Piano Lessons in Sheridan, OR

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

My biggest joy is helping my students develop a passion for music and performing. Opening up the world of music to a student and seeing their progress over time is priceless. It is important that each student progress at their own pace. Setting goals for each lesson, and encouraging each student helps to fuel desire, interest and progress. By trying to find what inspires each student, I can successfully design my lesson plans to their wants, needs and personal goals. 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 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

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 Cello

My teaching philosophy is that anyone can learn. Any dreams or goals a student may have, it is my job to make them happen! For beginners, I teach using the Suzuki method. I find that they can be very helpful and that many kids enjoy the songs within them. For intermediate and advanced students, I use a combination of the Suzuki books, chamber music, and outside works. I find learning how to work with other musicians and how two parts might fit together is as essential as learning theory and technique itself. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students I usually use the Faber method. I usually work through to level 2a then I begin exposing the student to repertoire. Each lesson is spent listening to the work they have done and music theory, of course. Each week the student will be assigned a task to complete.  For adults, it very much depends on what the student already knows, what they want to learn and how much experience they have. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my high school years, as I assisted in arranging and directing performances for my high school's Varsity Men's chorus. During my undergraduate years, I was involved in the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities' School of Music University Singers, Chamber Singers, Gospel Choir, and Madrigal Singers; these groups allowed me to serve as a section leader, soloist, and as a conductor for classes on advanced choral conducting. Read More