Sherwood Music Lessons

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.

ning things they like. I always ask students what they are listening to and what they want to learn, after all, it's their lesson. But I always come back around to emphasizing how and why things work and how a student can use the lesson to learn on their own. Students should expect to be very hands on, to bring lots of questions, to expect a lot, to work hard and have some fun in the process. While it's not rocket science, its music and music is fun but it is also a vast wild wilderness. I want you to be able to play your heart out but also have a good idea of musical knowledge that can help you grow way beyond. I also incorporate various ideas to further learning as appropriate to what you are trying to accomplish including recording, video and use of backing tracks, as just a couple examples.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a variety of gear as needed to complement the lesson, the student should provide their own instrument. If you need help picking one out, I can do that. Getting the right instrument that you are comfortable with is important. There are lots of options out there and instruments have never been more affordable.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide all my own equipment, student should have at least a guitar

*** Specialties ***
I usually use a system based on my assessment of the student's goals and current ability. With the guitar, that will usually include reference to CAGED and some music theory although I don't usually call it that.

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.

ards concertos and sonatas.

For piano, I use Alfred's Piano Library; I have found that this route is a good blend of theory and ear training.

After 6 months, a student can expect to have learned several pieces, and hopefully be able to perform these at a recital.

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

f Music in Film Scoring. While at Berklee, I studied with some of the most acclaimed musicians in the country, studying jazz, arranging, contemporary composition, music production, songwriting and more. After graduating I moved to Los Angeles, where I worked on multiple feature films as a composer's assistant, copyist, music editor and music supervisor. After some time in LA, I decided to relocate to Portland and enroll in Berklee's online Masters Certificate in Music Business and Technology, which I completed in 2013.

Currently, I'm an active composer for film, Television and video games. Though you won't see me performing on stage as often, I'm very often performing and recording myself and other performers in my home studio!

Music can be a great hobby or a path to a fulfilling career - either way, it's a lot of fun!

*** Lesson Details ***
I teach students of all ages! I'm very easy-going, and I'm more than happy to teach what the students want to learn at their own pace - after all, we're here to learn and have FUN!
That being said, I do expect some level of practicing or studying. It's all part of the gig!

During our first lesson, we'll go over what the student's goals are and what styles of music the student is interested in. I use a combination of books, listening, and custom assignments tailored to the student's specific needs.

In the first 3-6 months:

Beginners can expect to have basic knowledge of the instrument and technique, and begin looking at songs incorporate techniques addressed in our lessons.

Intermediate students can expect to address any problematic areas in their technique and begin looking at stretching their understanding of theory and technique into new areas.

I now offer optional lesson "report cards" to students and parents who would like to see how our lessons are progressing!

*** Studio Equipment ***
In-Studio lessons take place in a home studio office, complete with full size electric piano, recording equipment and plenty of room for parents to sit in on the lessons! Parking is plentiful for most of the day.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect students to have their own instrument and copy of lesson material including notes and books. I can provide lesson material while students wait to purchase their own.

*** Specialties ***
Basic to Intermediate Piano.
Advanced Music Theory and Orchestration.
Genres include Contemporary Styles (Pop, Blues, Country, Funk, Rock) Jazz, and Classical

up the guitar, instead of memorizing a bunch of stuff that "all musicians need to know".
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If you've already gotten this far, you probably have a pretty strong interest in playing - and thats all you need to be a great musician.

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