Composition Lessons

I hope you are and your loved ones are safe and healthy during this difficult time.
 
As part of my commitment to slow the spread of COVID-19, I am now only teaching online lessons via Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom, or other video chatting services. Online lessons are highly effective for new and advanced students! This also means you can take lessons with me from any part of the world! 
 
During this challenging time, many of our outlets for community and expression are not available and many of the activities we look forward to have been postponed or cancelled. Developing your musical gifts is a wonderful way to nurture yourself, set and achieve new goals, write that "dream piece" you've always wanted to tackle, polish an old piece that needs a few tweaks, or write something for yourself or a friend to perform in a live streamed coronavirus concert. ​
Students will have the most success if they already have 2 or more years of experience in lessons on an instrument or voice and understand theory concepts such as note names, rhythm reading, and time signatures.  I also offer advanced coaching to emerging professionals on writing for the voice.  Contact Lisa for more information. My studio welcomes and affirms LGBT+ students.

Adult students meet monthly virtually in the Artists' Circle for community, discussion, and growth in the artist journey. 

My studio's mission is EMPOWERING MUSICAL ARTISTS

Why study with me? 
  • I offer a supportive, personalized teaching approach.
  • I empower my students to write their very best music in their most genuine, authentic artistic voice, regardless of musical style.
  • I am an experienced composer with commissions and performances by a variety of ensembles including Third Angle New Music, Access Contemporary Music, Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland, Coe College Symphony Orchestra, the Glass City Singers, Duward Ensemble, Delgani String Quartet, flutist Rose Bishop, and pianist Michael Kirkendoll.
  • I have extensive knowledge of instruments and voices, including standard and experimental techniques.
  • I am an accomplished performer of contemporary classical music with knowledge of notation needs for performers. 
  • I have a wide network of new music performers and composition professors at leading collegiate programs.
  • I am a highly educated teacher with a Masters of Music in Composition and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Voice Performance & Pedagogy. In addition, I trained at the Cortona Sessions for New Music in Italy and the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music in Boonville, California. 
  • My studio welcomes and affirms LGBT+ students.