11/26/08

Thoughtful, guided introductions to difficult concepts

by DBaxter

Our son has studied guitar with Mike Pardew for four years. Mike is a wonderful, fully trustworthy teacher. He provides thoughtful, guided introductions to difficult concepts, then carefully nurtures those ideas through practice. His calm demeanor is a bedrock for his students. He provides a foundation for them, not just as musicians, but as people living in a demanding society. Mike has helped our son choose gear, everything from guitars to amplifiers to picks. One of the most notable characteristics of his teaching is that Mike models what he?s asking of his students. He practices and rehearses, he performs, he works extremely hard?he is living the life of a professional musician. Mike has a terrific sense of humor which surfaces at precisely the right moments, often through a wry smile of understanding. In addition, the opportunities that come forward through Mike and Cadenza Academy are phenomenal. The most recent workshops with Ben Monder immediately come to mind. I can?t imagine a better teacher for our son.

11/08/08

Best music lessons in Portland

by torgazi

Both of my kids take music lessons at Cadenza Academy, and I could not be happier. They provide a high quality musical education, and pace it in a way that keeps my kids engaged. They also make lessons a lot of fun ? these are not the highly regimented, forced march lessons so many of us remember. The people at Cadenza are dynamic, and tailor lessons to suit the individual student?s learning style. My kids look forward to their lessons and recitals, and are both developing skills beyond my highest expectations.

• Pros: Flexibility, high quality, friendly, fun

11/07/08

Professional Music Experience

by robertdove

Our son has taken guitar lessons from Mike Pardew for 5 years. He and his brother Kevin started the Cadenza Academy off SE 21st & Clinton three years ago and I can tell you that your son or daughter will not find better instruction or a more professional atmosphere then at the Cadenza Academy. Our son not only has become a good guitar player but he's also gained self confidence and stage presence from performing at recitals and shows put on by Cadenza. I also believe he has learned commitment and focus from working with Mike and that has shown in his grades as well. I highly recommend Cadneza Academy for anyone who wants to learn to play an instrument in a very professional environment. Besides, you'll have a lot of fun to!!!

• Pros: Great Environment to Learn
• Cons: None

11/03/08

Best/Most Professional Music Studio in Portland

by nancyteskey

As a middle school band director, professional performer, college professor and parent, I send my students and my own son to Cadenza Academy to take lessons. Mike and Kevin Pardew (co-owners of the studio) are committed to running a studio where students can learn from professionals who have been there and are still out there doing their stuff. They teach students to think for themselves and push them to strive for excellence. I recommend Cadenza Academy to students of all levels and ages - they rock!

• Pros: professional performers as teachers, amazing studio
• Cons: none