Piano lessons in North Portland

A good relationship comes first; progress follows.

The most important part of private lessons is my relationship with each student, regardless of their ability level. I put a lot of emphasis on cultivating a positive relationship and atmosphere for learning. Music lessons aren't just about learning a particular piece or a concept, they build skills that apply to many areas of life.

• Teaching styleI tailor my lessons to each individual student's needs. For beginners I usually use either the Faber and Faber or Alfred method books which I like because they are progressive - skills are developed slowly in a way that is constantly expanding the student's abilities. For students with more experience I will recommend pieces that I think would suit them, as well as ask them to tell me what they would like to be learning. I have some students who do not use written music at all and we work either with chord charts or simply by rote. Every student has a different way of learning and I enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to best work with each individual.
• Weekly listening assignmentsStudents are exposed to a broad range of music that they might otherwise not hear. I also love getting listening homework from my students!
• Written homeworkMost lessons include some written music theory homework. Learning music theory enhances music reading and comprehension, and also deepens your understanding of how music works.
• Monthly scheduling and paymentEach month's lessons are confirmed in advance. Payment for the upcoming month is due at the first lesson of the month. Payments can be made by cash, check, or PayPal.
• 24 hours notice to cancel or rescheduleBy phone, text, or email, otherwise the full lesson fee is charged.

1. Since 1986
   Piano trainingStudied the Taubman approach with Robert Durso, co-founder and senior director of the Golandsky Institute, and with Golandsky faculty Edna Golandsky, John Bloomfield, and Deborah Cleaver.
2. 1993
   Oberlin Conservatory of MusicStudied trumpet performance with Byron Pearson.
3. 1997
   B.A. in Composition, Bard CollegeStudied with Joan Tower, Daron Hagen, and Richard Teitelbaum.
4. 2001
   M.F.A. in New Media Composition, California Institute of the ArtsStudied with Morton Subotnick, Mark Trayle, and Tom Erbe.

Aside from teaching private lessons in my studio, I have been on the faculty of the University of Westminster Summer School in London and Toni Morrison's Atelier program at Princeton University. I have also been a teaching assistant for music theory, ear training, and composition at Bard College and CalArts, and at the Golandsky Institute Summer Symposium. In Portland I have been on the teaching staff at Forte Music School and Hoffman Academy.

I have been composing, DJing, and performing live electronic music since 1999. My releases in both vinyl and digital formats have come out on a number of labels including Outside Recordings, Touchin' Bass, and Bot Records. I also mix and master recordings from my home studio.