Hi, I’m Norman

I have over 15 years of experience teaching , banjo, and ukulele. Since 2003, I’ve taught at several music schools in Portland, Oregon. Today I have my own studio where I focus on teaching beginning adults and kids ages 5 and up.

Before I taught music lessons, I was an elementary and high school teacher. My college degree is in education. I specialized in helping students who were struggling to keep up in their studies. With personalized instruction, I helped them become more successful in the classroom. This often involved finding out what was holding them back. And then, developing a plan on how they could best achieve success. In a way, it’s not unlike what I do today.

Music growing up

My introduction to music came from my parents. Dad taught classical guitar at a university. Mom was an excellent pianist and organist. I took part in my dad’s classes for younger students. He was an excellent teacher and I have many fond memories.

I’ve also had excellent teachers as an adult. Rene Berblinger has been a mentor of mine for many years. Through him, I learned a lot about classical guitar, clawhammer banjo and music in general.

Teaching

When I first started teaching music lessons, it was natural for me to focus on teaching children. I was surprised, though, by the lack of quality teaching materials for young learners. I did quite a bit of research and ended up putting my own materials together. That process has been refined over the years and the result is a step-by-step method that’s a favourite for both kids and parents.

Teaching

When I first started teaching music lessons, it was natural for me to focus on teaching children. I was surprised, though, by the lack of quality teaching materials for young learners. I did quite a bit of research and ended up putting my own materials together. That process has been refined over the years and the result is a step-by-step method that’s a favourite for both kids and parents.

Teaching

When I first started teaching music lessons, it was natural for me to focus on teaching children. I was surprised, though, by the lack of quality teaching materials for young learners. I did quite a bit of research and ended up putting my own materials together. That process has been refined over the years and the result is a step-by-step method that’s a favourite for both kids and parents.

Teaching

When I first started teaching music lessons, it was natural for me to focus on teaching children. I was surprised, though, by the lack of quality teaching materials for young learners. I did quite a bit of research and ended up putting my own materials together. That process has been refined over the years and the result is a step-by-step method that’s a favourite for both kids and parents.