Guitar Lessons in Happy Valley, OR

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

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele

Practice, of course, is important to learning any skill. But if a love of the instrument is there, practicing shouldn't be too much of a chore. I try to never give my students too much material at once, so as to frustrate them to the point of not wanting to play anymore. On the other hand, it is important to present them with challenges to keep them moving forward. First and foremost is to foster that love of music in them through enthusiasm and example. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I am a passionate and driven teacher whose focus is always on my students' musical goals and development. I focus on roots American styles: the blues, early rock, bluegrass, country, folk, and jazz. I graduated with a degree in Guitar Performance from Lewis Clark College, where I studied performance under renowned Portlandguitarist Dan Balmer and music theory under Portland pianist Susan Smith. Authentic and time-honored musical styles are my emphasis and serve as the foundations upon which my performances and lessons are based. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I love watching students learn and develop a passion for music. I love to inspire each individual student. I think it’s important to relate to each student in their own way so they each can thrive. I like to set goals during each lesson that are practical, yet give the student a feeling of accomplishment when reached. Goals are important to keep driving you forward and developing your skill. Read More

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: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

I give Suzuki violin, viola and cello lessons. I also use classical method with scales, etudes and solo pieces in my teaching as another option. With fiddle students I use Ann Wheeler method books. My piano students use Faber piano series. My Guitar students use Hal Leonard guitar method and guitar song collections. Ukulele students start with Alfred's ukulele method and more advanced students use Greg Horne and Shana Aisenberg Books 1-3. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Ukulele Recorder

In 2011, Chuck moved to Portland, Oregon from Gainesville, Florida, where he was a staple of the music teaching and performing community for more than 25 years. Originally from Chicago, Chuck completed his BA in Music History and a Masters of Music (MM) at the University of Florida. Chuck began piano lessons at age 12 at a time when The Beatles caught his attention. His first attempt at composing was actually improvising melodies over the ending chords to "Hey Jude". Read More