Guitar Lessons in Clackamas, OR

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

I feel that if a student is just banging away at notes without getting the big picture of how everything works it can be frustrating and fruitless. I like to teach as we play a song. I think you are able to benefit by using the theory and techniques as the song progresses. I can teach out of a book if the student/parent would prefer. I do customize songs to the age and interests of the student. Read More

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

I encourage students to focus on their personal expression and growth as a musician. While I select pieces for students based on their skill level and ability to take challenges effectively, students are given the freedom to browse their own musical library or lexicon to perform music they enjoy or is moving to them. Since many modern songs can be found without sheet music or proper notation for each instrument, I arrange pieces and songs for students' instruments as close to the recorded version as possible. 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

Not only do I teach students how to play or create music, but also how to successfully set goals and achieve them. Every musician should have a goal in mind when practicing. Learning how to manage that goal can be tricky. I like to work together with students to take their goals and break them down smaller into more manageable pieces for them to master. This means that every student's schedule is customized to their learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In 4th grade I got a recorder and from then on I've soaked up all the music experiences around me. I fondly remember my first solo performance was 5th grade, and my first honor band was that summer. By my senior year of high school I had been involved in a couple dozen honor bands/choirs/orchestras including an amazing tour of Europe in a 200 person band! I've taught individual lessons to little kids and elders, of all different skill levels, and strongly believe that it is never too late to learn an instrument. Read More

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: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Music is all about having fun and exploring one's own creative intuition. I like to teach in a relaxed environment, ensuring that lessons are not only educational but also enjoyable. I want to ensure that my students are learning at a pace that is acceptable to them while also encouraging goal setting and independent learning. I generally also prefer a more conversational style of teaching. I want to engage with students rather than simply tell them to follow a chart or reading materials. Read More