Qualified instructor helping you discover a love for music through engaging and educational piano lessons

General Info

I first discovered my love for teaching music in my teens when I began teaching in my hometown of Langlois on the beautiful southern Oregon coast. Throughout high school, I accompanied and co-directed the Pacific High School chorus, accompanied weekly for Langlois Community Church, and performed for countless weddings and special events. I also performed regularly in retirement communities in both Oregon (Heritage Place, Bandon; Cherry Wood Village, Portland) and Florida (The Mayflower, Winter Park). I attended and performed for several piano workshops taught by Dr. Alexander Tutunov (Professor of Music, Southern Oregon University), and competed annually in the Oregon Junior Bach Festival, placing 1st and 2nd in the Roseburg District competitions in 2007, 2008, and 2009, and moving on to compete in the Regional competitions in Eugene, OR, all three years. In 2010, I was honored as Featured Soloist for the Mildred Hill Concert Series (Port Orford, Oregon) and completed the Tenth and final level of the Syllabus program with the Oregon Music Teachers Association just before accepting a scholarship to pursue my Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington. During my time in Seattle, I studied classical piano with Dr. Peter Mack and early music harpsichord with Jillon Stoppels Dupree. Aside from my studies, I volunteered weekly with the Seattle Music Partners as a piano instructor to underprivileged elementary students; worked for Cornish College of the Arts as a music tutor for the students' Theory, Ear Training, Piano, and Rhythm courses; performed regularly as an accompanist and soloist both at college events and paid events throughout Seattle; accompanied the classical voice students during their private lessons, performances, and competitions; and worked as a personal voice coach to the classical voice students. I also continued to advance my career as a private piano instructor in the Downtown Seattle area. Since moving to Portland, Oregon, in 2011, I have performed regularly as both soloist and accompanist (Beaverton High School, Trinity Academy, Peninsula Elementary School, Messiah Lutheran Church—Finland Independence Day concerts, Red Sea Church, Cherry Wood Village, Sound Ghost Studios). I currently teach in my private studio located in St. Johns (North Portland). As of Fall 2012, I have joined the teaching staff at Park Place Music and Theater Arts Academy in West Linn as Head Instructor for the Piano Department. I am also a certified TakeLessons.com instructor. In recent months I have explored music recording and created my first album featuring Schumann's "Scenes from Childhood" Op. 15.

Hours

Regular Hours

Mon - Sat:	8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sun:	1:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Category

Music Instruction-Instrumental

Services/Products

Are you looking for an experienced, qualified, dedicated instructor? Does your child need a teacher who can explain concepts clearly and communicate with a beginning student? I have taught over 60 students of all ages and musical backgrounds during my 8 years as a private instructor. I have had the pleasure of teaching enthusiastic 6-year-old students and a determined couple in their 80s. All are welcome! My teaching philosophy is to provide students with well-rounded lessons at age-appropriate levels through engaging, entertaining, and educational piano lessons. For each student, I create individualized lesson plans that incorporate a variety of lesson books and resources, rather than assigning a predetermined lesson book series. This way, the student enjoys a sense of challenge, achievement, and growth during each lesson. Younger, beginning students often start with a curriculum including two lesson books, a theory book, and flashcards. Much of the curriculum I choose for my students is based off the curriculum I used myself as a beginning student years ago--the materials are high-quality, easily understandable, and accessible to even the youngest of beginners. Once a student has progressed from the lesson books and is ready for more challenging material, I select original works, rather than simplified or abridged works. Students learn intermediate and advanced classical pieces, including works by composers such as Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Schumann, Debussy, Brahms, Chopin, Norman Dello Joio, Rodrigo, Clementi, Grieg, and more! The sky is the limit... Many students can reach this level of achievement after only one year of lessons. I specialize in Classical Repertoire (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century) but am also experienced in teaching standard pieces for community performances, weddings, Christmas pageants, and more. I incorporate lessons about theory, ear training, notation, vocabulary, repertoire, technique, and musicality throughout the lessons at age-appropriate levels as the student advances. Students of all ages and musical experiences are welcome! I am experienced in teaching young beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced conservatory students. It will be my pleasure to meet you and begin lessons together--my only requirement is a passion for music and an enthusiasm for learning!

Amenities

Private Studio located in "The Hub"--a building containing other offices and art-related private businesses, including Sound Ghost Recording Studios (an accessible tool for interested students). Private and quiet location, residential neighborhood, free street parking. Comfortable kitchen/lounge area for parents to wait for students during the lessons. Upright acoustic piano with matching bench, mirrors, bulletin board to update students on upcoming events & achievements, lesson books & other teaching materials. Grand piano available for concerts and recitals.

Associations

Certified Instructor, TakeLessons.com.Head Piano Instructor & Accompanist, Park Place Music and Theater Academy (West Linn, OR)Completed Oregon Music Teachers Association piano syllabus program.

Other Link

http://www.carterpiano.musicteachershelper.com