About
My name is Tim Smith and I live/work in Aloha. 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 $50 (which I usually recommend for adult students) but I can do a shorter session i.e. 45 min for $45 or 30 min. for $40 (for younger students). I can do a trial lesson for $20 to see if we're a good fit! I teach in my studio at my house: 7679 SW Bayberry Dr/Aloha/OR 97007.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
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)
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
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!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$60/hour
$50/45 min.
$40/30 min.
$25 trial lesson
How did you get started teaching?
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.
What types of students have you worked with?
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.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
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.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who not only is skilled in their technique but listens and cares for you as the student.