About
Experience and patience.
Everyone thinks you have to have an aptitude to learn to play an instrument. It helps but it's not necessary.
Why can't it be invigorating, fun, exciting, as well as work? after years of teaching and performing I've learned to present, explain and demonstrate any given technic so that we continue to move forward. It's more of a journey, not just a destination.
My favorite part of teaching is getting to know your musical likes and dislikes while providing you a firm musical foundation to assist you on your journey.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
H.c.
Katherine H.
Suzanne J.
Hoa C.
LeAnn M.
Michelle G.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
With any student whether new to music or a seasoned musician, I feel it's important to make sure they have a working knowledge of music fundamentals.
I take time to make sure the student understands and has a working ability to explain and converse freely using the terms given.
After that, we move forward shaping their education in such a way that the foundation they receive will support their musical tastes and desires., with or without a teacher to direct them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Over the past forty-three years, I have taught piano, organ, guitar, and various other instruments to students ranging in age from four-year-old’s to eight-nine years old. I have taught classroom music, band & choir, as well as voice and most of your band instruments.
Five days out of seven I teach private lessons, most of them are taught in the students home, I have students in Wilsonville, Tigard, Beaverton, Clackamas, and Vancouver Washington. On Saturday I direct Portland Kids International Children’s Choir, and on Sunday I am the music director/worship leader for Memorial Lutheran Church in Vancouver, Washington .
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
MINIMUM MONTHLY TUITION: In Your Home Lessons
30 minute – monthly rate - $ 120.00 / $ 30.00 each 45 minute – monthly rate - $ 180.00 / $ 45.00 each 60 minute – monthly rate - $ 200.00 / $ 50.00 each
Normally 4 consecutive, weekly lessons or classes. Holidays and vacation days are excluded and do not change the tuition fee.
This is fixed, tuition calculated over a 12-month period. Students are strongly encouraged to study throughout the summer months.
How did you get started teaching?
After graduating I started working in a full-service music store. I had already been playing professionally for three years in local bars, conventions, and accompanist. The owner of the store asked me to start teaching after work. Later I was asked to teach classroom music, band, and choir K-8 at a private parochial elementary school.
Over the years teaching has become my favorite way of making a living.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've taught children as young as 5 years old and adults as old as 83, The love for music has no age limits. My student's abilities range from beginners to advanced.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was able to direct and teach the youth praise team of the Smirna Christian Church in Vancouver, Wa., after teaching them voice lessons for six months I/We presented a worship concert for the churches in the area.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher that strives to give you a love for music, as well as a musical foundation that will serve you at whatever instrument you choose to express yourself.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Are you willing to set aside time each day to practice?
As a teacher I expect my students to practice 5 out of 7 days., and to work at focusing on it for at least 30 minutes each day.
Are you willing to work with and sit alongside the students as they begin their journey?
If you're the parent of the student and he or she is a beginner, are you willing to take an active lead in helping them strive to learn and understand each lesson.
Are you willing to wait for results?
As parents, we sometimes think that results mean our children should take to lessons like fish to water, that their ability to play songs should happen in a short time. I've found that most students take to lessons differently, some have no problems while others wrestle with doing it daily.
My philosophy is a child I was expected to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic. I wasn't asked whether or not I wanted to learn it, it was something we did.
A musical education transcends playing a song on any giving instrument. The time you invest here will offer years of benefits both musically and otherwise.
To further these thoughts I include this article. https://nafme.org/20-important-benefits-of-music-in-our-schools/
As adults, we think we should be able to pick things up easily, but it's not that way we need to be patient with ourselves. Rome wasn't built in a day and didn't burn to the ground in one either.