Portland Music Performance Lessons

as they are able to stay focused for the duration of a half hour lesson. Most of my piano students are in the 7 -10 range, but I teach some beginning adults as well.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice students will learn to improve their technique through 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.

ther.

Chuck has performed with classic rock, top 40, funk, R&B, and jazz groups, and has served as an opening act for Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and legendary Texas bluesman Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. As a soloist he's played classical music, blues, jazz, and original compositions. Before devoting himself to music full time, he worked for 8 years as a radio announcer on WUFT-FM Gainesville hosting shows such as "Nothing but the Blues", "Montage" (acoustic jazz), and "Musica Antiqua" (Renaissance and Medieval).

Chuck has taught students of all ages and skill levels in piano, guitar, organ, flute, digital keyboards, recorder, and ukulele. He's also a multi-faceted composer whose instrumental pieces are infused with elements of classical, blues, and jazz styles.

Chuck's teaching philosophy: "In my 25 years of teaching I’ve found that everyone learns in different ways and at different rates of progress, so each of my students is treated as a unique individual. I try to get to know my students in the first few lessons so I can be more sensitive to their personalities. This helps me choose the best teaching approach for them. From the very first lesson I create a relaxed setting so students feel no apprehension, especially when trying something new. This allows them to feel free to take chances and experience playing music as something enjoyable, not a life or death situation! The biggest measure of my effectiveness as a teacher is when my students embrace new challenges and the opportunity to improve".

*** Lesson Details ***
My primary goal as a teacher is to present musical material in a way that keeps students excited about what they are learning. Even with absolute beginners, I will have a student playing actual songs that they are interested in as quickly as possible. Along the way I include fundamentals such as scales, strength-building exercises, rudiments of theory, and ear training. Some of the method books I use include the Alfred and Faber and Faber series, and Hanon's The Virtuoso Pianist, among many others. These materials are always supplemented with arrangements and transcriptions of popular songs and classical pieces, along with original exercises designed to teach specific styles and techniques. I also use interactive music websites to introduce students to concepts of music theory. The styles that I cover include classical, rock, jazz, and blues. As students progress in their creativity, I also introduce them to composition and improvisation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Kawai K50 upright piano, music playback devices, Hammond C3 organ, multiple keyboards/synthesizers, acoustic and electric guitars, amplifiers, computer recording equipment; parents are encouraged to sit in on lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I don't provide any specific equipment. Piano students should have either a well-tuned piano or full-sized weighted-key digital keyboard (Casio Privia, for example). Guitar students should have a well set up electric or acoustic guitar and an amplifier (for an electric guitar).

*** Specialties ***
I teach students of all ages and skill levels. The styles that I cover include classical, rock, jazz, and blues. I also teacher recording techniques using computer software including Ableton Live, Reason, and Pro Tools.

is the name of my game. I can teach you to improvise, read music, become a strummer or virtuoso, it's all up to you.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the basement studio, piano, guitars, amps, hand drums, a bass, woodwinds, FULL DRUM SET!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can travel with a sax, flute, guitar, electric bass, and a didgeridoo....

*** Specialties ***
I'm a jazz musician! But I listen to and perform all styles of music. I have written string quartets, been the front man for a funk band, and recorded every style of music under the sun. I can teach Bach and the Beatles and explain how/ and why they intersect and are similar musically.

an easy, natural way of singing whether it is in a rock band, choir or as a soloist. Together we find the joy of singing while building a solid technique.

I have worked with small children as a Musikgarten teacher and have toured artist residency 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.

s too hard to play the guitar or piano, but I promise you, my program is fun and simple. I can show you the steps to success. I have taught over 1000 students in a variety of cities from Minneapolis Minnesota, to Los Angeles California, and now Portland Oregon. This is what I do. It is all I do. I have individually taught over 28,000 lessons total, so I have dealt with every kind of person including those with disabilities. I have taught every age from 5-70. I am also a performer, and I own my own music publishing company through ASCAP (American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers). I currently teach Piano to level 4, so if you are a beginner, you will love my new program. Music is my life, I can help you make your dream of playing a musical instrument come true, even in a few short lessons. You can do it! I prefer to have serious students and would like to audition you before setting you in a schedule as I have many students waiting. Therefore I now choose which ones I feel will be a good fit. This benefits you as well, as I want you to be happy with your lessons. I have worked for Take Lessons a long time and have a good track record.

* I hold recitals twice a year in May and November. Check out my videos.

*** Lesson Details ***
The thing I have learned over the years teaching guitar, piano or voice, is that everyone learns differently. I have taught in family situations where there are two or three siblings learning at the same time, but each sibling learned the skills that are unique to them. Some students are better at playing rhythm, some students are better at lead, some students are better with barre chords. As long as you are enjoying playing the guitar, you will be able to grow in every area at your own pace. Music should be a fun and rewarding experience. My lessons usually include songs that you like to play and are at your level of playing ability. We can play as a band too. When you are ready, I love to bring out the drum machine while you play guitar and I play the bass notes, giving you the feel of a live group situation that can make learning at your lesson more fun. But if that's not for you, we can just play guitar together too, whatever makes you feel the most comfortable is how you will be able to learn the best. Tell me what you need I am always here to help you.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Amplifiers, Chords, Microphones, Guitars, Piano,violins

Private Cancellation Policy
Effective 1/1/2014, all lessons scheduled with Lisa N., Take Lessons instructor for piano, guitar, bass, and voice, will now have new reschedule and cancellation requirements. These requirements are that no lessons may be cancelled, only rescheduled. If students miss a lesson due to sickness, vacation, traffic, or emergency, the student will have the lesson marked as missed, but will be allowed to make up the lesson within the month. The student must make up the lesson on a Saturday, unless other times are available for reschedule throughout the week. Check with the instructor for flexibility in scheduling, as every effort will be made to accommodate the situation. There will no longer be a 24 hour cancellation policy as all lessons will be marked missed. The teacher will give the same consideration due to emergencies, sickness, and or classes, and if a student shows up at the studio and a lesson cannot be given by the teacher for any reason, the student will not be charged.
Thanks Sincerely Lisa N.
Take Lessons Instructor

*** Specialties ***
*Teachers marked as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students.Beginning to intermediate Guitar Voice and Bass lessons, beginning Piano.