Music Lessons in Saint Benedict, OR

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

I like to use a wide variety of materials, from classical to jazz music.  CLARINET: For clarinet students, I use "standard" conservatory etude and scale books (such as the Rose Studies and Behrmann Studies).  I also use the Jamey Abersold Jazz Methods, which feature CD 'play-a-long' recordings of jazz music.  I also have my students perform a wide range of solo music, from 'standards' like the Mozart Clarinet Concerto to 20th century repertoire by composers like Bernstein, Copland and others.  I think it is important for students to be able to play jazz and improvise, so I teach them about Blues and how to play jazz, as well as classical music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

I can teach any skill level. If you are beginning with zero experience, the first thing I teach is middle C. It's the center of the universe as far as the piano is concerned. I also teach 'spider position', which is how the student wants to have their hands positioned. Intermediate students can dictate to me what they want to work on. If they just want to learn "Charlie Brown" I can teach that, or if they want a more regimented lesson plan I can do that as well.  I also have advanced students. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For the beginning students, I use Alfred's Basic Step by Step books. This covers the following: 1) Explains how piano produces sound   2) Teaches notes on keyboard and in a notebook   3) Focuses on ability to learn the rhythm, pitch and articulation 4) Introduces solo repertoire from different styles of music I want to teach my student to love music.   Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching after graduating high school and have continued to do so ever since. During these years I attended college at California State University Chico, where I earned my Bachelor's degree as an audio engineer. This journey greatly helped me grow as a musician, teacher, leader, and engineer. Through out my college years I continued to play in bands both through my school and locally in our community, started my own business to help local musicians gain recognition and improve their skills, gained a new appreciation for musicianship and creativity through the eyes of an audio engineer, and of course taught my students to improve their musical abilities. 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: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I like to start each student off with the fundamentals. I think the fundamentals are very important for every musician. Once you master the basics, then we can move on the solo repertoire, or start to develop each musicians individual style. I want the lessons to be both fun and engaging. So it’s important to find what kind of music each student is interested in and then develop that interest and passion. Read More