Portland Music Lessons for Adults

ough proper breathing, correct vowels, space, and resonance. I teach repertoire based 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.

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.

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.

in churches and various performing groups. He has worked as a recording studio engineer, live sound engineer, and theater sound designer.

Don strives to bring out the best in each student. Whether a beginner, intermediate, or advanced student, Don will expand your musical horizon and styles to new levels.

*** Lesson Details ***
All that I request from a student is a desire to learn. I will work with you at your pace to achieve the musical goals you have. Each student begins at a different level.

The first lesson will focus on your musical background. If you are a beginner, that's no problem. I specialize in working with beginning students to teach them all the joy and satisfaction there is in mastering an instrument.

I love to laugh and the lessons are very laid back and fun, but I desire that a student move forward and learn new techniques.

You will be playing simple songs after your first lesson. I'm asked many times by students "how long will it take until I'm good." My answer is: that is in direct proportion to the amount of time you dedicate to practicing. After a month or two, you will know how to read music and have a basic understanding of music theory.

I use various curriculum depending on the student's need. For piano, I generally use Alfred Methods. For guitar, Hal Leonard or Mel Bay. For voice, the curriculum is individually tailored to the students level and goals.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in theatrical performance for actors/vocalists.

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

bar, Principal Percussionist of the Indianapolis Philharmonic Orchestra, and also have a Music Performance degree from The Musician's Institute.

I have decades of experience, I am organized, enthusiastic and well-rounded, and I've been teaching since 2012. My comprehensive lesson plan leads students to an understanding of hand and foot techniques, rudiments, patterns, coordination, 4-limb interdependence, grooving, filling, song structure, odd meters, theory and ear-training all while having fun and applying it how you hear it. My curriculum derives largely from the curricula of the best instructors in the country, and your lessons will be tailored to meet your personal needs.

you can still tell a story, write a lyric or learn basic guitar
• Song Structure
• Melody Writing
• Chord Progressions
• Songwriting Radar/Artistic Discovery

2.) Coaching –
• Artistic Awareness
• Rhythm Guitar
• Music theory
• The Nashville Numbers System
• Vocal performance

3.) Catch All -
• Adaptive curriculum - Choose your own path of training
• Copyright assistance
• General advice, Networking and where to find additional support
• Song Critiques