Voice Lessons in Forest Grove, OR

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

My PRIMARY goal is to instill a love for music in my students. My goal is for my music students to keep music in their lives so that it is an important part of their world, long after they are finished taking music lessons.  My teaching experience includes all levels, from Middle School to University levels and adult students.  I have taught Choir, Jazz Bands, Orchestras, Music History and Music Theory; as well as private clarinet lessons to students ranging from beginners to advanced college students. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I believe that every style can and should be approached with appropriate traditional technique. My students focus on learning to use their whole body as their instrument with proper breathing, posture, and diction. Once great technique is learned, you can use this knowledge for any style and maintain a healthy voice. With each new student we discuss to make sure I know their goals and what they would like to gain from studying the voice. 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: Voice

While I sometimes recommend rep for certain students, I like to begin with songs that are meaningful to them, provided that I see no way it could be harmful to their voice. If the student feels insecure (all too common of a problem) I try to help them feel relaxed and comfortable while boosting their confidence. I believe that finding one's voice can have powerful implications in other areas of life. 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

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

In 4th grade I got a recorder and from then on I've soaked up all the music experiences around me. I fondly remember my first solo performance was 5th grade, and my first honor band was that summer. By my senior year of high school I had been involved in a couple dozen honor bands/choirs/orchestras including an amazing tour of Europe in a 200 person band! I've taught individual lessons to little kids and elders, of all different skill levels, and strongly believe that it is never too late to learn an instrument. Read More

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

For students who are first getting started with their instrument(s), I use a variety of introductory book series and pieces depending on the student. Hal Leonard, FJH Method, Alfred, and Faber series are just a few that I keep an inventory of for new students. I typically keep a large Google Drive library dedicated for beginners and younger students, as these lesson plans will include fun activities and pieces not unlike those of elementary general music. Read More