Piano with Suzan G.

I started learning piano as a child, but it was in high school that I realized I really wanted to pursue playing keyboards, because it allowed me a way to express myself. I was hooked. Later on I attended Mt. Hood Community College, played keyboards and sang in choirs and vocal jazz. After graduating on the President's List with an Associates Degree in Special Studies Music, I directed the college Gospel Ensemble for two years before working full-time at a large local church, where I was a Music Director, Worship Leader, and keyboard player. In addition to vocal and keyboard work, I enjoyed directing large and small choirs and ensembles, band directing, orchestra conducting, and arranging many styles of music. It is exciting to experience what can happen when people work together musically--the whole becomes even greater than the sum of 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).