music by val blaha
Practice tips
Does a piece of music seem overwhelming?
Breaking it up into measures or phrases while practicing can help. Focus on one line of music, and take the line apart and practice each measure and/or phrase separately. In addition, practicing with one hand at a time (if you are studying piano) can also help.
Be patient with yourself and go slow enough so that you play every note correctly every time... with slow, consistent repetition, you will learn the music!
Music Instruction
I teach piano and guitar in downtown Hillsboro and downtown McMinnville. Lessons are held year round, but I tend to have more openings for new students in September, January, and throughout the summer. My teaching schedule fills up quickly, so if you are interested in lessons starting within the next 6 months, contact me for lesson time availability or to get on my waiting list. I currently have about 30 students on my roster.
All lessons are individual, although parents are welcome to sit in on their children's lessons if they wish.
I'm also available for teaching small guitar classes. If you have a group of friends or family members who would like to learn guitar together, this may be a good option for you. Feel free to contact me for more information about starting a class.
teaching philosophy
I believe that music is an integral part of life, and I believe that love and appreciation for music can be deepened by a good learning experience. The discipline and skills learned from the study of music can also help students excel in other areas of life.
I work with students from age 6 on up, and enjoy working with adults students at all experience levels. I've found a great deal of difference in how various students learn best and so I use a variety of method books and teaching approaches. I do focus on learning how to read music right from the start as I believe that a solid foundation of reading and music theory enables students to get more from their study. I also focus on practice techniques so that students learn how to learn.
As a teacher I try to be nurturing while still seeking excellence from my students. I balance constructive critiques with praise for each student's work, and I try to make the lessons enjoyable for everyone involved.
piano lessons
I teach all levels of piano from beginners to advanced. Note identification and music reading is taught from the start, as is basic rhythmic understanding. I also focus on development of proper technique and the artistry of playing piano music.
guitar lessons
I teach primarily beginning folk/rock/country guitar. I introduce basic first position chords and a variety of picking and strumming techniques. I also teach beginning music reading and students learn how to pick out some tunes, and how to find the starting pitch of songs if they wish to sing along while playing.
additional info
I hold a couple of recitals a year for my students so that they can demonstrate their progress before their family and friends.
If you are interested in finding out more information or scheduling a trial lesson, please email me at music at valblahadotcom or contact me by phone at 971 237 7576.