Guitar Lessons in Hillsboro, OR

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

I like to start each student off with the fundamentals. I think the fundamentals are very important for every musician. Once you master the basics, then we can move on the solo repertoire, or start to develop each musicians individual style. I want the lessons to be both fun and engaging. So it’s important to find what kind of music each student is interested in and then develop that interest and passion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Ukulele Recorder

My teaching approach is tailored to the interests and goals of each student, but always includes fundamentals such as scales, strength-building exercises, rudiments of theory, and ear training. Some of the method books I've used include the Faber "Piano Adventures" series, Alfred and Bastien series, and Hanon's The Virtuoso Pianist, among others. I always supplement these materials with arrangements and transcriptions of popular songs and classical pieces, along with original exercises designed to teach specific styles and techniques. 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 Violin Bass Guitar

When I teach I enjoy seeing my students express their emotions through their music, and develope a passion for their instrument. That passion is so very magical, and I aim to encourage this with personalized lesson plans hinging off of the musical stylings of a musicians that my student is interested in so they can begin to build a unique and passionate style of their own. Most of all I believe that its important to have fun with music, which is why I consider improvisation an important part of my curriculum. Read More

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 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