Piano Lessons in Newberg, OR

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

In addition to my current work as an accompanist, I've been teaching piano for 20+ years, and I love partnering with students to help them grow musically and realize their dreams. Some of my students have gone on to be professionals or teachers, and some are playing the music they love with their friends. Others are playing in their churches or in bands, and some play simply for personal enjoyment. My lesson focus depends on the student goals, but I will always include elements of theory, as it facilitates a deeper understanding of the music, allowing students the capability of creating their own music and playing in many different styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Fiddle

Kathleen has served as concertmaster and soloist for the Chehalem Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with the Miami Symphony Orchestra, Fort Smith Symphony, Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, and Reno Chamber Orchestra. She has over twenty years of teaching experience, including Indiana University, Davis & Elkins College, and George Fox University. Kathleen is also a Fulbright Scholar who completed dissertation research on Celtic fiddling in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

I remember teaching my first lesson about 15 years ago. I was very nervous! However it was smooth sailing after that.  I grew up attending Harmony Road Music School, and they recently offered me a job, but I passed on it to focus more on my own lesson practice. I've worked for Beacock Music, Margie's Music School, and subbed at others, as well as had many of my students for 10+ years. 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

My students describe me as patient, fun, understanding, and challenging. :) For the shy ones, I like to get to know them, and see what I can do to get through to them and get them to open up to music. For the adventurous one, I dare them to go on adventures with me. For the self-critical ones, I become their voice of encouragement and love. For the over-confident ones, I open their eyes to more challenges that will demand more of themselves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

I give Suzuki violin, viola and cello lessons. I also use classical method with scales, etudes and solo pieces in my teaching as another option. With fiddle students I use Ann Wheeler method books. My piano students use Faber piano series. My Guitar students use Hal Leonard guitar method and guitar song collections. Ukulele students start with Alfred's ukulele method and more advanced students use Greg Horne and Shana Aisenberg Books 1-3. Read More

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

I strongly believe in learning from my students, and that music lessons are about sharing, and exchanging ideas. I also understand that students at the beginning of their musical journey may need more of a guiding hand than others further along. For piano students I use the Neil A. Kjos Piano Library method books. I am flexible and I can tailor my lessons to what the student is interested in learning. Read More