Music Lessons in Troutdale, OR

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele

I have been playing music in many kinds of bands and ensembles since the early 1980's. In the late 80's and early 90's I was the drummer for the Seattle grunge band, "Violet Grey." After moving to Portland to go to college I played in the Concordia University String Ensemble and a number of rock bands, including, "Apostolic Tackle-Box," "Andy's Dandies," and "the Quick." I played in the folk duo, "Agile Grapefruit," and I have led praise bands at a number of local churches. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

I have been teaching beginning piano to younger students and flute to students of all ages! I have also had the opportunity to teach overseas when my university's wind ensemble went on tour to Asia. My experience is mostly with classical music, but I have some experience in jazz. Not too much though! I love to encourage a consistent practice schedule and I emphasize having fun while practicing. Practicing should not be work, but a way to set goals and find enjoyment in achieving them and a time to make music that can make YOU happy. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hi there, my name is Cory and I teach drums and guitar! I am a musician, a teacher, and an audio engineer, which all greatly contribute to the success and progression I see in my students. I began playing the drums when I was just 10 years old, and they quickly became my first love in the world of playing and creating music. I took private lessons much like what I now offer my students for years until I began playing in bands and progressing on my own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a dedicated musician and teacher beginning my fifth year in Portland. My background is multi-disciplinary: on top of my musical coursework I hold degrees in poetry and language. I am a songwriter as well as an instrumentalist and composer. I believe creativity and originality are very valuable parts of musical expression that sometimes get overlooked! I have more than three years experience playing in local bands, and I am well-versed in the Portland music scene (though I continue to add to my knowledge!) Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Music

During my time at Oberlin, I took a certification class specifically about string pedagogy. I am very well versed in various methods of technique training for all instruments in the violin family. With beginners. I teach in a modified Suzuki method that includes music reading after a few months. In general I focus on technique and then add in the more fun musical gestures. I also teach ear-training alongside violin/viola study. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe that every student is different, and that is important to understand each student’s passions and interests.  It is important to find out how each student learns, and to motivate him or her to improve, grow, and be passionate about music.  I do not want to only teach the notes on the page; I want to instill a lifelong love of music and a basic knowledge of music theory.  Learning the goals and aspirations of each of my students is very important to me, as I know that performing music should be about joy and self expression. Read More

Instruments: Drums

From there, I get them to start incorporating some fills. I try to find out what kinds of music the student likes, and continue teaching them a few more grooves and fills and some other simple songs going off of that. I also start explaining subdivisions some more at this point. From there, I typically start to get into some rudiments and basic exercises. Often, I find I end up introducing some simple ones much earlier to help students over a hump in learning a groove or a fill. Read More