Music Lessons in Sandy, OR

Instruments: Banjo Classical Guitar

I teach the whole of music in an effort to teach to all learning biases. Kinetic, Visual, and Aural learners will all have something to learn from in my lessons. We have a hands-on learning for music history, appreciation, light theory, and reading/language in order to supplement learning of the instrument. We move slowly through techniques in order to fully understand posture and how to use your body correctly to not form bad habits that might hurt our playing down the line. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My first student in 2002 was 13 years old. Ever since then I’ve taught students ranging in age from 10 to 43. Most of the students studied drum kit with several showing interest in hand drums. The styles I’ve taught included Rock, Funk, Latin, Jazz, and Reggae. I always encourage my students to explore other styles of music. While my students are learning how to play they also benefit from studying music notation and theory. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I've been teaching almost as long as I've been playing. By the time I was in high school I had earned the reputation as "the drum guy" and friends would come to me for informal lessons on how to practice and play drums. Some of these students have continued their musical pursuits and have gone on to attend good music colleges and are playing professionally! During my time at college I continued teaching on the side, and since I have graduated and relocated to Portland I have dedicated myself to teaching full-time. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am a vocalist and instructor originally from Portland, Oregon. I have enjoyed performing since I was very young, and have over 15 years of vocal training. I can usually be heard singing opera and classical repertoire, but I also sing musical theater, pop, jazz, country, and contemporary styles. Throughout my time as an artist I have had the opportunity to record an album with my family of singers, tour Eastern Europe with my University choir, and work with new music composers and vocal electronics at CalArts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

Each student is at a different level, and therefore requires different teaching methods. I like to implement the Hanon exercises for scales and warm-ups, also focusing on things like scales and arpeggios. For the guitar, I like to incorporate these concepts with chordal exercises as well, such as playing progressions to let the student's fingers grow accustomed to their forms. I then let the student tell me what his or her focus is, such as theoretical, classical, or popular. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

- Patience: It is key to take our time to take in what is presented to us. If there is something that is a new piece of music that presents a rhythmic difficulty. Let's analyze it and figure it out together. - Breaking down: As explained above to play something really well, we need to understand and "master" all parts and the whole. It not only facilitates the performance but also gives a sense of detail and belonging. - Guitar Circle Techniques: I spend 14 years working with guitar circles worldwide. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Not only do I teach students how to play or create music, but also how to successfully set goals and achieve them. Every musician should have a goal in mind when practicing. Learning how to manage that goal can be tricky. I like to work together with students to take their goals and break them down smaller into more manageable pieces for them to master. This means that every student's schedule is customized to their learning. Read More