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25 Years
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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: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe
My teaching experience began in high school as a teachers assistant for a percussion ensemble class as well as helping with an after school percussion/hand drums club. I'm currently in a metal band, based in Portland, that tours every year. I also work as a session drummer for touring bands. The largest show I've ever performed was in front of 80,000 people at Wacken Open Air in Germany. I have also had the opportunity to perform at two different castles, one being EXIT Festival at Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Serbia. Read More
Instruments: Clarinet
Weekly 45 minute lessons focus on tone production, technique, theory, and musicianship through exercises, etudes, solos, and duets. Students are always welcome to bring in music they are interested in working on, whether for school, contest, or just for fun. I welcome students of all ages and abilities who are inquisitive, persistent, hard working, and who put forth their best efforts during lessons and weekly practice. Though there are natural progressions to learning an instrument that I can set for a student, I always want to know what the student hopes to gain from studying the clarinet. Read More
Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion
I place equal emphasis on technical practice, theory, creativity, and musicality. Practice assignments for each week are clear and simple, yet challenging. They usually consist of a few exercises to practice everyday as well as a musical task such as a song to learn, a musician to listen to, or creating your own beat or fill. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer
I have toured the world 5 times and have been on US and Worldwide radiostations, had3 songsthat I co-wrote get submitted for Grammy consideration, have been on 9 albums and performed on several national, international and local TV stations. I have had 14 songs on the airwaves in the last 5 yrs with various bands and performers.Recorded and submitted some music for a couple of upcoming TV shows airing this 2013 season.Currently, I am on hiatus from working with an Award Winning Country Rock artist. Read More
Instruments: Drums
My favorate way to start a teacher student relationship is to have the student just sit on the drums and let loose for me. This gives me a good idea of where to start with the student and to see what he/shes preferences are. I like to focus strongly on technique, fundimentals, and music theory. My overall goal is to build the students skills and confidence to be able to sit in and jam in any kind of situation 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
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: 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.
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