Guitar Lessons in Estacada, OR

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 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 Drums Bass Guitar

Over twenty years of playing all instruments has taught me there is not one specific way to teach music, so I change my curriculum for every student and completely customize what you learn to how you learn, and what you're interested in. Together we will choose short term and long term goals, and I regularly learn music my students love, and then use those songs to demonstrate theoretical principles, instead of using music that comes out of some book. 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 Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a relaxed and easy-going teacher. I am good at staying focused but also fun to be around! I know that learning to play an instrument carries a unique set of challenges for each person, and these can be frustrating. Because I've experienced these challenges myself, my primary goal is to be there for my students, guiding them through the difficult moments as well as the joyful. I care about the student's progress more than sticking to a pre-determined rule book. 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 Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele

As much as possible, I usually try to make custom lesson plans for each student. For beginning guitar or ukulele students I will usually begin by teaching them to play a familiar song using only a couple chords. This gives them something tangible to work toward right from the beginning. We can then add more chords and more challenging songs as we go, as well as learning to play scales and melodies, etc. Read More