Musika Quick Stats
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Lesson Special - Up to 20% OFF! Get Started Now with a Risk-Free Trial!
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: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele
I've been playing music since the age of 4, first studying violin and then playing in a symphony orchestra at the age of 12 (Peter Meremblum-Hollywood Calif.) as well as doing TV work on violin. At the age of 15 I began playing guitar, and then worked my way through college playing gigs, traveled Europe with my own band, and joined the Beach Boys as a bassist and guitarist. I traveled the world, performing and recording with them for over 20 years as well as doing session work in L.A. and performing with local artists. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer
I play both guitar and bass. Guitar is acoustic and electric, lead and rythym. Bass is 4 and 5 string. As I have learned from these instruments you have to come from different fields of thought. They're called guitars but thats where it ends. I love all things music. I want to share the joy of making and playing music. When it comes to teaching theory, I always say that if you can count to 8, than you can write a popular song you would hear on the radio. 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: Drums
I have a great passion and love for music in which i love to share with anybody and everbody. I started on the drums at age 5 and have been rehearsing, recording, sessioning, and performing for 20 years. I was center snare and section leader of my high school drumline and lead them to win 4 state titles in "Outstanding Drumline". Then moved on to study percussion performance at McNally Smith College of music Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Fiddle
Kathleen's teaching style seeks to draw out what is most interesting to students and build from there. Drawing from the Suzuki, Galamian, and Flesch methods, she encourages students to follow their interests to learn how it all fits together. She feels that the joy of learning music is contagious and looks for ways to get students plugged into local performing groups as well as helping the whole family find ways to play together. Read More
Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet
I've been a professional music educator for over 15 years, teaching students from elementary school age to those in retirement. I love music and I love sharing it with others through performing and teaching. Watching my students' musical worlds expand is what I love best about this profession. I've played in just about every type of musical situation from orchestra, band, chamber music, and solo classical recitals to jazz bands, singer/songwriter, musical theater, world music, and avant-garde settings. 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
Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I have been gigging since high school when I used to lead worship (acoustic guitar/vocals) for several county wide events that drew hundreds of students from youth groups that crossed denominational backgrounds. During that time (late high school, early college) I also performed on the alto saxophone at a inner city youth group in the gospel/funk/R&B style. There was no music. Everything was by ear and I played most often in the keys of F#, B, C#, E, G and D. The leader said I could show up anytime, even in the middle of the set, open my case and walk on stage. It was a very unique experience that fit the carefree part of my personality.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Saxophonists generally have a societal expectation to be more versatile than any other instrument. By being more versatile I mean we are expected to play both classical and jazz with equal conviction and double on flute and clarinet within classical and jazz with equal conviction. This is very difficult. The saxophone is not part of the orchestra so we frequently get a wide array of opportunities which requires the performer to be versatile in ability and equipment set up.
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Last year at Parkhill Junior High in Richardson ISD, Dallas, TX; I had one student win the first alto chair in the all-region wind ensemble
Another student (8th grade) placed second in the district wide concerto competition
I have had 3-5 other students make the all region bands as well in the last year.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Manhattan Music competition Gold medal
Protege Concerto Competition First Prize
Being selected as 1 of 2 top saxophonists in the University of North Texas concerto competition 3 years in a row
Being able to tour around the world as a musician aboard Cunard and Holland America ships
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My grandfather led his jazz band "Fred Kelley and the Saratogans" in the mid 1930's performing alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, flute and clarinet.
My mother loved jazz and my uncle is an incredible jazz pianist with a natural ear and dexterity for performance.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
see answers in "My Teaching Style"
Becoming aware of our emotions and physical body during practice is essential to managing our sentiments and ultimately how we feel about playing.
When will I start to see results?
If you follow instruction and practice techniques you should see results immediately, but at the very least within 4 lessons. It really depends on the sentiment and focus that someone exudes during their practice sessions.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My first saxophone teacher was Dr. Roger Eckers (Eastman) who is an incredible musician, jazz player and woodwind doubler. He was my band director and performed on the weekends with his groups. My jazz band director was Rich Thompson who is still the drum set professor at the Eastman School of Music.
Dr. Steven Mauk (Ithaca), Dr. Lin (Eastman), Dr. Eric Nestler (University of North Texas) and Nancy Boone are other teachers that have inspired me.
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.
We'll then reach out to the teachers for you.
Schedule the risk-free trial lesson directly with the teacher.
Continue with that teacher or try someone else.




