Learn Guitar PDX

About

My teaching approach: I provide a customized, balanced guitar curriculum that will help you learn the things you're interested in without neglecting important fundamentals. I make learning the guitar fun and easy for my students. I have been playing guitar for 20 years, and teaching for 15. My influences are: Like many guitarists, I love classic rock such as Pink Floyd, Hendrix, Jethro Tull, David Bowie, and Led Zeppelin. Lately, I've been listening to Son Lux, Michael Nyman, Timber Timbre, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Tubeway Army, and Tame Impala. My guitar lessons take place in: The teacher's studio Guitar Lessons with me take place in the following areas: SE Portland Guitar Techniques: Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Open tuning, Slide Guitar, Vocal Accompaniment, Performance, Improvisation, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing, Recording and Production, Guidance In Equipment Selection Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following: I offer a free introductory lesson. During the intro lesson, I'll learn about your musical interests and goals so I can start to put together a plan to help you get where you want to go. I'll also give you some basics to get you started on the guitar. A guitar lesson with me might entail the following: I tailor my lesson plans to your musical interests and skill level. A lesson with me typically involves a review of the previous lesson's material, guided practice time, and the introduction of some new material. The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: My ideal guitar student is anyone who loves music and is willing to dedicate themselves to learning to play the guitar.

I love helping people become the musicians they dream of being. What could be better than that?


Highlights

Hired 1 time
1 employee
12 years in business
Serves Portland , OR

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Reviews

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Kelly L.

Ive been working with Rick for about 6 months now and I couldnt speak more highly of him as a teacher. I had wanted to learn guitar for years, but couldnt get over the fear of possibly not being good enough (so why bother?). He assured me that many people felt and overcame not only that fear but several other handicaps. In addition to learning how to read music, Im learning chords, strumming patterns and techniques. Rick makes each lesson varied and enjoyable. We have a lot of laughs and I look forward to each session. His approach to teaching comprises patience, compassion and structure -- three things I needed for this goal to become a reality. I feel that he is as invested in helping me learn as I am in wanting to learn! Thank you for everything, Rick!
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February 26, 2018

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Mya R.

My daughter is 11 and takes lessons with Rick. We could not be happier with the lessons! His communication style is perfect with kids, authentic, kind, direct and funny. My daughter loves the lessons and talks about how much she loves them with her friends. The lessons themselves a a good balance of theory, music literacy and creative invention. I also love the consistency of the lessons and how my daughter is able to work on a project from beginning to end over a a series of many lessons and to feel the success of pulling off a difficult piece completely. Rick is the best!
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February 26, 2018

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Chris K.

Rick has a rare combination - a highly skilled guitarist AND a special teacher. He truly listens, takes notes, and then prepares for your lesson. When you arrive you feel as if hes been waiting for you all week long. Ive learned so much from him. Practice is fun again!
Chris
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February 26, 2018

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Katy B.

I have taken classes with Rick for the last 6 or so months. Going into it I was fully prepared to begin with the most monotonous and grueling songs for the first year at least. While he does incorporate classic beginners songs, he also writes tablature that learners can understand in order for you to play your favorite songs right off the bat. I love playing and I have learned so much faster than I had expected to; and I think that my passion had a lot to do with Ricks teaching styles. Hes incredibly patient and helpful, and he works around my schedule as much as he can. Also, his lessons are pretty much the cheapest you can find in the Portland area. All around this guy is a great teacher.
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February 26, 2018

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Grace L.

Rick is a gifted teacher, offering structure to the students musical interest with a relaxed approach and genuine enthusiasm for the craft. He allows the student to feel comfortable with the learning process from the beginning, enabling them to grow the confidence needed to truly enjoy it. Im listening to my son practice right now- it brings joy to my heart to hear him learning songs he always wanted to play and creating the sounds he always wanted to hear. The gift of music is a gift for life. Priceless.
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February 26, 2018

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Abigail S.

Rick is an incredible teacher and a very nice person! I highly recommend lessons with Rick.nded!!!
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February 26, 2018

Frequently asked questions

I start by getting to know the student and making sure I understand their musical goals. Once we've decided that we're a good student-teacher match, I create a lesson plan that will help them become the musicians they want to be. 

I've been a musician for nearly 25 years, and I've been teaching for more than a decade.

In addition to being a guitar, bass, and ukulele teacher, I'm also a composer, songwriter, producer, and performer. 

My lessons are priced as follows:

The first lesson is free!

30-minute lessons are $30 each. 

60-minute lessons are $50 each. 

Lessons are paid in advance, by the month. 

I took on my first private student when I was in my early 20s, while I was studying music in college. I also taught guitar and rock band classes at a charter high school. I really fell in love with helping people realize their musical dreams. 

I've worked with students of all ages, in styles ranging from folk and country to indie rock and pop. 

It's really difficult to pick a single event. My students constantly amaze me!

Look for a teacher who is a good fit for your personality and musical goals. 

You might find a teacher you really like, but if they teach classical guitar and you want to play rock and roll, you might not be happy with your lessons. Then again, you might discover your love for classical guitar!

On the other side of the coin, you might find a teacher who teaches the style that you want to learn, but if you don't click on a personal level, you might have trouble learning from them. 

Ideally, find a teacher who offers the best of both worlds: knowledge in your chosen style and a personality that you enjoy spending time with. 

Make sure you're willing to practice your instrument. If you're committed to regular practice, you'll be really happy with your progress! 


Services offered

Guitar