Music Lessons in Cornelius, OR

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a fast paced, energetic, positive-reinforcement kind of teacher. I like lessons to be fun and productive no matter the ability level. It is my belief that EVERYONE can sing, you just have to practice. A typical lesson involves a 10-15 minute warm-up, depending on the length of the lesson. That is followed by working on the songs that a student has prepared for the week. I like to work on a variety of songs to prevent boredom and frustration if a song is proving to be difficult on a particular day. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Once students are past the fundamentals and rudiments of their instrument(s), I introduce large selections of solo repertoire to sight-read in lessons; this process allows students to try out a large number of pieces, and then selecting a few to study forward. For every instrument I teach, I keep a large variety of warmups, games, activities, composition strategies, and improvisational pieces in circulation to keep my lessons fun, engaging, and rewarding for every student. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

For all experience levels, long tones are essential to a good playing foundation. Making long tones a regular part of daily practice is key to developing a strong sound and extended lung capacity. Beginners focus on embouchure, hand position, correct fingerings, note reading, and basic rhythms. Intermediate and advanced players work on learning major and minor scales, etude studies and a variety of solo clarinet repertoire. Students are encouraged to listen to a variety of professional clarinet recordings of all genres to develop an ear for different clarinet tones and styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Friendly and encouraging interaction with students makes for a pleasant experience and allows students to achieve their potential. Lessons are an opportunity to explore creative expression through music. The fundamentals of music are the tools for creative expression.  Creative expression is encouraged even in the beginner's first lesson. I like to explore music from the basic structure of the symbols used and how the sounds are grouped to the more complex. 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: Voice

I began teaching voice as an undergraduate student at University of Portland, and I have grown to love working with all ages and all styles. I have most recently had the opportunity to teach a college course at CalArts, private lessons to college level students at the institute, and group voice classes to K-3rd graders through the Community Arts Partnership. During this past summer I also served as Vocal Director for a music summer camp for children of all ages. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience hoes back to when I went off to college, to Major in Piano Performance, at the age of 18. I did it then you be able to have a little extra money, but then I really started to love to teach music. I started out teaching just kids because I felt that's all I could do, but then when I was about 24 a man my age (at the time) asked if I'd reach him and I agreed. Read More