Guitar Lessons in Gaston, OR

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 Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

For students who are first getting started with their instrument(s), I use a variety of introductory book series and pieces depending on the student. Hal Leonard, FJH Method, Alfred, and Faber series are just a few that I keep an inventory of for new students. I typically keep a large Google Drive library dedicated for beginners and younger students, as these lesson plans will include fun activities and pieces not unlike those of elementary general music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hi, I'm Matt! I've been teaching music for over 10 years and I absolutely love doing it! I started to play the guitar when I was 12 years old and have been actively teaching and performing since I was 16 years old. I've performed as a solo artist playing Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Country, and Original music and I've played in various groups including a live Tango band and an acoustic duo. I graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelors of Music in Performance. Read More

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

I am a dedicated musician and teacher beginning my fifth year in Portland. My background is multi-disciplinary: on top of my musical coursework I hold degrees in poetry and language. I am a songwriter as well as an instrumentalist and composer. I believe creativity and originality are very valuable parts of musical expression that sometimes get overlooked! I have more than three years experience playing in local bands, and I am well-versed in the Portland music scene (though I continue to add to my knowledge!) Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele

Overall my work is focused on discovering music with the students and facing hurdles as we go. For voice I often let the student dictate the repertoire and support them with good technical basis. My students love a variety of singing, soft jazzy or loud and belty. For piano i prefer to use the Faber methods. I have been teaching students up to level 3. For guitar I can use hal leonard or Alfreds but the Alfreds seems to move faster. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele

Drums: For students who want to ROCK! Drumming is a perfect way to get active and distracted students engaged and interested in the world of music. Students will learn basic rock/dance/jazz beats, marching cadences, musical symbols and notation, solos, and much more. The book used, Basic Drumming by Joel Rothman, is a wonderful book that will last for 3 years of lessons and beyond. Your teacher will take you from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced, and help you learn the style and genre of music you like best. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I will always prefer to have hour-long lessons with my students. I feel this length of time gives both the student and the teacher the best chance of having a successful lesson each time they meet. Some may say its a high bar to meet for every lesson, every week, but I accept nothing less from myself and hold high expectations for my students in the hopes they meet them. Read More