More

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

I have studied piano privately for almost 10 years. My first experience teaching piano was in high-school, when I taught after school lessons. Since then I've had the opportunity to absorb the teaching methods of many excellent instructors. My teaching approach continues to be influenced by these teachers. For example, I have found that my classical training has helped me approach all genres and styles of music. As I continue to teach and learn in different musical territories, I constantly return to the fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

Patience, as well as my depth of experience, are characteristics of my teaching style. I'm as happy as the student is when he or she achieves an understanding of a musical concept or mastery of a physical technique on the instrument. The achievement will reinforce more effort toward the next step, but it must be "relaxed" effort. "Slowly but surely" is my motto as the challenges become greater and the success sweeter. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele

Practice, of course, is important to learning any skill. But if a love of the instrument is there, practicing shouldn't be too much of a chore. I try to never give my students too much material at once, so as to frustrate them to the point of not wanting to play anymore. On the other hand, it is important to present them with challenges to keep them moving forward. First and foremost is to foster that love of music in them through enthusiasm and example. Read More