Viola Lessons Clackamas County, OR

Instruments: Violin, Viola

Ben Gardner initially wanted to play the cello, but instead chose the violin to make the walk to school easier. He quickly fell in love with the instrument, and 16 years later he holds 2 degrees in Violin Performance and has appeared as a soloist and ensemble member across the Western United States in both Classical ensembles and in orchestras specializing in Historical Performance Practice, playing on historically authentic instruments. Ben holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, and a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon. 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, 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, 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: Voice, Violin, Viola, Music

As a violist, I maintain an active performance career with orchestras such as Symphony Tacoma (Assistant Principal), the Sarasota Opera Orchestra, Oregon East Symphony, and others. My journey has taken me from early experiences with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony and Oregon All-State Orchestra to international stages in Austria and Canada, with a foundation in both classical and jazz traditions. For me, music and teaching are inseparable passions. Whether I’m performing or guiding a student, I aim to share the joy, connection, and lifelong curiosity that music inspires. Read More