Sound77
About
I have been teaching music for almost 25 years. In this time, I've learned that all students present unique challenges that require unique solutions. No single method can do it. I understand that each student has a unique approach and specific goals it is my job to accommodate their approach and expedite their goals.
My concept is that we are all students and music is the teacher. If we are open and ready, it will find us. I specialize in adult students who are coming back to an instrument after having been away or discouraged somehow. Nothing motivates me more than proving to someone that it has been within them all along.
I'm a multi-instrumentalist and composer. From a young age, I was exposed to a lot of different instruments and continue to play many today. I'm very comfortable on the guitar and bass. I have a very functional knowledge of Piano as a composer and theorist. I'm a classically trained percussionist but comfortable in any genre. I'm especially interested in Cuban, Brazillian, Indian, and African genres. I have performed with the Eugene Symphony Orchestra as well as with touring groups playing Jazz, R&B, Funk, Noise, Alt, and new music to name a few. I've performed on stages big and small from The Seattle Center to the MacDonald Theatre in Eugene, to Yoshi's in Oakland, to name a few. I have extensive knowledge of the studio and music production on many different platforms. I also offer instruction in photography. Groups or private instruction are welcome.
As a teacher, nothing comes close to the feeling I get when a student has a breakthrough moment. Helping people reach their creative potential, knowing that I had a positive impact on someone, witnessing a person grow as a creative being, these are the things I relish about teaching. I also enjoy learning from my students. Every student I’ve ever had, regardless of age or ability level, has taught me something important.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First, set some near-term, mid-term and long-term goals. We have to find the motivating force. What styles, pieces, artists, genres are exciting? What elements of these get you excited and what do you want to achieve?
Second, get a routine. We evaluate technical limitations to reaching the goals. Here we can customize a routine for working through the technical issues. Routines will address near-term and long-term goals. Every person and instrument combination has a unique set of challenges that require a unique set of tools to address.
Third, we listen. Listen to everything... specifically, record your performances. Play along with your favorite artists. Listen to yourself objectively, non-judgmentally. Listen and compare without ego. Know that your ear develops independently from your body, so you may start hearing yourself getting worse, but you're not getting worse, it's just your ear getting better.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied classical percussion with Charles Dowd, studied Jazz with Steve Owen, Gary Versace, and Gary Hobbs at the University of Oregon School of Music. I studied guitar with Mike Pardew, Guitar Faculty at Lewis and Clark College.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing is always a sliding scale. If not for the generosity of loved-ones and scholarships in my youth, I would have never had any mentors. Don't let lack of money keep you from reaching out.
How did you get started teaching?
I learned the conservatory method, I learned by rote, I learned with excruciating detail, and I learned by feel. I see the benefits of each. So I've spent a lot of time studying how people learn. And while I don't disparage or discourage anyone from the Conservatory track, the student's goal should determine the method. If you want to audition for the symphony then we should probably lean toward the conservatory method. If you're looking to dust off your chops and get into a group, there's not much use in the conservatory method. In my study of so many instruments and different methods, I've discovered that its less about the method and more about the personality and trust one has with a mentor. I feel that we are all students, teachers are just students who have some clever solutions to common issues.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with folks from 4 to 88. I'm open to anyone. I've worked with a few folks with disabilities as well. I learned a lot from them! I'm not certified or credentialed to work with folks with learning disabilities but I have a lot of experience working with folks on the Autism spectrum as well as ADHD. I've worked in public schools as a band director as well as in private schools and private and group lessons.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently I became a father. I quit my full-time job teaching to be a full-time dad. Our son has taught me more in his 3 years about patience and perseverance than I have learned in my whole life. Now that he is in pre-school, I feel the gravity of teaching pulling me back in.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Personality goes a long way. How well you get along with and communicate with someone is much more important than which method they use.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Set some goals. Say, I want to play this song, or learn this technique, or write this way. Bring these to the teacher to help you find which are near, mid and long term goals. Make a plan, work the plan.