Guitar Lessons in Sandy, OR

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

I have been lucky to perform more times than I can recall in my native Portland and the greater Pacific NW region. I continue to play regularly in a variety of genres and venues, and am continually seeking new projects and new connections with other musicians. With my students, I seek to enlighten their minds to the same heights, aiding them in building routine and developing critical thinking skills, as well as bequeathing them the same artistic sensibilities that I inherited during my formal music education. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I've been teaching on and off for about 10 years, I enjoy helping students obtain their goals, whatever their age or skill level. I think it's important for guitarists to learn some basic music fundementals we can communicate with other improvisers outside of guitar-centric music. I am not against guitar tablature sites altogether, but I do believe that tablature can be more useful if it at least indicates the rhythms. I believe learning how to read and notate rhythms can help enrich and empower students and help them develop as performs, composers and teachers in their own right. 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 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 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 Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I was employed at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ - Minneapolis during this time as a tenor section leader and soloist, and assisted with directing the bell choir with fellow musicians Adam Conrad, Michael Vasich and Tanner VanderKrabben. As a post-graduate I accepted a teaching position with Cyber Village Academy in St Paull, Minnesota, teaching K-12 general music. These classes involved music composition, performance, appreciation, and individualized studies in piano, guitar and choral singing. Read More