Troutdale Music Lessons

with patience and persistence, if you do the work, there will be results that can be measured, and you will achieve success!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I provide an amplifier for guitar and bass students, and have a piano for piano students.

*** Specialties ***
Having played many styles over the years, I am able to play in most of the popular forms. All music is based on the same fundamental things. It's how they are used that defines a given style.

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).

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.

al musician doing corporate events and weddings, music educators, composers, just to name a few, along with many other past students that she loves to keep in touch with from over the years.

Just as her teachers instilled in her, Emily works with her piano students intensely with technique while at the same time teaching them to believe in themselves and to let emotions show in the music as it is played. Classical music interpretation skills and musical tone are an important aspect of her teaching style.

Whether a little child having fun at the piano, a group music class, a teenager that performs with a Youth Symphony, a student auditioning for a scholarship, a student preparing to be a College Music Major or an Adult Beginner, Emily is an amazing treasure to be found.

Emily comes from a large entertainment family who she has collaborated with over the years, including an Uncle who was in Frank Sinatra's Orchestra, another Uncle who was the voice of Fred Flinstone, Opera singers, Movie Director, Symphony Orchestra musician, actors and actresses, dancers and choreographers, composers, and even a silent film actress. Her grandmother gave up singing Opera at the Met to have a family because in those days you did not do both, you had to choose. Her own Mother performed Debussy, Beethoven, Scarlotti and much more on the piano. It is no wonder that Emily is "The go-to music educator and piano teacher with a reputation for her own playing and for producing outstanding piano students". Former Music Faculty at Living Preschool.