Starfish Studios - Portland Private Music Lessons

Great Drum Lesson

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:50:57 +0000

Posted By J. Brody

I just wanted to say thanks Yascha for working with my son. He learned more in his first drum lesson with you than he did in three months at the Rock School. Its so nice to find someone who really connects with the students and lets them learn their favorite songs in addition to all of the fundamentals.
Keep up the good work!

Breath of Fresh Air – Making Music Fun Again

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:43:27 +0000

Posted by J. Davis

Marilee Hord is the perfect breath of fresh air that makes music fun
again. When I began looking for a teacher, I felt passionately about
my need to find a person like her. My Grandpa used to make and repair
fiddles, and I had just received the last one he ever made. I also
wanted to learn some of the music I’d grown up hearing. Grandpa used
to play bluegrass with the other men folk, after they took the women
out square dancing. These were my first memories of ever hearing live
music. So, I needed someone who held the instrument with the same
magical attachment that I did. I found that in Marilee. Even better, I
asked her to help me explore the genres to find my musical voice.
Without batting an eye, she happily agreed. Marilee’s style is
completely collaborative. Thus, we’ve hopscotched through genres
like folk, bluegrass, Irish, and classical. All the while, Marilee
sneaks in the technical elements, so you learn it with a smile on your
face. She’s become my fellow explorer, mentor, and above
all—friend.
J. Davis

Steel Drum Music on Alberta!

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:38:44 +0000

Starfish Studios owner and teacher Yascha Noonberg will be performing on the steel pan with his group Calynco at the Alberta St Public house on Saturday 1/16 from 7pm-8:45pm.
Calynco blends the rhythms of Afro-Cuban and Flamenco music with the melodic styles of calypso and the steel drum.
This performance is 21-and over.
Check out Calynco online!

Recital DVDs / Pics Now Available!

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:40:11 +0000

Our Summer recital was a big success. There were over 40 acts performing to a crowd of almost 150 supportive music lovers.
We had the event recorded both in video and stills.
Click here to view / order prints from the recital.
DVDs of the recital are available to purchase at the studio for $10.
We have a special deal going right now that includes a t-shirt and a DVD for $20.

We’ll be there learning as long as you keep teaching!

admin — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:18:25 +0000

Posted by L.Shafer

You have no idea of the appreciation my husband and I have that you exist in our son’s life! If you can picture him practicing hours a day at age 9 and learning how to play Led Zeppelin, surpassing all of his fellow students, playing in a band at morning assemblys and then moving to a new town where no one plays and almost giving guitar up with all of that talent going to waste, maybe you can imagine how happy we are to have found you! We don’t care that we drive a total of 3 hours a week to get to you either! You are very reasonably priced for what you offer.

Someday, when you are a parent you will know the difference between ordinary teachers and great ones who inspire and truly care…you fall into the later category and we’ll be there learning as long as you keep teaching.

-L.S

Starfish Studios Offers Big Discounts

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:39:14 +0000

Starfish Studios has teamed up with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oregon to offer lesson and class discounts to all brothers and sisters as well as volunteers who participate in this great program.
As a participating big brother, teacher Yascha Noonberg has seen first hand the positive impact this program makes on peoples lives.

Starfish Studios Summer Recital

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:55:44 +0000

The recital will feature performances by individuals and groups and will take place at 1pm at the Airplay Cafe on E Burnside.

Youth Rock Band

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:51:12 +0000

Students learn their favorite songs with the group in addition to writing and recording original music. The group performs at all Starfish Studios events.

New students are always welcome! Call 503-231-4930 to sign up for this workshop.

Great Workshop!

admin — Thu, 28 May 2009 23:30:21 +0000

Hello, Yascha — just wanted to say thanks for putting together this weekly jazz workshop. We are learning SO much and I am enjoying myself tremendously. I think I’ve learned more in the last 2 months than what I was struggling with in the past 2 years. Looking forward to expanding our repertoire of songs and playing some gigs! I feel more enthusiastic about music than I ever have before. Thanks for all your patience in working with us. -K.B.

Wonderful Fiddle Teacher!

admin — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:30:48 +0000

Posted by CBFiddler

I’ve been taking fiddle lessons from Marilee Hord for many years and I feel that I’ve improved under her guidance. She gives helpful, insightful criticism in a non-judgmental way that helps me focus on how a passage should sound, and how to get that sound out, but never gives false praise. She knows her stuff! She likes taking on a variety of styles and enjoys students who challenge her musical abilities. If you are an adult who has always longed to play fiddle, Marilee would be a good teacher for you. I guarantee that you’ll learn and have fun doing it.