Piano Lessons in Damascus, OR

Instruments: Piano

Having had the experience of putting in a lot of practice during the week, only to be too tense and nervous during my lesson to play well, I try to make my lessons a place where students can feel calm and relaxed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele

My teaching experience began in 2008 when I started tutoring and assisting a choir director at a school in Boston, MA. I worked there throughout my schooling and transitioned to private lessons after graduating in 2011. I also started a program called Sing Play Rise which offered free private tuition for students who joined the choir. I then moved back home to be with family and have been teaching in the PDX area at various schools since then. 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: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I generally split lessons into three sections, 1/3 with chords, 1/3 scales, 1/3 with songs, but every student is different, for example, If your goal is to strictly learn chords to sing folks songs over, I will emphasize more chord reading and learning time. If you want to play leads, I will spend more time emphasizing scales to help you learn how to improvise. There are also other excercises we can do like rhythm reading (just with clapping, no instrument) transcription/listening, and harmonic analysis. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

As a 9th grader, I participated in The Bronx Borough Wide Band and played clarinet on the stage of Carnegie Hall. Later, in college, I sang in a classical chorus on the stage of Kleinhan's in Buffalo, NY with The Buffalo Philharmonic. I studiedbassoon withFrank Ruggieri of The New York Philharmonic as well. In rock, I sang with many bands and some famous artists. Also, played piano in restaurants, etc.One of my bands later performed at The Capital Theatre in Port Chester, New York as an opening act for other famous artists.Very exciting!! Read More

Instruments: Piano

The methods which I primarily use are the Piano Adventures and Alfred piano methods. I like them because they present the material in a logical, fun, and attractive way. I also supplement the method books with music that is tailored to each individual student. I am open to other methods if the student requests. For example, if a transfer student has been working in a different method, I am open to continuing in that method unless I feel that it does not mesh well with my own teaching styles and methods. 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