Music Lessons in Gaston, OR

Instruments: Piano Voice

My students describe me as patient, fun, understanding, and challenging. :) For the shy ones, I like to get to know them, and see what I can do to get through to them and get them to open up to music. For the adventurous one, I dare them to go on adventures with me. For the self-critical ones, I become their voice of encouragement and love. For the over-confident ones, I open their eyes to more challenges that will demand more of themselves. 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: 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: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

I like to use a wide variety of materials, from classical to jazz music.  CLARINET: For clarinet students, I use "standard" conservatory etude and scale books (such as the Rose Studies and Behrmann Studies).  I also use the Jamey Abersold Jazz Methods, which feature CD 'play-a-long' recordings of jazz music.  I also have my students perform a wide range of solo music, from 'standards' like the Mozart Clarinet Concerto to 20th century repertoire by composers like Bernstein, Copland and others.  I think it is important for students to be able to play jazz and improvise, so I teach them about Blues and how to play jazz, as well as classical music. 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: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I encourage my students to be technically proficient, musically literate, and good listeners. Having these core fundamentals down prepares my students to be able to play any style of music they choose. Lessons are always customized to fit the musical preferences of the student.  I use my preferred method books but am able to incorporate the books the student already owns within the lesson plans.  I encourage the use of technology such as smartphones, iPads, and play-a-longs as teaching aids. Read More