Guitar Lessons in Gresham, OR

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like the aphorism by British guitarist and educator Robert Fripp "We begin where we are". It means to me that at any given point we are all beginners. So if we come with an open mind to explore and learn something new, perhaps what it could be challenging might become easier if we apply the right mind set. So if we are learning a scale...perhaps we begin with a note at the time, then add a second and third, so on, until we have all eight notes or sixteen. - Slow down: If you want to play fast you gotta be able to play it slowly with accuracy and precision. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer

I find out what styles a student likes, favorite bands and songs. Also, what they want to get out of learning a particular intstrument. Is it for fun, to be on stage and perform, to write songs, etc. Once a student starts seeing how all songs are connected the whole music scene opens up. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

Each student is at a different level, and therefore requires different teaching methods. I like to implement the Hanon exercises for scales and warm-ups, also focusing on things like scales and arpeggios. For the guitar, I like to incorporate these concepts with chordal exercises as well, such as playing progressions to let the student's fingers grow accustomed to their forms. I then let the student tell me what his or her focus is, such as theoretical, classical, or popular. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching after graduating high school and have continued to do so ever since. During these years I attended college at California State University Chico, where I earned my Bachelor's degree as an audio engineer. This journey greatly helped me grow as a musician, teacher, leader, and engineer. Through out my college years I continued to play in bands both through my school and locally in our community, started my own business to help local musicians gain recognition and improve their skills, gained a new appreciation for musicianship and creativity through the eyes of an audio engineer, and of course taught my students to improve their musical abilities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar

I am a very passionate and devoted musician. I believe that music is extremely important in life. When I was young I struggled with severe depression, and at that point music saved my life. Playing the guitar gave me the tools i needed to express my emotions in a healthy manner, and I wish to share these tools with everyone that I can. 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 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

My philosophy for quality music education has three main parts: appreciation, practice, literacy. I braid all three of these parts into each lesson, with a student focused approach. I strongly believe that anyone at any age and abilities can learn enjoy making music. Fundamentals are important at all skill levels, as well as a mix of solo rep and working on full pieces I have the skills to be able to create any music my students want to do! Read More