Music Lessons in Damascus, OR

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 Cello Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

Each student is their own personality and I enjoy seeing how the music making unfolds with them in the process of learning. Each student gets their own unique weekly practice program based on their age and level. I am encouraging and patient teacher. I also see to it that my students get to their own goals by time. I want to make sure that my students have a firm foundation that holds when students advance further in their studies. Read More

Instruments: Voice Flute

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for what they are learning.  I therfore believe that it is important for each student to progress at his or her own pace.  Acknowledging accomplishments of goals that have been completed helps fuel the desire to progress and learn more. Within this teaching style I always strive to focus on positive ways of reinforcement for all of students when they are learning something new for their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Most lessons involve sight-reading, theory, and repertoire. I try to find a balance between introducing new music and reviewing older pieces. I am not a task master, but I do love to give positive reinforcement and praise for quality work and effort. I encourage my students to give me honest feedback on the material that they are working on. I will often ask them if they like the music they are playing or if they have any specific requests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My philosophy for quality music education has three main parts: appreciation, practice, literacy. I braid all three of these parts into each lesson, with a student focused approach. I strongly believe that anyone at any age and abilities can learn enjoy making music. Fundamentals are important at all skill levels, as well as a mix of solo rep and working on full pieces I have the skills to be able to create any music my students want to do! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

I can teach any skill level. If you are beginning with zero experience, the first thing I teach is middle C. It's the center of the universe as far as the piano is concerned. I also teach 'spider position', which is how the student wants to have their hands positioned. Intermediate students can dictate to me what they want to work on. If they just want to learn "Charlie Brown" I can teach that, or if they want a more regimented lesson plan I can do that as well.  I also have advanced students. Read More

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

I encourage students to focus on their personal expression and growth as a musician. While I select pieces for students based on their skill level and ability to take challenges effectively, students are given the freedom to browse their own musical library or lexicon to perform music they enjoy or is moving to them. Since many modern songs can be found without sheet music or proper notation for each instrument, I arrange pieces and songs for students' instruments as close to the recorded version as possible. Read More