Portland Music Lessons for Adults

I have a strong background in music theory. My doctoral dissertation was analytical in content. I love music theory - it is like solving puzzles! If you want to learn about theory in an exciting and fun way, I would love to help you!

Having trained at Berklee College of Music in Electric Guitar and Songwriting and as a professional music teacher and performer, I can help you develop the musical tools you need to write full songs that are ready for the radio and the stage! I will help you reach goals based on your musical interests and aspirations. Some skills I can help you gain are songwriting, improvisation, music theory, ear training, practice methods, sight reading, music production, and many more.
Writing, playing, and performing music is incredibly rewarding, and can also be challenging. I'm excited to help you make your goals a reality!

Hello to each of you! My name is Corey, and I have been teaching cello for 31 years. Like many of you I've been locked up in my home because of Covid19. What fun! Not really... but I have been enjoying teaching 24 of my current private students. Additionally, I have been teaching music at a Waldorf School in Portland Oregon for 22 years. My work at the school has decreased because of the crisis and now I've been moved to 1/2 time. I'm so excited to expand my teaching studio, and have the opportunity to meet you. I teach beginning through advanced students. My degree is BM in cello performance from Portland State University 1993, and I have studied (and/or had master classes) with Stephanie McDougal, Hamilton Cheifetz, Yo Yo Ma, Hans Jurgen Jensen, and Carter Brey. I attended Tanglewood Institute in 1987, and Congress of Strings in 1988 both on a full scholarship. My lessons are both fun, educational, and I work diligently toward teaching great technique in both the right and left ...

When studying with me students will develop the musicianship skills needed to be a well-rounded, real world musician. You will learn music that interests you, as well as, be exposed to genres and music styles you might not be privy to. Your vocal health is of utmost importance to me and we will focus on developing a resonate tone, free of unnecessary tension; In addition to, strengthening your diaphragmatic breathing techniques and aligning your body position. All while developing your sight-reading, music theory, and acting/performance skills and working together to overcome any obstacles you may face in the process.

I use a hybrid approach in viola lessons using Suzuki and method books. Note and rhythm reading are taught as well as good technique and tone. Students have opportunities to perform on recitals and play familiar music.

When I was studying theory in college I remember not having the need to study much for it.I realize that's because I was viewing it from my piano background view and was able to see the elements of music and how they relate to each other easily through my experience with the piano.
In teaching theory I maintain that philosophy.I see theory as an organized system to express the experience of music and not necessarily a strictly academic and theoretical discipline.