About Me

Hi, I'm Michael Blomenkamp, a licensed music teacher, band director, and multi-instrumentalist based in Hillsboro and Beaverton, Oregon.

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Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I studied euphonium and brass at the University of Oregon, where I earned my Bachelor of Music degree, before completing my Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at George Fox University. Through this process, I earned my Oregon Teaching License, which I have now held for nearly six years. As a licensed K–12 music educator, I meet the same professional standards and requirements as music teachers in Oregon's public schools.

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For nearly eight years, I've dedicated my career to teaching music in both public and private school settings throughout the Portland metro area. My teaching journey began at Hillsboro High School (Hilhi)—my alma mater—where I had the incredible opportunity to serve as the Assistant Band Director under my own former band director. Being able to begin my career by giving back to the program that first inspired me as a student remains one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

While completing graduate school, I also taught private lessons at Bach to Rock, where I became one of the studio's most sought-after instructors. There, I taught guitar, brass, and woodwind lessons while leading small ensemble classes for young musicians.

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I later became the music teacher at Farmington View Elementary, where I taught general music and directed the beginning band program. After that, I joined the German International School (GIS) as one of the founding members of its middle school program, where I had the opportunity to build the band program completely from the ground up. Throughout my career, I've directed ensembles, designed curriculum, and worked with students ranging from preschool through high school, along with a number of adult learners. I also continue to enjoy returning to GIS as a substitute teacher whenever the opportunity arises.

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One of the things I enjoy most about teaching is the opportunity to work with a wide variety of instruments. Guitar has been my primary instrument for many years, while my background as a brass player has given me extensive experience teaching euphonium, trombone, and trumpet. I also enjoy helping beginning woodwind players build strong fundamentals and confidence. No matter the instrument, I love helping students discover the confidence and enjoyment that come from making music.

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Alongside teaching, I've performed in marching bands, jazz ensembles, rock groups, pit orchestras, and a variety of other musical settings. Those experiences continue to shape my teaching by connecting strong fundamentals with real-world musicianship.

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Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time, preparing for school band, or returning to music as an adult, my lessons are built around patience, encouragement, and personal growth. Every student learns differently, and my goal is to help each person build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and, most importantly, enjoy making music.

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Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing guitar in pit orchestras, working on original music projects, and spending time with my wife, Kelley, and our dog, Daisy.

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Let's make music together!