Piano Lessons in Sandy, OR

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Ever since a child, I've loved learning, music and sharing my passions! Through grade school I grew into the role of a leader and a musical/visual artist. In 2018 I graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelors in K-12 Music Education with a minor in Spanish. My years of teaching grade school has reaffirmed my passion for teaching, and drive to be the best teacher I can. I've also been a composer/arranger for decades, including doing works on commission as well as having the joy of getting my music performed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I have taught private lessons since 2003 when I was working on my bachelors degree in music. I have conducted youth and adult choirs since 2011. From 2013 to 2021, I conducted a youth orchestra while maintaining my private studio. I now teach piano and violin (and occasionally voice) full-time. For beginning and intermediate students, I select a method book series that best complements there learning style and skills. Hi augment those books with classical and popular music that engages the students interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Fiddle

Kathleen's teaching style seeks to draw out what is most interesting to students and build from there. Drawing from the Suzuki, Galamian, and Flesch methods, she encourages students to follow their interests to learn how it all fits together. She feels that the joy of learning music is contagious and looks for ways to get students plugged into local performing groups as well as helping the whole family find ways to play together. 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 Guitar Violin Bass Guitar

When I teach I enjoy seeing my students express their emotions through their music, and develope a passion for their instrument. That passion is so very magical, and I aim to encourage this with personalized lesson plans hinging off of the musical stylings of a musicians that my student is interested in so they can begin to build a unique and passionate style of their own. Most of all I believe that its important to have fun with music, which is why I consider improvisation an important part of my curriculum. 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 Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With new students, my first goal is to surmise what they have learned thus far. I then "fill in the gaps" to get them up to speed, which depending on their skill level, can take one lesson or many lessons. For younger students who need more inspiration to be able to do that sort of catch-up work, I attempt to balance the fun with the learning. Learning instrument technique can be tedious, so I do my best to help my students be aware of their weaknesses and play to their strengths, to work smarter, not always harder. Read More