Voice Lessons in Portland, OR

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a believer of structure AND fun. I typically start students with basic technical work, combined with creative games to keep the skills relevant and interesting. Then I introduce more complicated process and ideas into the mix, while allowing the students to find out their own voices. I can't prescribe one way of teaching to differnet people, therefore I won't until I get to meet that student! :) An avid lover of dance and yoga, I incorporate lots of movement games, body work, and breathing exercises in my lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I began my teaching career about 7 years ago, during my senior year of high school. I have taught lessons for both piano and guitar consistently since that time, including my time as the Piano Instructor at Cadenza Academy in Portland, OR. I like to let the students navigate the material they learn, as I feel that they should have complete control of what they are focusing their money and time on. Read More

Instruments: Voice Flute

For beginning Flute students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements.  Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their firset recital performance.  For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

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: Voice

My teaching style heavily emphasizes repetition; I prefer students to work repeatedly on musical phrases and voice concepts to create consistency and make once difficult feats easy. This assures that the student is able to use lessons learned in future situations, and helps them to realize their ability to accomplish goals and challenge themselves toward maximal progress. Furthermore, successful repetition builds confidence that a student is able to succeed and be proud of what they have accomplished. 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: 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