Do you teach online lessons?
Yes! During the pandemic, this was my primary method of teaching and many students have chosen to remain in the online format. Lessons can be done through Zoom, FaceTime, or whatever on-line video conferencing tool you choose.
Where are lessons taught?
All lessons are taught in the students' homes. Any type of piano or keyboard is fine. However if purchasing a keyboard, my primary recommendations are for it to have weighted keys, and ideally 88 keys.
What ages do you teach?
I teach all ages from 3 to 103. With very early beginners, lessons are usually closer to 15 minutes. I usually say that depending on the level of enthusiasm, anywhere from age 5 to 7 is an ideal time to start lessons. Keep in mind that literary proficiency is beneficial, but not necessary in getting a child started and playing.
What levels do you teach?
I teach beginners through advanced. Maybe you played as a kid and haven't touched it in years? Reconnections are my specialty.
How much do lessons cost?
Lessons are $35 for a half-hour lesson, $45 for a 45-minute lesson, and $55 for an hour lesson. There is also a driving fee for each lesson that can range from $5 to $25 depending on your home's distance from Northeast Portland. Lesson payments can be made via cash, check, or any of the digital transfer apps, and can be paid on the schedule of your choosing: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Advance payments are accepted but not required. FIRST LESSON IS FREE!
Are there any additional costs?
The only additional costs are for lesson books. I do my best to not weigh students down with unnecessary material, so there's usually only one or two new books a year. Most cost $7.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require a 24-hour notice for all cancellations that are non-illness related. There are usually options and openings for rescheduling during the week, so don't hesitate to ask.
Do you host recitals?
Yes. Twice a year, piano recitals are held in a hall somewhere within Portland. Participation is highly encouraged, but never required.
Do you use a standardized curriculum?
For a skeletal framework, I use the Alfred Series of piano teaching. However, they offer a lot of books/material that are far too redundant and which I find better ways to present on my own. Most theory lessons and the like will be taught straight via teacher to student, so just a standard notebook is all that is required. All other material will be supplied by me in supplemental worksheets and/or books that will vary depending on the path the student and teacher decide to take. Lessons will include sight-reading, general and advanced theory, ear training, rhythm training, chord and scale work, improvisational work, compositional studies, technique practice, and any and all other musical tangents.
What kind of formalized training do you have?
I studied classical for 12 years, jazz and jazz improv for 5 years, and graduated from The University of Vermont with a Bachelor's of Art and Science degree focused on Music, Philosophy, and Religion.
How long have you lived in Portland?
I moved to Portland in 2011, and live in the Alberta Arts district with my wife Noelle, daughters Indigo and Soleil, and our turtles, Han, Solo. I grew up in Connecticut, but lived in Burlington, Vermont for 13 years prior to moving to Oregon.