Music Lessons in Lafayette, OR

Instruments: Cello

It’s important to me that a student has fun in their lessons, but also accomplishes the goals set at the beginning. I start the lesson explaining what we should try to accomplish by the next lesson, followed by a recap of the last one. Goals should be reasonable enough that the student doesn’t feel overwhelmed, particularly at the beginning, yet challenging enough that they feel like they actually achieve something worthwhile each week. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I am from Dallas, Texas but moved to Pittsburgh to study with Michael Rusinek of the Pittsburgh Symphony. I received my Bachelor of Music in Music Education with Teacher Certification in Texas from Southern Methodist University and my Master of Music and Advanced Music Studies Certificate from Carnegie Mellon University. I have performed in many regional orchestras in the Pittsburgh area as well as with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Along with performing in the Pittsburgh area, I have also attended the Aspen Music Festival and played in the AIMS Festival Orchestra in Graz, Austria. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele

Drums: For students who want to ROCK! Drumming is a perfect way to get active and distracted students engaged and interested in the world of music. Students will learn basic rock/dance/jazz beats, marching cadences, musical symbols and notation, solos, and much more. The book used, Basic Drumming by Joel Rothman, is a wonderful book that will last for 3 years of lessons and beyond. Your teacher will take you from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced, and help you learn the style and genre of music you like best. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Music

Since then, I’ve continued teaching in both private and group settings, always finding deep fulfillment in helping students grow. I’ve held a variety of teaching and leadership roles, including positions with Portland Youth Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Music Workshop, Oregon Bravo Youth Orchestras, Ventura Harmony Project, and public school districts in California and Oregon. I’m also trained and licensed as a behavioral therapist for children with autism and have contributed to educational psychology research—work that deeply informs my student-centered, empathetic approach to music education. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet French Horn Tuba

For the students who are just starting out, I have the Essential Elements books to help the student learn notes, read music, and with that book it helps because most of the songs you know, Mary Had a Little Lamb for example. As the student grows I move them to something that they would enjoy such as pop music or even movie music, then from there moving the student onto the solo repertoire for recitals in any genre that they want, Jazz, Classical, or other. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

As a 9th grader, I participated in The Bronx Borough Wide Band and played clarinet on the stage of Carnegie Hall. Later, in college, I sang in a classical chorus on the stage of Kleinhan's in Buffalo, NY with The Buffalo Philharmonic. I studiedbassoon withFrank Ruggieri of The New York Philharmonic as well. In rock, I sang with many bands and some famous artists. Also, played piano in restaurants, etc.One of my bands later performed at The Capital Theatre in Port Chester, New York as an opening act for other famous artists.Very exciting!! Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teacher in college was a proponent of Alexander Technique, and she helped me loosen up and play with more ease and fluidity. Because of this, I use some of the techniques she taught me in many of my lessons. I usually teach out of the Faber piano series, but I am willing to be flexible if a student has already started with another series. Read More