🎸 Guitar Lessons
Guitar is my primary instrument, and I love helping students build the skills to make it their own. In our lessons, I provide a clear and structured path to success, tailored to your personal goals while ensuring steady progress.
We’ll work from one of two core methods:
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Hal Leonard Guitar Method
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Berklee Modern Method for Guitar
Both focus on reading standard music notation and developing strong fundamentals. I break down each concept into small, manageable steps so you’ll not only learn how to play but also fully understand why it works.
From there, we’ll take the skills you’ve built and apply them to the songs and genres you love — so lessons stay practical, fun, and motivating.
At what age should I start guitar? The short answer: you can start learning at any age! I’ve taught students as young as seven, but I generally recommend starting around age 10. By this age, most children are tall enough to hold the instrument comfortably and are ready for the commitment that learning requires.
Acoustic or electric? Many parents think their child should “start on an acoustic and earn an electric later.” The problem is, acoustic guitars often have thick strings that are difficult to press down — even for adults. If the instrument feels uncomfortable, kids can lose interest quickly. That’s why I encourage families to start with the guitar a student is most excited about. Electric guitars come in a variety of sizes, making it easier to find a comfortable fit, and kids are often inspired by what they see in music videos and performances. When students love their instrument, they’re more motivated to stick with it.
Is it ever too late to learn? Absolutely not! I’ve taught several adult students, and many find it to be a rewarding and fun new skill. No matter your age, it’s never too late to start playing guitar.
Ukulele lessons
🎶 Ukulele Lessons
The ukulele is one of the most accessible and beginner-friendly instruments out there — perfect for kids, but enjoyable for all ages. With just a few simple chords, you can start playing songs right away, which makes it a fantastic instrument for building confidence and sparking a love of music.
In our lessons, students will learn:
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How to hold and strum the ukulele properly
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Basic chords and chord progressions
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Reading chord charts and simple notation
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Playing fun songs from day one
Because the ukulele is lightweight and has softer nylon strings, it’s much easier on young hands than other stringed instruments. It’s also affordable, making it a great entry point for families who want to introduce music without a big upfront investment.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add a second instrument, ukulele lessons are a fun and rewarding way to grow your musical skills.
What’s the difference between ukulele and guitar? While both instruments share similar playing techniques, the ukulele is smaller, has four strings instead of six, and uses nylon strings that are softer on the fingers. The tuning is higher and brighter, which gives it that cheerful, island-style sound. Because it’s smaller and easier to handle, it’s an excellent starting point for younger students or anyone new to stringed instruments.
What age can a child learn ukulele? The ukulele is one of the best instruments for young beginners — as soon as a child can comfortably hold it, they can start learning! I’ve worked with students as young as five and six years old. Its small size and soft strings make it a perfect entry point for children who are still developing coordination and finger strength.
How does the ukulele transfer over to guitar? Learning ukulele builds many of the same skills and concepts used on guitar — chord shapes, rhythm, strumming, and note reading. Once a student feels confident on ukulele, transitioning to guitar becomes much smoother. Many of my guitar students actually start on ukulele first to develop their foundation before moving on to six strings.
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One of the ukulele groups I taught at GIS
🎺 Brass Instruments
(Euphonium · Trombone · Trumpet)
As a lifelong brass player, these are the instruments I know best. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advancing high school musician, my goal is to help you build a strong foundation in tone, technique, and musical confidence.
In our brass lessons, students will learn:
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Proper embouchure and breathing techniques
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Reading music notation and understanding rhythm
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Developing tone quality and range
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Slide and valve coordination exercises
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Building confidence through solo and ensemble repertoire
I tailor lessons to meet each student’s experience level — from those just beginning in middle school band to advanced high school players preparing for concerts or auditions. My focus is on creating well-rounded brass musicians who play with both precision and expression.
Trombone
Trumpet
Euphonium
A photo from a solo I performed when I was student at the University of Oregon
Euphonium: The euphonium is often called the “cello of the band” because of its rich, warm tone. It looks similar to a small tuba but plays in a higher range and uses the same fingerings as a trumpet. Euphonium players learn to blend melody and harmony — it’s an incredibly expressive instrument that teaches breath control, phrasing, and tone focus. It’s also a great choice for students who want to play in concert bands, marching bands, or even brass ensembles. Fun fact: Euphonium players often double on trombone or tuba later on, since the mouthpiece and range are closely related.
Trumpet lessons
Jon - A students from Hilsboro I taught trumpet!
Trumpet: The trumpet is bright, bold, and one of the most recognizable instruments in any band or ensemble. It’s a great choice for students who love being in the spotlight and enjoy music with strong melody lines. Trumpet lessons focus on embouchure strength, breathing technique, articulation, and range building. It’s also one of the best instruments for teaching rhythm and coordination early on. Fun fact: The trumpet has the same fingerings as euphonium — meaning trumpet players can easily transition to larger brass instruments later on!
One of my GIS trombone students
Trombone lessons
Trombone: The trombone is one of the most unique brass instruments — instead of valves, it uses a slide to change notes. This gives it an unmistakable sound and makes it a fun, hands-on instrument to learn. Trombone lessons focus on ear training, slide accuracy, and tone development. Students learn to listen closely and match pitch as they move through positions. The trombone’s rang
Woodwind Instruments
🎷 Woodwind Instruments
(Flute · Clarinet · Alto Saxophone)
Woodwinds bring color and character to any band or ensemble. While these aren’t my primary instruments, I have years of experience helping middle school students (grades 5–8) build strong fundamentals and confidence on flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone.
Lessons focus on:
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Producing a clear, consistent tone
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Developing proper embouchure and breath control
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Reading music and understanding rhythm
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Learning key fingerings and articulation
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Building comfort and confidence in school band settings
My goal is to make learning these instruments fun and achievable, especially for beginners who are just getting started. Whether it’s mastering the basics or preparing for band performances, students will leave each lesson feeling more comfortable and confident on their instrument.
Flute:
The flute is light, expressive, and full of character. It’s often one of the first instruments young students are drawn to because of its graceful tone. Flute lessons focus on posture, breath control, and embouchure development to create a clear, beautiful sound.
Alto Saxophone:
The alto saxophone has a warm yet bold voice that fits in anywhere — concert band, jazz, or solo performance. Lessons focus on air support, fingering technique, and expressive playing. The saxophone’s key system also makes it one of the most adaptable woodwinds for learning other instruments later on.
Clarinet:
has a rich, smooth tone that blends beautifully in ensembles. It’s an ideal instrument for students who want to play both classical and jazz music. Lessons emphasize proper hand position, articulation, and tone consistency.
