Piano Lessons in Newberg, OR

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

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

My methods vary on the student and subject. Beginning students will typically focus more on technical pieces of music to improve on certain aspects of a few pieces to perform. More advanced students will still practice technical parts of their music, but less time will be spent on it during a lesson. Advanced level students will spend more time on repertoire and performance. The more advanced a student gets, the more I expect them to practice outside of lessons and apply their newly learned technical skills into their music on their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For kids I find that having a large quantity of music to learn at each level gives more variety and sense of achievement, so I usually recommend beginning students have multiple books to aid in learning. For example a young piano student will study from lesson, theory, performance, and technique books each week. This yields a well-rounded student who is proud of their achievements and eager to move forward. For adults I recommend a lesson/theory combination book at least to help with reading music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

  I enjoy students of all ages and levels of musical experience. My students have done well in the music exams through the Toronto Conservatory system and at local music festivals.   Appreciation of music is an important life skill. The skill formed is as unique as each individual. Using music to tell a story or express emotions develops creativity and empathy. Helping each person discover their musical gift is a fun adventure. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a believer of structure AND fun. I typically start students with basic technical work, combined with creative games to keep the skills relevant and interesting. Then I introduce more complicated process and ideas into the mix, while allowing the students to find out their own voices. I can't prescribe one way of teaching to differnet people, therefore I won't until I get to meet that student! :) An avid lover of dance and yoga, I incorporate lots of movement games, body work, and breathing exercises in my lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

For beginning students in piano, I like to use either the Alfred Reed books or the Piano Adventure method books. It really depends on which the student understands the best! Both offer a variety of explanations on musical elements and topics, while also offering a variety of pieces to play. Once certain topics and musical elements are covered, I like to have the student pick a solo piece from several that I will have ready, which will also reflect the new musical elements that were covered. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe every person learns differently and thrives off of positive reinforcement, which is why I base my curriculum solely on who I'm currently working with. Every student I work with has their own specific curriculum. Every week I'll have an assignment for the student to practice that will be expected to be completed. This will be the gauge towards their improvement. As we work week after week, I will be observing what inspires the student most and conduct assignments and based on that. Read More