Guitar Lessons in Aurora, OR

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Ukulele Recorder

My teaching approach is tailored to the interests and goals of each student, but always includes fundamentals such as scales, strength-building exercises, rudiments of theory, and ear training. Some of the method books I've used include the Faber "Piano Adventures" series, Alfred and Bastien series, and Hanon's The Virtuoso Pianist, among others. I always supplement these materials with arrangements and transcriptions of popular songs and classical pieces, along with original exercises designed to teach specific styles and techniques. 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I generally split lessons into three sections, 1/3 with chords, 1/3 scales, 1/3 with songs, but every student is different, for example, If your goal is to strictly learn chords to sing folks songs over, I will emphasize more chord reading and learning time. If you want to play leads, I will spend more time emphasizing scales to help you learn how to improvise. There are also other excercises we can do like rhythm reading (just with clapping, no instrument) transcription/listening, and harmonic analysis. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary on the student and subject. Beginning students will typically focus more on technical pieces of music to improve on certain aspects of a few pieces to perform. More advanced students will still practice technical parts of their music, but less time will be spent on it during a lesson. Advanced level students will spend more time on repertoire and performance. The more advanced a student gets, the more I expect them to practice outside of lessons and apply their newly learned technical skills into their music on their own. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Your lessons are about what YOU want! My goal is to keep lessons fun and interesting while helping you achieve your goals. I rarely give technical exercises, instead I like to give students songs that they enjoy which will challenge them and keep them moving forward. Lessons are not regimented, but loosely planned. I always make sure to give my students the opportunity to ask questions about anything, even if it's not related to what we're studying at the moment. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele

I have been playing music in many kinds of bands and ensembles since the early 1980's. In the late 80's and early 90's I was the drummer for the Seattle grunge band, "Violet Grey." After moving to Portland to go to college I played in the Concordia University String Ensemble and a number of rock bands, including, "Apostolic Tackle-Box," "Andy's Dandies," and "the Quick." I played in the folk duo, "Agile Grapefruit," and I have led praise bands at a number of local churches. 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