SongSmith

About

My name is Tim Smith and I live/work in Aloha, Oregon. I have played the cello for 55+ years and love to teach. I have worked with all ages, beginner to intermediate levels. I adapt the lessons to the needs and ability of the student. I desire to help each student love to play and create on their instrument. Your joy is my joy! My hourly rate is $70 (which I usually recommend for adult students) but I can do a shorter session i.e. 45 min for $60 or 30 min. for $50 (for younger students). I can do a trial lesson for $25 to see if we're a good fit! I teach in my studio at my house: 7679 SW Bayberry Dr/Aloha/OR 97007. I can also provide online lessons on Zoom, Facetime, etc.


Highlights

Hired 2 times
30 years in business
Serves Beaverton , OR

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Venmo, Paypal, Square

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    patrick S.

    Tim is a very gifted teacher with vast understanding and knowledge of music. He has the ability to explain difficult concepts with such simplicity that it becomes easy for the student to understand and grasp. Not only does he impart musical knowledge but his mentorship inspires the students to excel. A genuine human being and a stellar musician.
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    April 05, 2024

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    cindy H.

    I had not had piano instruction for 46 years ! He taught me theory ; How to find and use the cords in any key ; rhythms; and playing as a worshiper and facilitator for worship .
    Also some beginning instruction on creating music . Beginning with familiar and adding one new element , words, tune, rhythm .
    Excellent Instructor !
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    January 11, 2024

    CA

    connor A.

    Tim is a great teacher to work with! Hes able to teach the basics really well, while also weaving in more advanced ideas. I also always felt like I had a great mix of songs I decided I wanted to learn while building on the fundamentals that I can apply everywhere.
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    December 30, 2023

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    lavinia C.

    Tim has helped me so much with my technic and confidence in my voice! Not only is he honest with you but he also makes sure you understand what he is asking of you and encourages you through every step. I was insecure about my voice for a while and couldnt get my voice to do what I wanted it to do, until Tim started teaching me. Now I feel comfortable in being more bold and pushing my limits!
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    December 27, 2023

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    kyle T.

    I have had the privilege of spending a year being mentored by Dr. Tim Smith. Dr. Smith has been a phenomenal teacher who not only has a great understanding of the technical side of musicianship, but a heart for prophetic free worship that has been contagious. I have learned to go deeper in my skills and deeper in God’s presence through worship. I have learned to develop and lead others to become more aware of God’s presence. More than anything, I have found a new love for worshipping God in a fresh way.
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    December 27, 2023

    AS

    adam S.

    Tim is an excellent guitar teacher. He was infinitely patient teaching my daughter and made all the difference in the world in her early career as a musician. Highly recommend Tim for anyone looking to improve as a musician.
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    December 16, 2023

    Frequently asked questions

    I like to start with a trial lesson to see how we 'fit'. We then determine the desired goals of the student. Then we proceed to plot out the activities to accomplish those goals. We usually find a good book that will accentuate the learning process for each individual student. (every student is different)

    BA in Secondary in Music Education at Northwest Nazarene University 5th year post-graduate work on Music Ed at Western Oregon University 8 years teaching music (choir, orchestra, guitar) in public schools in The Dalles and Portland, OR 20 years teaching music in private schools in Portland, OR 3 years cello in Boise Philharmonic, Boise, ID 30 years teaching in international schools and churches 

    40 years teaching private cello, guitar, piano, voice

    Through SongSmith, I teach a variety of instruments (cello, guitar, piano, ukulele) and voice, My experience spans many years of playing, teaching and performance. I emphasize a individualized plan for each student according to their needs and where they want to go with their instrument. My goal is for every student to not only grow in their gift but to truly enjoy the whole experience! Their joy is my joy. With 50+ years on the cello I have learned to absolutely enjoy playing for my own enjoyment as well as others'. My second love is the guitar (40+ years) that I personally love just playing by the hour. In a close third, playing piano is a great release for me, especially when I am composing new songs in my studio. My wife, Maryl plays flute so we do a lot of duets together and so cello/flute guitar/flute, or keyboard/flute lends itself to a lot of different music and styles as well as venues. We enjoy playing together and get to travel together a lot too!

    $60/hour

    $50/45 min.

    $40/30 min.

    $25 trial lesson

    After getting my Secondary Music Ed degree from Northwest Nazarene University I taught Junior and High School choir, orchestra and guitar classes in The Dalles, OR for 7 years. Then taught choir at Ockley Green Middle School in Portland Public Schools for one year. Then I taught K-College music classes at a Christian school and Portland Bible College for 12 years. After moving out to Beaverton, I have worked with choirs and musicians for the last 25 years in many ways but mostly through private music lessons. I presently teach cello, guitar, piano and voice at many levels with a variety of other instruments (clarinet, harp, ukulele) at the beginning level.

    I have worked with students from 6 years old to 80 years old! All levels! I love facilitating their desire on their instrument. Whether for enjoyment, or performance, or joining a group or troubleshooting issues on their instrument, I love helping them accomplish their goals. 

    I'm especially proud of one of my young cello students who I started at 11 years old and now at 16 he plays in 2 orchestras and competed at the state level and has purchased a beautiful new cello to further his dreams of playing semi-professionally. 

    Look for a teacher who not only is skilled in their technique but listens and cares for you as the student. 


    Services offered

    Cello
    Music Theory