Bass Lessons in Ridgefield, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Once students are past the fundamentals and rudiments of their instrument(s), I introduce large selections of solo repertoire to sight-read in lessons; this process allows students to try out a large number of pieces, and then selecting a few to study forward. For every instrument I teach, I keep a large variety of warmups, games, activities, composition strategies, and improvisational pieces in circulation to keep my lessons fun, engaging, and rewarding for every student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I teach the CAGED method on guitar, by which all chord forms and most tonal scales are based on 5 easy chord shapes, C,A,G,E, D. I will continue to ask students what their goals are and reach those goals, while learning basic fundementals of reading music. I have several other reccomended texts and resources to help students. I also teach them how to transcribe their favorite songs and some methods for going about that. 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 Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been lucky to perform more times than I can recall in my native Portland and the greater Pacific NW region. I continue to play regularly in a variety of genres and venues, and am continually seeking new projects and new connections with other musicians. With my students, I seek to enlighten their minds to the same heights, aiding them in building routine and developing critical thinking skills, as well as bequeathing them the same artistic sensibilities that I inherited during my formal music education. 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: 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: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer

I play both guitar and bass. Guitar is acoustic and electric, lead and rythym. Bass is 4 and 5 string. As I have learned from these instruments you have to come from different fields of thought. They're called guitars but thats where it ends. I love all things music. I want to share the joy of making and playing music. When it comes to teaching theory, I always say that if you can count to 8, than you can write a popular song you would hear on the radio. Read More