Voice Lessons in Newberg, OR

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

I'm a musician first and foremost.  This means that it is not my 'job', it is my life!  The first concert that I produced was when I was 16 years old, and it featured the legendary jazz clarinetist Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd.  Since that time, I have been performing, conducting, producing concerts, composing music and teaching students.  I have performed with a wide variety of classical and jazz and pop musicians: from The Brubeck Brothers, Diane Schuur, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Melissa Manchester; to the Oregon String Quartet and Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have been teaching music for over 12 years, with 2 years of experience as a full-time music teacher at a prestigious K-8 private school, and several years of experience working with college students, graduate students, and adult amateurs in masterclass setting. I believe that everyone is different, and that everyone needs different things from their teacher. I am committed to getting to know my students well, and therefore keeping them happy and motivated throughout the course of study. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I approach each student based on his or her background and what he or she needs from me. It is important to adequately instruct the student and make sure he or she is properly disciplined, but one cannot be too involved in the student's playing. One has to learn to let the students learn to be independent and properly pick up on the necessary techniques and methods on their own. Read More

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

I encourage students to focus on their personal expression and growth as a musician. While I select pieces for students based on their skill level and ability to take challenges effectively, students are given the freedom to browse their own musical library or lexicon to perform music they enjoy or is moving to them. Since many modern songs can be found without sheet music or proper notation for each instrument, I arrange pieces and songs for students' instruments as close to the recorded version as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

As far as methods, I do not believe that there is one system that will work for every student, and so I try to find the right combination for each individual.  For piano students I begin with a combination of Alfred and Faber method books, and also teach different scales for technique.  For voice students I try to pick a combination of vocal exercises, classical music and contemporary music based on the student’s unique voice.  Students learn best from music they are passionate about.  What is most important is finding the right songs for each person. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

I started learning piano as a child, but it was in high school that I realized I really wanted to pursue playing keyboards, because it allowed me a way to express myself. I later attended Mt. Hood Community College, famous for its jazz program, where I played keyboards and sang in select choirs and vocal jazz groups. After graduating, I directed the college Gospel Ensemble for two years before working full-time at a large local church, where I was Music Director, a worship leader, and keyboardist. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My approach to all my students, children and adults alike, takes on a friendly, casual appearance while at the same time utilizing my classical and technical training. I believe music is the most joyous of all "subjects" to study and my greatest desire is for my students to learn a lot while feeling the joy that music provides. Having said that, studying with me will be fun, detailed, technical and productive. Read More