Piano Lessons in West Linn, OR

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Synthesizer

My first teaching experience began 9 years ago in my sophomore year of high school, working as a volunteer saxophone coach for middle school students in a jazz band program with the nonprofit organization Seattle JazzED. I continued my work there throughout and beyond high school as an intern, then lead intern, then an instructor with my own small ensemble (aka combo), and finally as an assistant director of the Summer Jazz Ambassador program, for which I arranged cross-era jazz curriculum in the big band format and conducted rehearsals and performances for groups of students as large as 35, ranging ages 8-18. Read More

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 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 Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a dedicated musician and teacher beginning my fifth year in Portland. My background is multi-disciplinary: on top of my musical coursework I hold degrees in poetry and language. I am a songwriter as well as an instrumentalist and composer. I believe creativity and originality are very valuable parts of musical expression that sometimes get overlooked! I have more than three years experience playing in local bands, and I am well-versed in the Portland music scene (though I continue to add to my knowledge!) Read More

Instruments: Piano

For the beginning students, I use Alfred's Basic Step by Step books. This covers the following: 1) Explains how piano produces sound   2) Teaches notes on keyboard and in a notebook   3) Focuses on ability to learn the rhythm, pitch and articulation 4) Introduces solo repertoire from different styles of music I want to teach my student to love music.   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

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