Private Teachers
The following list of Eugene Symphony musicians offer private lessons through their individual studios. Please contact them directly if you are interested in learning more!
Benefits of Private Lessons:
Private lessons provide focused, customized instruction from a professional Eugene Symphony musician. These music education opportunities allow students to not only receive tailored, concentrated feedback and learn at their own pace, but also achieve personal goals (from nailing an audition piece to preparing for a solo performance), building skills consistently over time. Lessons expose young musicians to a role model, one who demonstrates a professional sound on their instrument, and can show students what a future career in music could be. Additionally, studies have shown that individualized music classes can positively impact student confidence, self-esteem, and overall school performance.
Strings
Lisa F McWhorter, Assistant Concertmaster
lisafmcwhorter@gmail.com
541-221-4670
Studio Location: Eugene, Online lessons available
Teaches: Violin (Ages 3+, all skill levels)
Specializes in: Classical violin instruction (standard repertoire and Suzuki method) and String and mixed chamber music coaching. I welcome interest in all repertoire: fiddle, popular tunes, non-traditional pieces as well.
I have been teaching violin for over 20 years and maintain an active teaching studio in Eugene and online. I love teaching students of all ages and abilities and connecting with them on a personal level to support lifelong learning. I hope to meet the needs of each student and aim to help students accomplish their own goals on the violin. To help make beautiful music, we work on fundamentals, improving technique, and understanding phrasing and musicality. As a certified yoga teacher, I see the vital importance of addressing the physical body and posture, as well. I also hope to help foster finding more patience, determination and flow through mindful practice, and exploring how the brain and body learn in a positive atmosphere.
Yvonne Hsueh, Violin I
hsuehy519@gmail.com
Studio Website
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Violin, Piano (All skill levels)
Specializes in: Suzuki and traditional
I teach and coach the violin like a sports coach with a kinesthetic approach to movement and development.
Sophie Therrell, Violin I
therrellsophie54@gmail.com
541-222-0132
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Violin (All ages and skill levels)
Specializes in: Suzuki violin and viola, Fiddle, and Chamber coaching
I have been teaching privately for over twenty five years and really enjoy making music with my students. I am equally experienced teaching young beginners, older advanced kids and adult beginners. My emphasis is on finding a balance between technique and repertoire and most importantly learning to play without tension, but with confidence and strength.
Jamie Chimchirian, Violin I
poppyviolinstudio@gmail.com
484-643-3119
Studio Website
Studio Location: Portland
Teaches: Violin (All skill levels), Viola (Beginner only)
Specializes in: Suzuki method, Traditional method, Chamber music coaching
As countless studies can attest, many wonderful benefits accompany music education. Perhaps the most profound benefit that I often see in my students is a fundamental understanding of problem solving and the learning process. Presented with the challenge of learning a new piece of music, many students quickly come to learn the importance of consistency and perseverance when working towards a new goal. Students also learn to be more self aware, both mentally and physically, as great focus is required to be able to master new technical skills. And, of course, playing an instrument deepens musical appreciation and fulfills our human ability to be naturally creative and artistic beings!
Alwyn Wright, Violin I
alwynwright@yahoo.com
818-761-2627
Studio Website
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Violin (All ages and skill levels), Piano (beginning)
Specializes in: Suzuki and Traditional
I have been teaching violin, viola and piano for 30 years. In September of 2020 I became the first American Yamaha Violin Course Consultant and I am currently training teachers all over the United States how to teach the Yamaha Violin Method. I moved to Eugene in June of 2019 and started the Wright Davies Community Music School, a place where anyone at any age at any level can come to have a fun and enriching musical experience. I tailor my method to each student's needs and preferences, with emphasis on finding the type of music that motivates that particular student.
Julia Frantz, Assistant Principal Violin II
juliamfrantz@gmail.com
541-556-7512
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Violin (All ages and skill levels)
Specializes in: Classical, fiddle, and bluegrass styles
I maintain a private violin teaching studio of approximately 10-15 students of all ages. I strive to offer a positive, thoughtful and fun learning environment, open to all ages, experience levels, and musical interests. As both an orchestral musician and an avid fiddler, I appreciate many different genres of music and am comfortable teaching both classical violin and fiddle/bluegrass styles. Through personalized lessons focused on musical expression, the development of technical skills, and an appreciation of different musical styles and repertoire, my goal is to foster a love of music and learning in each of my students.
Claudia Miller, Violin II
cmiller@pacinfo.com
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Violin (Ages 5+)
Everyone learns differently, and in private lessons we have the opportunity to identify ways of effectively reaching each student. I love helping my students learn to play violin, and try to find joy and satisfaction at every lesson.
Alice Blankenship, Violin II
alice2violini@gmail.com
541-302-9587
Studio Website
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Violin (Ages 8+, all skill levels)
Specializes in: I teach classical violin lessons, sprinkled with folk music, and the option to add students' favorite genres and tunes to their violin study.
The violin repertoire is vast and wonderful, and can be explored for a lifetime! To that end, I give serious attention to healthy posture, body mechanics, technique, and happy practice habits, so that students can play violin for life!
Virginia Kaiser, Violin II
kaiserkreations@msn.com
541-556-4344
Studio Location: Springfield
Teaches: Violin and Cello
Jannie Wei, Violin II
janniewei@hotmail.com
Studio Website
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Violin (Beginner to Advanced)
Specializes in: Suzuki method, Traditional and chamber coaching
Everyone has a different way of learning and as a teacher, it is important to be observant and flexible to our student’s needs.
Shauna Keyes, Viola
shaunak@teleport.com
503-997-5279
Studio Location: Portland
Teaches:
Viola (Beginner to advanced)
Violin (Beginner to intermediate)
I believe that music should bring joy to the student. It is hard work but rewarding. I have 30 years of teaching experience and love the process and results of the hard work.
Anne Ridlington, Principal Cello
anneridlington@hotmail.com
541-908-5527
Studio Location: Corvallis
Teaches: Cello (All ages and skill levels)
Eric Alterman, Assistant Principal Cello
esalterman@gmail.com
541-632-6938
Studio Website
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Cello
I seek to find a special approach for each student that sparks joy and motivation, and allows them to discover their intuitive musicality. I have over 10 years of experience teaching children and adults.
Dale Bradley, Cello
dalebradleycello@yahoo.com
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Cello
Specializes in: String chamber music coaching
Ann Grabe, Cello
acello@peak.org
541-758-0638
Studio Location: Corvallis
Teaches: Cello (Ages 5+)
Specializes in: I teach the Suzuki Method for the younger students, and traditional lessons for adults
Kathryn Brunhaver, Cello
klbrunhaver@gmail.com
425-466-8724
Studio Website
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Cello (All ages and skill levels)
Specializes in: Suzuki method (registered in all 10 books), Music theory, and Improvisation
I have 15 years of teaching experience with students between the ages of 4 and 70+. I strive for a balance of consistency and flexibility in my teaching in that certain core concepts are universal, while others are very personal to the specific student. While I aim to teach all of my cello students a well-rounded set of skills, I allow each student’s individuality to guide our path in achieving those skills. Above all, I want my students to feel capable, motivated, and supported in their unique journeys as musicians.
Winds
Jill Pauls, 3rd Flute/Piccolo
paulsrj@gmail.com
541-990-0418
Studio Location: Corvallis & Online
Teaches: Flute (All ages and skill levels)
Cheryl Wefler, 2nd Oboe
cascadeoboereeds@msn.com
541-517-7488
Studio Website
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Oboe, Oboe d'amore (High School-Adult)
Specializes in: Student driven lessons, reed making
Annalisa Morton, 3rd Oboe/English Horn
annalisaqmorton@gmail.com
541-485-9425
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Oboe (Ages 12+)
Specializes in: Reed-making, Private lessons, Chamber music coaching sessions
Inner Motivation is essential to one’s progress. Adopting a positive, problem-solving mindset is also key as is mindful practice and listening to great oboists on a regular basis.
Ben Greanya, Principal Bassoon
bengreanya@gmail.com
Studio Website
Teaches: Bassoon (All ages and skill levels)
Specializes in: Bassoon instruction, chamber music coaching, reed making, basic music theory
Sharing the things I’ve learned is one of the great joys I’ve found in music and in life. My emphasis in teaching is on cultivating good habits. By that, I mean using time efficiently, making sure to build on success and not frustration, and organizing music into small, achievable parts. We each learn in unique ways and discovering what works best for you is key to unlocking your capabilities on the bassoon and in music.
Steve Vacchi, 3rd/Contrabassoon
vacchi@uoregon.edu
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Bassoon
Specializes in: Classical
Isaac Beu, 2nd/E-Flat Clarinet
isaac.beu@gmail.com
512-968-2662
Studio Website
Teaches: Clarinet (All ages and skill levels)
Thanks to my own pedagogical background, I am a very passionate and enthusiastic educator. My former studio in Texas included 3 All-State musicians. I am comfortable teaching students of all ages and abilities.
Brass
Jonathan Kuhns-Obana, Assistant Horn
jkuhnsobana@gmail.com
972-213-2176
Studio Location: Eugene/Springfield
Teaches: French Horn (Middle school and older)
Lydia Van Dreel, 3rd Horn
vandreel@uoregon.edu
Studio Website
Teaches: French Horn
Scott King, 4th Horn
king4142@gmail.com
541-514-3563
Studio Website
Studio Location: Online (Zoom)
Teaches: French Horn (All ages and skill levels)
Sarah Viens, Principal Trumpet
sarahviens@gmail.com
541-521-9697
Studio Website
Studio Location: Eugene (University of Oregon)
Teaches: Trumpet (All ages and skill levels)
With a personal interest in psychology and social dynamics, Sarah
possesses a unique ability to establish a strong rapport and high
success rate with her students. She ensures to meet every student where
they are at, and operates from the perspective that every person has a
unique path to their greatest potential. It is Sarah’s goal to assist in
uncovering her students’ unique paths, to confirm their strengths, and
to build confidence in order to illuminate the areas that require
improvement. This approach complements with any personality type or
learning style and ensures all students are served fairly,
appropriately, and respectfully. She provides honesty about the music
industry, and the amount of work required to succeed, honesty in the
feedback given, and provides a rigorous course of study catered to each
individual.
Dave Bender, 2nd Trumpet
snowdada1@gmail.com
541-525-1259
Studio Location: Zoom (Online)
Teaches: Trumpets in C, Bb, D, and Eb, FlugelhornBaroque (natural), trumpet (Cornet) - All ages and skill levels
Trumpets are fun to play. There is nothing like making a sound on a
trumpet, playing in the infinite realm of good vibrations. Trumpet is a
singer’s instrument; it is all imagination, melody, breathing, and
beauty. The art of music is the art of listening. At turns, leading and
following, music is an expressive conversation and negotiation between
oneself and other musicians. It is the language of love, and anyone can
learn to speak it. Learn to make music and you will always have purpose,
meaning, and satisfaction through the joys of creating in this most
perfect art form. It is truly limitless.
Carson Keeble, 2nd Trombone
carsonkeeble@gmail.com
Studio Location: Online (Zoom) / Springfield, OR
Teaches: Trombone (Middle school and older)
Specializes in: Chamber music coaching
There are few things I find more rewarding than working with young, motivated musicians who are excited to improve. I’ve been teaching students middle school and older for 20 years, and currently teach at Oregon State University and Willamette University as well as maintain a private lesson studio. My basic teaching philosophy is two-fold. First, I strive to relieve all unnecessary tension. Creating one’s most beautiful sound and highest level of technical proficiency can only occur when the body and mind are relaxed and centered. Secondly, I strive to help students tap their inner expressive selves. Music has a unique capacity to allow us to discover emotions and expression that we may not even know exist within us. This manifests itself differently in everyone, and I believe a teacher has a responsibility to help students discover their own version of expression.
Percussion
Ian Kerr, Principal Timpani
ian.kerr.percussion@gmail.com
Teaches: Percussion/Timpani
Jane Allen, Principal Harp
jallenarpa@comcast.net
Studio Location: Eugene
Teaches: Harp, pedal and lever (All ages and skill levels)
I have taught students ranging in ages from 5 to 75, whose goals have ranged from learning a few simple melodies for fun, to professional aspirations. I teach traditional classical harp music, pop or folk/Celtic style music, and (or) improvisational skills for therapeutic playing. I also write/arrange/transcribe music for solo harp and harp ensemble.