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25 Years
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41,456+
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10,769
Cities with Students
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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
I began my music career in Germany when I was 8. Since then a day has rarely gone by where, if I had a piano, I did not practice it. I had the wonderful opportunity to study with amazing teachers I've the years. I studied with Katalin Staplefeldt in Westport, CT FOR 8 years and then, after moving to London, studied with Dr. Gregory Peppetone for 1 year. Following the departure from London of Dr. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo
I teach the well-rounded musician. As my student you will not only learn the technique of your instrument, but you will also learn aural skills, sight reading, and music theory. Not to mention musicality, and personal expression. Read More
Instruments: Voice
My teaching style heavily emphasizes repetition; I prefer students to work repeatedly on musical phrases and voice concepts to create consistency and make once difficult feats easy. This assures that the student is able to use lessons learned in future situations, and helps them to realize their ability to accomplish goals and challenge themselves toward maximal progress. Furthermore, successful repetition builds confidence that a student is able to succeed and be proud of what they have accomplished. Read More
Instruments: Voice
While I sometimes recommend rep for certain students, I like to begin with songs that are meaningful to them, provided that I see no way it could be harmful to their voice. If the student feels insecure (all too common of a problem) I try to help them feel relaxed and comfortable while boosting their confidence. I believe that finding one's voice can have powerful implications in other areas of life. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
For kids I find that having a large quantity of music to learn at each level gives more variety and sense of achievement, so I usually recommend beginning students have multiple books to aid in learning. For example a young piano student will study from lesson, theory, performance, and technique books each week. This yields a well-rounded student who is proud of their achievements and eager to move forward. For adults I recommend a lesson/theory combination book at least to help with reading music. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
Music is all about having fun and exploring one's own creative intuition. I like to teach in a relaxed environment, ensuring that lessons are not only educational but also enjoyable. I want to ensure that my students are learning at a pace that is acceptable to them while also encouraging goal setting and independent learning. I generally also prefer a more conversational style of teaching. I want to engage with students rather than simply tell them to follow a chart or reading materials. Read More
Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Music
Over my years of experience, I have developed my own method of teaching and pedagogy. I have received training from some of the best living violinists and I have utilized what they taught me, and distilled my teaching down to science. I think of components of playing technique like variables that are manipulated and isolated to refine and improve technical proficiency. I teach people how to practice effectively to save time and learn faster and more efficiently. 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.
25 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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