Guitar Lessons Portland Oregon
Despite his years of classroom experience, Eli advocates a more "tailored" approach to private guitar lessons. Eli teaches universal fundamentals any musician should know to get the most out of his or her music while helping the student avoid common pitfalls and bad habits that can hinder more advanced guitar playing in the future. The course of study revolves around the style and song repertoire that the student expresses interest in. Eli likes to have students bring in their own favorite CDs to the first lesson so he can get an idea of what inspires each person before their lessons even begin. This also helps him answer important gear questions like: "should I start on electric or acoustic guitar?" and "how do players in various styles achieve their sound on records?". Often students start out satiating their curiosity about styles they listened to before playing guitar and then become inspired to discover new territory and styles they never dreamed of listening to or playing before. Some guitar students become curious about finger picking if they previously used a pick, or reading music if they previously played by ear.
Eli's experience with younger guitar students
has given him ideal preparation to keep their guitar lessons productive yet engaging and fun. "I've literally watched some of them go from grade school to graduation, from tuning the guitar to playing in Portland bands and even going on to study music in high school and college!" he exclaims, "Kids have so many of the 'right' musical instincts without being told, things we adults sometimes forget."
Eli's performances In Portland and throughout the northwest range from modern to traditional jazz in recent years, but he has played a variety of styles in the past, and is at home teaching Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, Funk/R'n'B, Country, or whatever combination your musical tastes lean towards, acoustic or electric, pick or finger style. On this topic, Eli elaborates: "Musical genres are just labels. The most important thing is being an avid listener, and knowing your own tastes, what you like and what you don't like. We can do the rest together from there."
To contact Eli about guitar lessons or just ask a question, feel free to contact him via email at or by phone at 503-284-3900