Piano Lessons in Happy Valley, OR

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

My approach to teaching piano is designed to be both inspiring and engaging, fostering a deep love for music while ensuring meaningful progress. I begin by assessing the students current level to tailor lessons to their individual needs. From this foundation, I focus on developing three key areas: 1. Technique Building finger strength and precision through targeted exercises. 2. Stylistic Understanding Enhancing comprehension of the composers style and cultural background. 3. Musical Knowledge Introducing the basics of music theory, as well as the history and literature of music. Read More

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

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I teach the CAGED method on guitar, by which all chord forms and most tonal scales are based on 5 easy chord shapes, C,A,G,E, D. I will continue to ask students what their goals are and reach those goals, while learning basic fundementals of reading music. I have several other reccomended texts and resources to help students. I also teach them how to transcribe their favorite songs and some methods for going about that. 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

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 Violin Viola

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Piano Adventures by Nancy Faber. I introduce rhythm reading, music composition, and basic music theory in the first year. I focus on effective practice techniques. My students learn the skills of practice routine that build measurable and gratifying progress from week to week. For advanced students and adults, we explore what the students are interested in. I design my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging in fun no matter the ability level. Read More