Music Lessons From Laura Veirs

Now you too can learn to be a treasured troubadour of the Portland singer-songwriter ilk. Learn from one of the bespectacled best, right there in Oregon's 97211. Laura sent out this little note to her newsletter list (thanks fanboys and girls for sending 'em in, not like we aren't subscribed ourselves):

Guitar, Banjo and Songwriting Lessons
$50/hour
Alberta Arts District location
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What I Teach:
-- Guitar: country-blues, folk finger-style, rock, pop songs, music/chord theory, singing and playing at the same time
-- Banjo: clawhammer/old time songs with an emphasis on singing and playing
-- Songwriting

Teaching Philosophy:
Over ten years of teaching private lessons I've found that this method works: Listen, play and record.
Listen -- We listen to a recording of the song you want to learn.
Play -- With chords and/or tablature as a visual aid, you play through the song slowly.
Record -- I record the song slowly for you to play along with at home.

Each week I give specific homework for students.Songwriting students are encouraged to use "The Artist's Way" as a supplemental text.

Every few months we have "Star Parties" where all my students gather together to present the music they've been working on.These parties tend to freak out some students but ultimately give them a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.

I try to make lessons fun, engaging and challenging.

Caveat:
Since I'm a touring musician I am sometimes gone for weeks at a time.Adult students tend to adapt better to my schedule (kids need more consistency to keep up with their lessons).

Fun! And educational. If you're interested in studying with Ms. Veirs and are in the Portland area, email Clyde at yourheartbreaks@hotmail.com and he'll pass along your info. Cool opportunity (and perfect for gift giving season, eh?). Before you get cynical about her need for a cash infusion, just think about that price. $50/hour? That's cheap, right? Music teachers/students, let us know the going rates these days, but we remember paying $23 for our half-hour sessions with our guitar teachers and/or vocal coaches (both put to good use during Guitar Hero karaoke parties, naturally). For that price we'd rather study both with Laura.