Boring, OR Piano Lessons

Royal Schools of Music and prepare them for one to two exams a year. The exams test playing abilities on 3 songs plus scales, arpeggios, ear training and music theory. Students that pass get a beautiful certificate for each level, grades 1 to 8.

I earned my music degree from Portland State University in 2006, graduating with honors. In 1996 I won two Medals of Distinction for violin performance and music theory and then in 2001 I received a Merit Award from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, London, England for viola performance. I've been blessed to be able to perform in a variety of ensembles and genres such as musical theater pit orchestras, string quartets, the Vancouver Symphony, and rock, jazz, tango, Middle Eastern and blue grass/folk bands.

My biggest thrill is to be able to transmit culture to the younger generation through music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I offer the following for my violin, viola, cello, bass and piano students. Most of all, it is the joy of music making that I want to share with my students.

Private and group lessons
Two recitals a year
Special performance opportunities throughout the year
Classical, jazz, fiddle, rock, tango, sacred, Celtic, folk
Music theory
Customized lesson plans using various methods old and new

I endeavor to provide a fun, non intimidating environment for students while motivating them to achieve their highest potential by providing many performance opportunities throughout the year. Some of my students have appeared as special guests with my band, Mango Nights.

Included with weekly private lessons are once a month group lessons where students can learn essential ensemble skills and have fun meeting other students.

Beginning students learn several simple songs that teach great tone and rhythm using classical, folk, blues, rock, ragtime, bluegrass. Students learn concepts such as syncopation, rhythm, note reading, articulations, dynamics, asymmetrical time meters and and more. Each book comes with a CD with piano accompaniment which makes practicing at home enjoyable.

Students are gradually introduced to scales, arpeggios, music theory, ear training and sight reading. All this works together to produce "the complete musician". The complete musician is a person who has excellent rhythm, pitch, note reading skills and creativity, a person who can enjoy and appreciate music in it's various forms over a lifetime whether it be for personal enjoyment or as a career.

For more serious students who have the goal of auditioning for university scholarships, top youth orchestras or becoming a professional musician, an accelerated intensive course is available in partnership with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. In this program, the student is prepared for a once a year rigorous exam requiring the playing of select pieces, scales and arpeggios, sight reading and ear training. The candidate performs for the visiting Associated Board Examiner from London England and is graded on a point system. Upon passing the student receives a beautiful certificate and additional awards for high scores. Once a year at a separate time, a written exam for music theory is taken. The exams are graded 1 to 8 and can be classical or jazz depending on the candidate's choice.

*** Studio Equipment ***
electric piano, separate room for lessons, off street parking,
Convenient close in location

*** Travel Equipment ***
Small amp, Mac laptop and metronome.

*** Specialties ***
I teach many styles and genres such as Classical, Folk, Bluegrass, Celtic, Rock, Jazz, Tango and Middle Eastern.

Ensemble playing with other students.

Professional opportunities playing for weddings and other events.

sed on the students' interest, but I am well versed in classical and operatic repertoire in English, French, German, and Italian, as well as some musical theatre and jazz. I also teach pop songs for those who are interested. I can help you improve your technique for whatever style of music you want to sing. For adults, I recommend an hour voice lesson. For kids, I recommend a half hour voice lesson, and half hour of piano if they are not already taking it.

Piano students will learn to read music, play with correct form, learn scales, and improve their musicianship skills. I teach out of lesson books (mostly Faber) to improve technique, but I want students to learn supplemental pieces that are fun for them as well. For piano beginners, I recommend 30 minutes. Once the student is a little more experienced, I like to have them for 45 minutes.

I hope to share with you the same joy I get from making music!

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio at home has a piano, my music library, a large mirror for aiding the student in observing their vocal habits.

*** Travel Equipment ***
For in home lessons, students will need to have a keyboard or a piano in a space free of distractions. Students should have a neat, three ring binder to hold any loose sheet music. Piano students need a regular notebook to write lesson assignments.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching classical art songs and musical theatre.

programs which introduce children to music and theater in schools.   I was adjunct faculty at the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University and local music studios as well as maintaining my private teaching practice.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am persistent and positive! Working and performing with singers and master teachers has helped me to be a resourceful teacher who understands the process of becoming a singer. I believe that a sense of fun and play helps you to accomplish your goals quickly.  For beginners you will learn how the voice works and how to care for and develop your instrument, I recommend adults take 45" - 1 hour lessons weekly for skill building. The price of lessons DECREASES by 10% after each 5 lesson purchased for the first 15 lessons. Studio policy is located at VaaraMusic.com. We will choose music that interests you and helps to build your voice starting with basics before moving to more complex and challenging music. Understanding music theory and sight-reading will help you get the most out of your singing. After 3 - 6 months you should have a good command of breathing and an understanding of how to sing with an expressive tone.For the advanced student, I can help you work on trouble spots and give you tools to help with the changes that voices naturally go through.  I look forward to giving you my full focus and celebrating your growth and accomplishments!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Condo w/ open area with piano. Visitor's parking lot w/ seating in studio for parents to listen. Parents with younger siblings can use play areas outside.
Basic library of vocal music, giving the student a way to sample different kinds of songs before purchasing books or downloading songs on their own. Music stand, iPhone plug-in/Amp for accompaniments and examples you want me to hear.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a basic library of vocal music at my home studio and will bring targeted books with me. Students should print out their favorite popular songs from such services as Music Notes website.
I expect my students to provide a keyboard, music stand and notebook as well as a low distraction environment.

*** Specialties ***
As an opera and musical theater, Oratorio and church singer, I help singers of all levels improve within their genre from popular music to opera. A good singing technique will help performers in any style stay healthy and enjoy an expressive singing instrument.

the parts!

I've been teaching piano for 20+ years now, and I love partnering with students to help them grow musically and realize their dreams. Some of my students have gone on to be professionals or teachers, and some are playing the music they love with their friends. Others are playing in their churches or in bands, and some play simply for personal enjoyment.

If we get the opportunity to work together, you (or your child) will discover that I am patient and encouraging. My desire is to bring your musical goals into focus through education and creative participation.

What is your dream? Playing classical, rock, playing in a band, writing your own music? I'd love to help you realize that dream!

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe piano instruction should be fun and casual, yet challenging and inspiring. In our lessons, you'll learn proper technique, sight-reading, improvising, and the music theory behind it. I utilize popular piano methods and contribute additional resources, and I design lessons to help you reach your music goals, whether your dream is to play with others, write your own music, or play your favorites for personal enjoyment. You'll explore many music genres, from classical to rock to jazz, including a large dose of your preferred styles. If you play an electronic keyboard, we'll incorporate features of your instrument to increase your rhythm and song-writing skills. Aspiring songwriters can learn skills like chart writing and computer notation. You'll learn how technology--even your smart phone--can help!

The student is responsible to purchase required books--usually lesson and theory, and occasionally a recital book. These usually cost between 5 and 7 dollars each and can be purchased locally. Bring lined paper with you for your lesson notes. I'll supply staff paper, music and any additional lesson materials, as needed. I will encourage you to purchase a metronome (the musician's friend) if you do not have an instrument with rhythms or metronome.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I teach both at students' homes (on your instrument) or at my home, where I have a Yamaha CP70 electric grand piano. The lessons are in the front living room, where seating is available and parents are welcome to observe the lesson. I have a laptop with Sibelius Notation and YouTube at the ready, as well as a mic, mixer and speakers, should they be needed. There may even be a studio cat nearby to inspire you!

*** Travel Equipment ***
If lessons are at your home, it is important that you have a practice instrument, which we will use in our lessons. If you need to purchase a piano or are exploring the world of electronic keyboards, I can help you with the many choices available and recommend instruments in your price range. I can also help you become familiar with your keyboard and those features that will be useful to you.

*** Specialties ***
For individual lessons, I prefer using the Alfred Method (beginning through intermediate), and have also used the Bastien method, and some others. I teach both sight-reading and/or improvisational skills, along with musical theory, according to the student's needs and goals. I'm comfortable in multiple styles (classical, pop, rock, folk, some jazz and blues).

e but at the same time I am asking the students to give their best effort. Setting frequent goals in form of group classes and recitals keeps us in full sail and teach us to enjoy the act of playing both alone and in front of friendly audience.
I teach both classical and Suzuki methods. I like to keep my students musically well fed and encourage exploring music reading and music theory next to practical skills. I stir my students toward high standard personal level in their studies, an ingredient from Finnish cultural climate.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki method and classical method, fiddling, beginning jazz, improvising

can help you love to learn!

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are usually 30 or 60 minutes, once a week.
I can be flexible, if your needs differ.
I can also arrange more evening times at 5:00 or later,
if the times on my availability list don't work for you.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room with
Yamaha Clavinova CVP-65
adjustable touch-sensitive electronic piano:
Advanced Wave Memory tone generator with 53 voices,
32-note polyphony, Dual and Split play modes,
24 styles of orchestrated rhythm, bass,
and chord accompaniments, 10-track performance memory, Disk Orchestra playback capability,
MIDI compatibility and functions,

Fender Squier Bullet electric guitar
customized by Smooth Creations,
with a Line 6 amp,
a Keith Urban acoustic guitar,
an Epiphone Les Paul Special bass guitar,
a tone drum, and assorted percussion instruments,

SoundTech 4150 four-channel mixer,
with recording capability for all instruments
using ACID Music Studio,
and comfortable seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Piano students should have a touch-sensitive piano/keyboard in their home.
All other music students should either own or rent their instrument.
Everyone should bring their assignment notebook and their lesson books to lessons.

*** Specialties ***
I play Rock, Blues, Jazz and Classical styles.
The Faber method books are my favorite for piano,
Hal Leonard for guitar.
I have the most tutoring experience with Math and Statistics.

ng and music education, I’ve found unique and fun ways to teach students and have them exceed in any of their endeavors.