Piano Lessons in Troutdale, OR

Instruments: Piano

My teacher in college was a proponent of Alexander Technique, and she helped me loosen up and play with more ease and fluidity. Because of this, I use some of the techniques she taught me in many of my lessons. I usually teach out of the Faber piano series, but I am willing to be flexible if a student has already started with another series. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar

I am a very passionate and devoted musician. I believe that music is extremely important in life. When I was young I struggled with severe depression, and at that point music saved my life. Playing the guitar gave me the tools i needed to express my emotions in a healthy manner, and I wish to share these tools with everyone that I can. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I've been teaching on and off for about 10 years, I enjoy helping students obtain their goals, whatever their age or skill level. I think it's important for guitarists to learn some basic music fundementals we can communicate with other improvisers outside of guitar-centric music. I am not against guitar tablature sites altogether, but I do believe that tablature can be more useful if it at least indicates the rhythms. I believe learning how to read and notate rhythms can help enrich and empower students and help them develop as performs, composers and teachers in their own right. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Ukulele Recorder

Chuck's primary goal as a music teacher is to show students how to practice efficiently and effectively so they can play the music that most interests them.  Chuck also introduces students to music that may be unfamiliar to them. Teaching philosophy: "In over 25 years of teaching I’ve found that everyone learns in different ways and at different rates of progress, so each of my students is treated as a unique individual. 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

My teaching style can be adjusted to each particular student. Some students take piano lessons for relaxation, others are wanting to pursue a career in music. I can teach for both styles or even a combination of both styles. I set goals for each week that is provided in the piano homework or play work that I assign. I find this works very well. I have a very calm approach to my teaching and do not force things to work or happen. 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