Guitar Lessons in Happy Valley, OR

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: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For younger students and those just starting out, I will usually start with a basic introduction to their instrument, get them acquainted with it and how to properly play the instrument before moving on to basic scales and beginner songs. As for more experienced and older students, I try to figure out what their goals are as a musician and guide the instruction based on those goals and ensuring that things remain engaging as well as educational. 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.. 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. In no particular order... 1. The first part is exposure/appreciation of different musics, cultures and styles: The loving of music This includes: Active listening skills, genre playlists, history of solo repertoire/composers 2. The second part is the practice/performance of music, instruments, and vocally: The doing of music This includes: Physically clapping rhythms, singing, playing, performing, improvising 3. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

Patience, as well as my depth of experience, are characteristics of my teaching style. I'm as happy as the student is when he or she achieves an understanding of a musical concept or mastery of a physical technique on the instrument. The achievement will reinforce more effort toward the next step, but it must be "relaxed" effort. "Slowly but surely" is my motto as the challenges become greater and the success sweeter. Read More