•  A Rewarding and Profound Musical Experience

     •  An Avenue for Self-Expression

          •  Creativity, Individuality, and Achievement

The Right Piano Teacher, Portland Oregon

Finding the right piano teacher is essential. Teachers should be good listeners, shape each lesson according to each student's needs, and make beginners comfortable with their new endeavor. The piano instructor should create a supportive, relaxed learning environment. Beginning students should feel free to express themselves, be curious, and ask lots of questions. Creativity and individuality are encouraged. Many of my students are complete beginners. This is great! Starting piano lessons or keyboard lessons from the beginning insures a complete introduction to all aspects of playing piano. I start students as young as 4, and have had students in their 80's begin lessons as well. Any age is a great age to begin piano lessons or keyboard lessons.

There is a considerable difference in piano studios in Portland Oregon. Some piano studios do group piano lessons. While this might be useful for children under 4, kids really need the personal attention of private piano lessons. I never do group lessons. All piano classes are one on one. Private, individual lessons result in learning rates so much faster than group lessons.
Learn how to play piano with private lessons. It is simply a much more effective way to learn to play.

Some teachers present lessons as if we are still in the 17th century. Not here! Students will find a modern, effective, and fun teaching environment. Many studios in Portland are owned by corporations, and farm the students on to different piano teachers. Look for a teacher who runs his own business and his own studio.

The easiest way to get started is to jump right in. Call and set up the first month of lessons. You'll quickly get a sense of the process of learning to play piano. Or you can call to schedule a time to come down to the piano studio to meet me. We can then discuss your, or your child's specific  interests in music. I'll show you how I teach piano and keyboard and answer questions you have. A lesson can be 1/2 or 1 hour each week. Call me at 503-253-7222 to make an appointment.

Many people own keyboards instead of pianos. A keyboard can be a fine substitute for a piano. Learning is the same on a piano or keyboard. Probably half my students own pianos, the other half keyboards. If you don't yet own an instrument, I can make some useful recommendations.

By blending traditional materials with modern teaching methods, my lessons explore a global music perspective: European Classical, American Blues, Jazz & Gospel, Modern Pop, New Age, Rock, World Music, and Folk Songs from around the world. When you learn to play piano or keyboard, in addition to your playing skills, you will gain a knowledge of all aspects of music.

A private piano lesson provides a unique and personal experience. I primarily teach beginning and intermediate students and encourage creativity and individual expression.  Students will learn when they are inspired by playing music they enjoy. As a result, students stay motivated, and seek out new challenges.

Piano classes can be a place of inspiration, imagination, and fun. I do not hold piano recitals, but let students choose how they want to share their music skills; playing for themselves, family, in school or for a show, writing a song, recording an original piece. The lessons are much more stimulating than just piano lessons. 

•  Learn To Play Blues

•  Learn How To Accompany Singing

•  Study How To Play By Ear

•  Arrange A Song And Print Out The Score

•  Compose And Record A CD

Children have natural musical
ability and delight in playing the piano.
The key is to make music a part
of their world.Learning to play piano
develops physical coordination, and visual,
aural, timing and language skills.
A typical lesson begins at the piano
where we work on reading music.
We may then move on to arrange or
record a song, learn a special piece,
or write an original tune. Younger students
might make a recording from “The Lion King”
building an arrangement with sounds of piano,
bass, drums, and marimba. Students feel
a grand sense of accomplishment when
they take home a CD and printed score of
a song they've recorded themselves.
A variety of learning material will engage
a student, make the lessons fun,
and inspire him to continue.
 

Adults often find, that by the time they
have decided to play the piano, they
have been thinking about it for years,
perhaps decades.Many of my adult students
start beginner piano lessons with no
prior instruction. Beginning piano lessons
is the first step. A patient teacher, and
private piano lessons, will give each adult
the attention they need to accomplish
what they want.

Adults find that a comfortable and
casual environment is ideal when
learning to play piano. Students are
introduced to songs that are stimulating
and inspiring, and as the mysteries of
music are unraveled, they rapidly master
the basics. Most students enjoy exploring
several different musical directions.

The lessons are yours, and you may
decide how you want to use your time.
Here are a few things that adult
typically work on: beautiful
classical music, contemporary popular
music, Blues improvisation,
jazz tunes, theory and harmony.
If you like to sings, learn how to
use chords to accompany your voice. 

Or listen to a track from a film score,
and see how the different instruments
fit together to create a special mood.
Perhaps, you would like to try composing
some music, be it a simple piano piece,
or something more complex.

The learning process can be fun and a
rewarding personal experience.
Students are encouraged to help choose
the direction of their own piano
lessons and create musical some goals.

My piano studio is a great environment in which to learn music. Private lessons
afford each student maximum attention.
Classes are held at a relaxed pace.
There are two acoustic pianos, a keyboard
and computer. Through the use of modern
teaching methods, students can easily visualize musical ideas that evade traditional methods. In addition, students can make the connection between music we play at the studio, and how professionals evolve this into recording on CD, film, and television. Parking is conveniently provided, there is a large waiting room, and a coffee shop just down the block.

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