Musika Quick Stats
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Music lessons in Portland . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Voice
I believe that every student is different, and that is important to understand each student’s passions and interests. It is important to find out how each student learns, and to motivate him or her to improve, grow, and be passionate about music. I do not want to only teach the notes on the page; I want to instill a lifelong love of music and a basic knowledge of music theory. Learning the goals and aspirations of each of my students is very important to me, as I know that performing music should be about joy and self expression. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin
I have been teaching music privately and in music schools for 10 years.I am a patient, supportive, and encouraging teacher wholoves helping others broaden their knowledge and ability on their instrument. My ultimate goal as a teacher is to inspire my students in their studies,to provide them with the information they need to be able to be self-sufficient in their studies,and to show them how to be successful in their practice. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
I like each student to have about 3-5 songs at a time to work on in lessons. It is important to me that the student has a variety of songs to work on so that they do not get burnt out or bored. If a student has a particular goal or song they would like to work on, then I would of course alter any lesson to focus on the need of the student. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele
Patience, as well as my depth of experience, are characteristics of my teaching style. I'm as happy as the student is when he or she achieves an understanding of a musical concept or mastery of a physical technique on the instrument. The achievement will reinforce more effort toward the next step, but it must be "relaxed" effort. "Slowly but surely" is my motto as the challenges become greater and the success sweeter. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
My entire life, I have been dedicated to the study of music. From my early childhood education to present day gigs and songwriting, music has always been a centerpiece of my life. I have performed all around the world and am incredibly grateful for the learning experiences I have been blessed with. Around age 11 was when I first played the saxophone in jazz band, and when we started learning about chord progressions and improvising, that's what really cemented my love and study of music. Read More
Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet
Beginning piano students have used The Music Tree series. The format provides excellent reading skills and develops tonal memory and theory. Clarinet for Beginners by Avrahm Galper is the method book that has given students a foundation for whatever level they aspire to achieve. Students are encouraged to tell me what they would like to play. Overcoming performance anxiety is an important skill. I have developed a technique that has successfully overcome that problem for many students and friends. Read More
Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe
I adapt my teaching style to the unique needs of each individual student. If a student needs to go at a particular pace in order to truly master a concept, I will never rush them through it in order to meet any deadline. I want to make sure each student has an extremely solid foundation in their fundamental technique so that they can expand their capabilities. I emphasize listening abilities in addition to sheet music reading because I believe a good musician needs to have both skills. Read More
Instruments: Trombone
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
During my college years we did a tribute to Miles Davis. I arranged a big band chart of the Davis tune "Joshua" and was a featured soloist on NPR during our live telecast.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest thing to master on a trombone is the ability to improvise. It involves music theory, dexterity, scale knowledge, and flexibility.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
Arban, Rochut, and Mueller. These books provide different challenges, technical studies, and studies. I like how they all accomplish technical and musical aspects that help a student become more confident in their instrument.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
30-45 minute warm up (long tones, legato lounging, lip slurs, couple lounging, scale studies)
Five minute break
30-45 minutes of transcriptions
Short break
20 minutes of technical studies, solos, or exerts
I try to repeat this later in the day if I am lucky.
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
Bachelor's in Jazz Studies, covering performance and composition.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I would love to play all of Louis Armstrong's solos. His musicality and style are so personal yet so worldly.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I love soul music. It is fun, yet still offers great challenges and some great musicality. Also, it makes fantastic music to jam, or sit in on with a band.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started teaching myself piano in college to further understand chord structure and theory. I also taught myself some trumpet so I can double and offer more services. I am currently learning guitar.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music does not run in my family, but both my brother and I became professional musicians in spite of this. We both studied music at our universities, and have been playing professionally for over 20 years. He later became the guitarist for my band, and is currently working with some country artists in Nashville.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose trombone after seeing James Brown on tv, and falling in love with his horn section. The trombone looked like the most fun!
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
The easy answer is if they enjoy their instrument and music. It's never too early to start if they are excited.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
In high school. It looked fun, challenging, and something that I could do all over the world. Since then I have performed on four continents, on cruise ships, and with ensembles ranging from shortness to orchestras to jazz combos to gospel bands.
When will I start to see results?
A beginning student can see results quickly. As time goes on, results will still happen but will come in smaller increments. This is when practice and dedication can excel a student. At the end of the day, it is really a matter of how much and willing the student is to practice.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Develop a warm up. Play long tones every day, and make them long. Then work on scales, and finally lip slurs. You can add to this over time, but a warm up is the most consistent thing that should be done.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Music lessons in Portland to students of all ages and abilities.
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