As a teacher, I help students build a fire of creativity in their lives so they can light up the world.

I have taught students ages 10 to 75 to explore their musical imagination by combining lessons with composition, theory, and songwriting/production.

My studio offerings include private lessons on guitar, bass (upright & electric), piano and music production/composition. I also tutor for school-based music production/recording classes, and AP Music Theory.

In lessons, students learn to play everything from the Grateful Dead to Thelonious Monk, from Imagine Dragons to Giveon, from Beethoven to Queen.

My students have gone on to attend Jazz at Lincoln Center High School Jazz Academy and win scholarships to Berklee and Manhattan School of Music. To keep my students motivated and inspired for the long term, I create customized practice plans for each individual.

I've worked with Grammy award winning and Tony nominated, multi-platinum artists as a performer, teacher and consultant. I use all my professional experience in my teaching to ignite a passion for learning and music in my students.

How we will work together to boost your creativity:

1. Accessibility:
   You can study with me from anywhere in the world, so the stress and fatigue of travel is never an issue.

   I also teach out of my home studio in Portland, Oregon.

   
   

2. Custom Sheet Music and Backing Tracks:
   We choose music together that inspires you and sparks your curiosity and creativity. I arrange custom versions of songs tailored to your skill level, as needed.

   I also produce example tracks to demonstrate how to play a song, and practice tracks to guide weekly practice when appropriate.

   
   

3. Superb Communication:
   Each lesson includes an email summary that contains practice goals for the week, along with relevant sheet music/practice tracks. If you have a question, I’m just an email away.

   
   

4. Ease of Creativity:
   Working in Zoom, I give students remote access to Musescore, Garageband and Logic so you can have a hands-on experience in songwriting, composition, and production skills. These all boost creative imagination and curiosity.

   
   

5. Engagement and Focus:
   For younger students, musical games and learning tools are key. We’ll “play” at ear training, and basic music theory to keep younger students captivated and inspired.

   
   

Twice a year, I organize online recitals so you can celebrate your accomplishments. Students record and produce their own performances, analyzing their own work and the process of taking a song from start to finish.

To find out if we’re a good fit, schedule an introductory lesson below, so we can meet online, you can get a sense of how I teach and I can answer all of your questions.

 Students of mine have been accepted to the following programs:

Music Camps

Camp MSM

New England Music Camp

Aspire: Berklee 5 Week Summer Program (received scholarship)

Music Schools

LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

Lagond Music School (received scholarship)

Jazz at Lincoln Center High School Jazz Academy

Juilliard MAP Program

Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School

Colleges

Manhattan School of Music (received scholarship)

The New School (received scholarship)

Berklee College of Music (received scholarship)

University of Miami (received scholarship)

City College of New York

Testimonials

John is a talented musician and educator. My son learned advanced music theory and group playing skills with John for four years as part of the Contemporary Music Ensemble in John’s Homeschool Music Academy. John is flexible and delivers a comprehensive music education while responding to the needs of the group by working with students to explore their interests. My son loved playing with the ensemble every week.

John…provide[d] excellent learning opportunities via Zoom, especially in composition and ear training. I appreciate John’s dedication to his students."

Deborah — homeschooling mother of three (18, 21, 27)

John Gray taught me how to play jazz, music theory, and how to perform with a band. I had a fantastic experience playing with our band, Animals in the City. Loved rehearsing and performing in concerts with these guys! Playing with Animals in the City was like playing with a professional band. John taught us coordination, listening, and other vital elements when it comes to ensemble performing.

Jesse — former student

John Gray is the kind of teacher you will always remember and hope to find: engaging and supportive and above all, inspiring and encouraging.  My boy has grown so much as a musician with John’s guidance, and he remembers his time and experience with John as a highlight of his learning experience.  We should all be so lucky as to meet a teacher like John!

Ava — homeschooling mother

My Teaching Philosophy

The first thing I want to know is what inspires you. We’ll make a plan together based on what you’re interested in and where you want to go.

I expect through our work together that you will reach your full potential. I will be both kind and honest about your progress.

You’re going to make the best progress if you practice consistently.

We will gather twice yearly for online recitals, to celebrate your hard work.

Studying music teaches resilience as well as reward; Our work is all about fostering a positive mindset to help overcome obstacles in music and also in life.