Find a music lesson in Portland, OR

Find music lessons in Portland, OR

Find music lessons in Portland, OR

Confirm your location to see the best music classes near you.
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Find music lessons in Portland, OR

Confirm your location to see the best music classes near you.
Zip code

Top 10 music classes in Portland, OR

Students agree: these Portland music lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Michael Rodriguez Music (flute... Clarinet...saxophone)

Michael Rodriguez Music (flute... Clarinet...saxophone)

5.0Exceptional(8)
17 hires on Lessons.com
Serves Portland, OR & Online
Amalia G. says, "Had my 1st lesson, very supportive and enthusiastic teacher. I look forward getting back into the flute and playing again." Read more
Piano Lessons

Piano Lessons

5.0Exceptional(5)
2 hires on Lessons.com
9+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR
Nancy M. says, "It is absolute pleasure that I write a letter of recommendation for Irina Kasatkina. Irina has been my children's piano and for the past 7 years. My 17 year old (presently) and my 13 year old girls loved her from the very beginning, connecting with her warmth and enthusiasm as well as her consistently positive approach. Irina is a patient teacher and treats each child with love for their individuality. Never-the-less, she has standards and expectations that she makes clear to them and they have learned the benefits of self discipline as it regards to music and other aspects of their lives. My children have progressed as both piano and harp players, gaining self- confidence and skill that will help them socially and for enjoyment, their entire lives. Irina's true vocation for music and teaching is obvious. I highly recommend Irinaas a music teacher for any adult or child who wishes to learn. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to recommend someone I truly believe in! Sincerely, Nancy Muggoch, NP, MS, ACHPN " Read more
Alfs

Alfs

5.0Exceptional(11)
21 hires on Lessons.com
16+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR & Online
Katie K. says, "My kid really likes the teacher, so that seals the deal. Haha. He also has a lot of guitars, so we could check for the right size for my son. I loved his detailed and fun teaching methods and the systematic way they present lessons. I'm so excited to see him playing soon!" Read more
Rebecca Ewing Music

Rebecca Ewing Music

4.9Exceptional(7)
6 hires on Lessons.com
Serves Portland, OR & Online
Jocelyn D. says, "Rebecca is awesome!!! She was truly so engaged and skilled will my two (very different) kids. When my older daughter struggled and decided that piano was “not for her” we pivoted to singing lessons that really met her where she was at. She had so much fun! My younger daughter loved learning piano! Rebecca always found gentle ways to bring them into the music and they both really liked connecting with her and generally, it was lovely to have her in our home for in home lessons! I highly recommend her!" Read more
Drums Unlimited.com

Drums Unlimited.com

5.0Exceptional(5)
20+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR
Sabra R. says, "Nick offers more than drum lessons with his contagious enthusiasm and deep understanding of the importance of music. His ability to break down the intricacies of rhythm is a valuable bonus! I recommend him with 5 stars." Read more
Adam King Piano

Adam King Piano

6 hires on Lessons.com
13+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR & Online
I have been teaching private lessons for over a decade, and my love for bringing music into people's lives is a regular gift unto myself. As a professional musician, I have toured the country playing everything from rock to jazz to blues to hip-hop to classical to indie to electronica. I pride myself on a vast wealth of musical knowledge and the ability to create individualized lessons that allow my students to play the music they want to play. One of the greatest honors of my job is becoming a part of family's lives. Not only do i get to watch my students' knowledge and abilities increase, I get to see their lives grow and expand. I don't wo...
Guitar Lessons With Dr. Zisa

Guitar Lessons With Dr. Zisa

5.0(4)
2 hires on Lessons.com
45+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR & Online
Andrew P. says, "Dr Zisa has developed personalized strategy for me to improve my playing based on my strengths, weaknesses, and goals." Read more
SongSmith

SongSmith

5.0Exceptional(6)
2 hires on Lessons.com
31+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR
Patrick S. says, "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." Read more
Ryan (RJ) Fechter

Ryan (RJ) Fechter

16+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR & Online
Greetings! My name is Ryan and I'd love to be a part of your journey in music! I have been a musician my whole life - coming from a very musical family I've had some sort of sound making device at arms reach since I was a child. I've played in many bands, ensembles and theater productions, from Pop to Rock and Jazz, and studied Jazz Performance on Bass and Piano at the University of Colorado, Denver. I love teaching, and have a wealth of experience in creating a curriculum with students and parents which fits their specific aptitude, practice schedule, and desired results. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Theresa Koon Vocal Studio

Theresa Koon Vocal Studio

5.0(4)
3 hires on Lessons.com
40+ years in business
Serves Portland, OR
Bryan H. says, "I’ve had the privilege of attending Theresa Koon’s student recitals for the past 10 years. They’re incredible! It’s amazing to watch the progression of individual students as Theresa develops and opens their voices to soar and fill the auditorium with breathtaking interpretation, color, and depth. Many of her students first join her studio during high school to prepare for musical theater or choral productions. As Theresa brings out their talent, these students will often progress on to enroll in university voice programs. They have auditioned for and been accepted to Hartt, Emerson, and Indiana University, amongst others. They also compete and win in NATS and state level high school competitions. One was even named Oregon Jazz Singer of the Year. In addition to watching the progression of Theresa’s students, seeing the diversity of styles and abilities is also impressive. Students include members of high school music programs, Portland Community College students, the Portland Symphonic Choir, Staged!, Stumptown Stages, Opera in the Park, and numerous local bands including lead singers and even entire bands! Their genres include music theater, opera, folk, blue grass, jazz, and singer-songwriter. During any given recital the auditorium becomes filled with moving music theater pieces, glowing operatic arias, and lively music from her singer-songwriters and local bands. Both beginners and professionals alike are welcomed onto a stage where music and singing are the main event." Read more

Your Music Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.

How much do music lessons cost?

Music lessons cost $40 to $90 per hour. Most teachers offer weekly lessons in order to provide regular feedback, keep students motivated, and provide enough opportunities to learn new techniques and pieces of music. More frequent lessons do not provide enough time to practice and master skills between lessons.

To save money on music lessons consider group lessons, which are often cheaper than private lessons and allow you to learn from other students. Another option is to take online lessons which tend to be more affordable than in-person lessons and can be a great way to learn from a qualified teacher that isn't local. Finally, look for scholarships or grants to help pay for music lessons.

At what age can you start music lessons?

The best age to start music lessons depends on the individual and their interests. Most experts agree that children can start learning music as early as 3 or 4 years old when they can communicate and follow instructions. There is no age that is too late to take music lessons – even seniors can benefit from learning or improving their musical skills.

Studies have shown that children who are exposed to music at an early age have better language skills, memory, and problem-solving skills. Music lessons help improve fine motor skills like hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity which are important for other activities like writing and drawing. Learning to play an instrument can also build a child's self-confidence and help to develop a child's creativity.

How long does it take to learn an instrument?

The amount of time it takes to learn an instrument depends on the instrument, the student's age, and the amount of time they practice. In general, it takes several months to a year to learn the basics of most instruments including how to read music and play basic scales and chords. With regular practice, students can expect to play simple songs within a few months.

Piano, guitar, and percussion instruments are some of the easier instruments to learn. Strings and horn instruments take a bit longer to learn. Becoming proficient at any instrument takes several years of lessons and regular practice.

Do I need an instrument at home to take music lessons?

No, you do not need an instrument at home to take music lessons, but it does make it easier to practice and improve your skills. Without an instrument at home, you will need to find an instrument to practice between lessons if you hope to improve.

Before investing in any musical instrument, you will want to talk with the music teacher to find the instrument that is right for you. Guitars are a popular instrument for beginners since they are relatively inexpensive to buy. The flute is another simple instrument to learn and is a good choice for students who want to learn to play an instrument quickly. Pianos are a more costly instrument but are a popular choice for families since everyone can enjoy playing the same instrument.

How do online music lessons work?

Online music lessons are similar to in-person lessons, only the teacher and student are not in the same physical location. Using video conferencing platforms such as Skype or Zoom, the teacher and students can communicate with each other from the privacy of their homes.

In order to take advantage of the affordable online lessons, you need a computer and internet connection with good audio and video quality to avoid frustration. The teacher and student join the video call and the lesson proceeds in the same way they would for an in-person lesson. Online music lessons require more focus and patience and are not suggested for very young students.

What questions should I ask a music teacher?

Here are some important questions you should ask a music teacher before you start taking lessons:

  • What is your teaching style?
  • What is your experience teaching music?
  • What are your rates?
  • How long are your lessons?
  • What is your availability?
  • What are your expectations for students?
  • Can you provide references from your current and past students?

How do I choose a music teacher?

Choosing a qualified music teacher is important for those wanting to learn or develop their musical skills. Find a teacher that fits your schedule, budget, and learning style by following these recommendations:

  • Look for a teacher with a degree in music or years of experience teaching your preferred instrument.
  • Make sure the teacher with a teaching style that suits you. For example, if you learn better with a more formal teacher that focuses on technique, don't choose a teacher that is more relaxed and focuses on creative, free-style playing.
  • Find a teacher that is affordable for your budget and has availability for lessons that fit your schedule.
  • Confirm that the teacher will help you reach your goals whether it is to learn a new instrument, read music, learn music theory, or just have fun.How do I choose a music teacher?

Reviews for Portland music classes

Recent success stories from people in the Portland area.
Milton Valenzuela S.
Mr. Rodriguez is very knowledgeable and a personality that suits teaching. Most of all, he's fun and full of energy and passion.
Michael Rodriguez Music (flute... clarinet...saxophone)
Paul P.
Irina Kasatkina has been teaching piano to my 11-year old son for two years. He has developed both an ability to play and an enjoyment of music because of Irina's thoughtful guidance. Her love of music and teaching is quite evident, whether she's teaching how to play, how to read music, or other music fundamentals. I am impressed with her kind and clear manner that encourages my son to explore the music. She incorporates his interests into the lessons, including helping him write his own compositions at age 10! She has won my son's heart and imagination, and he has this to say about Irina: "She helps me change what I"m doing wrong, she picks out the right books and songs for me, and she does it all very nicely." Perhaps the best recommendation is that he enjoys coming back every week for his lesson, and wants to practice so that he can improve every week! I would be happy to talk to parents about Irina's abilities as a piano teacher. Paul R. Peterzell
piano lessons
Steve F.
Alf is a great teacher and a nice guy. He has a very professional teaching setup with videos and customized lessons. He's helped me get back my excitement for playing guitar and I've already learned more music theory than I expected to learn. Very happy with these lessons!
Alfs
Cadie G.
Rebecca has really put my daughter at ease - she is having fun learning piano and taking voice lessons. My daughter has been learning and making progress without feeling stress, which is what I hoped for when looking for an instructor. She enjoys working with Rebecca and reports that she is super nice! Rebecca is also great with communication and trying to find times to reschedule when needed (illness, being out of town). We highly recommend working with Rebecca!
Rebecca Ewing Music
Jeff G.
Our experience (1.5 yrs) with Nick was always pleasant and productive for our son. Nick was our son’s first drum teacher and he immediately gave a solid foundation to grow from. Our son is still drumming and has used Nicks teachings to be the drummer in a four piece rock band as well as intermediate high school Jazz. We loved working with Nick!
Drums unlimited.com
Nicholas S.
A true modern Master and as much a Virtuoso as a Teacher...
Guitar Lessons with Dr. Zisa
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 !
SongSmith
Christine K.
Among Theresa's numerous gifts as a vocal coach is her astounding ability to leave judgement out of our coaching - I don't think she tries to do that, I don't think she can teach any other way. I've studied with her for close to 5 years now and am convinced that her highly developed intuition, which she marries flawlessly with her incredible technique allows her to teach me in a way that I can hear and understand best. I don't have to conform to her 'way' or 'style' but rather, she has stripped away everything in technique but what is useful to me and useful in a given moment or phase of my development. Her skill in articulating what is up for refinement comes from an unswerving devotion to uncovering my true and authentic voice. She is a miracle and a gift to me and I'll warrant, to all who wish to sing from that place of authentic grounding. I've experienced the glory of singing with a freedom that has lifted me to seek a quantum way of living - so I can continue to sing from that place! Theresa has been able to unlock with me, those places in my instrument that have been blocked and unavailable for integration. I wouldn't want to be on this journey with anyone else.
Theresa Koon Vocal Studio
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