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24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Guitar lessons in Portland . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar
For beginning students I start with the basics of music theory, and demonstrating how this theory is used in rock n' roll, blues, and classical depending on what the student is interested. for intermediate students I aim to build upon their knowledge and help them discover more music, and build a greater understanding of music theory. For advanced students I focus on guiding their studies to a greater level through analysis of historically great pieces, the study of harmony, and how to capture and retain the emotional and mental intrigue of the audience. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I can make my lessons fun for all levels of players, and my students will see their skills develop quickly in the direction that THEY want to go. If a student is unsure where they see themselves going as a musician, that is perfectly ok too! When my students have yet to develop a library of music they like and don't have a sense of what they want to play I help them figure these things out which is extremely rewarding for the both of us. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele
I have been playing music in many kinds of bands and ensembles since the early 1980's. In the late 80's and early 90's I was the drummer for the Seattle grunge band, "Violet Grey." After moving to Portland to go to college I played in the Concordia University String Ensemble and a number of rock bands, including, "Apostolic Tackle-Box," "Andy's Dandies," and "the Quick." I played in the folk duo, "Agile Grapefruit," and I have led praise bands at a number of local churches. Read More
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: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele
I teach the CAGED method on guitar, by which all chord forms and most tonal scales are based on 5 easy chord shapes, C,A,G,E, D. I will continue to ask students what their goals are and reach those goals, while learning basic fundementals of reading music. I have several other reccomended texts and resources to help students. I also teach them how to transcribe their favorite songs and some methods for going about that. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele
The approach I use to advance student learning is fun and laid back - yet direct and studious. I believe in the power of mentoring students and adults. Every student is different and has their own way of learning and growing, even as we get older. There is always room for improvement. At your first lesson we can talk about what makes sense in terms of practice week to week and will continue to see what it takes as time goes on. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz. This piece of music is one of the most popular programmatic pieces due to it's wild story about the artist. I love how it has been brassy sections in the march and dances as well as singing motives in the ball dances.
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have an Music Degree in Music Education. This means I learned how to teach others how to play instruments, even ones that aren't the trombone. I chose this degree because I wanted to share the ability to create music with others rather than expect others to listen to my music. Music expresses emotions that are beyond words and pictures, and no one should be restricted from that expression.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose the trombone in fourth grade because I thought it was a funny looking instrument and was simple because it did't have any valves or keys. I also chose it because I love how beautifully it can be played, almost like it was singing. On the other hand, it is a lot of fun to play it loud and booming, like in Star Wars' Imperial March.
When will I start to see results?
When learning music, set a goal with many steps in between. This way you can track your own progress. You could make this goal a one-year goal or a weekend goal, the important part is staying committed to the steps it takes to get there. Another option would be to record yourself playing your instrument the day you set your goal and to record yourself throughout the time period and once the goal has been achieved. The trick here is to not listen to the recordings until you are all done.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Any student is able to start lessons. If you are concerned that they are unable to start lessons, sit in on the lesson(s) with them. Some students need their parent to be their while they transition to learning something new with a new teacher. Any student of any age can learn anything, so long as they have the tools given to them and someone to guide them.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Make practicing enjoyable. Make a clear schedule or set of goals for your practicing. This could be a two-month goal leading up to a concert or just a 30-minute goal for daily practice. Then write down steps on how to achieve that goal on a sheet of paper. Once you have a good list of steps, try adding in additional steps in between. This way, you take more steps to achieve a goal, but each step is a little easier. If these steps become boring and you feel like practicing is becoming boring or feels like a chore, set your instrument down and take a short five-minute break. It is good to stay positive while practicing. Keeping yourself in check with your list to achieve your goal will help you practice effectively.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Guitar lessons in Portland to students of all ages and abilities.
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