(503) 231-4930
1416 SE 8th Ave
Portland,
OR
97214
45.5128
-122.6576
Neighborhoods: Southeast Uplift Neighborhood Program, Buckman
Reviews & Ratings for Starfish Studios
18 reviews
What users are saying:
Take Cello Lessons here with Kendra Carpenter!
by Veganxkate
I am so extremely happy that I chose to learn cello at Starfish Studios with Kendra Carpenter. Kendra is exactly what I need in a teacher. She not only teaches sterling technique but she takes a very personal approach with her students that makes learning a joy and not a burden. She teaches me at the pace that is right for that week and makes me feel proud of the ways I am improving. I truly look forward to my hour of playing with her each week and could not be more thankful to not only learn from her musically, but to have also just had the chance to know her as an individual. I fully encourage you to give Kendra a call if you are looking to learn Cello or Piano!
- Pros: Individualized approach
Study Fiddle with Marilee Hord! Don?t wait!
by CCKnight
This is not cookie-cutter instruction. Marilee?s teaching is finely attuned to students? individual goals, experience, and abilities.
I have been her student for about two years. She has a deep well of skills and influences--classical training, broad experience as a working musician, performing, teaching, and recording?and a great ear.
In my lessons, she has
? broadened my fiddling by blending useful elements of bluegrass, honky-tonk, competition, and old- and new world styles.
? intuitively recognized the little adjustments that pay big benefits in my playing.
? transformed how I listen, and led me to creative ways of understanding what I was hearing.
If you are serious about playing the fiddle, Marilee?s instruction is oriented toward real progress, and has my highest recommendation.
- Pros: Soundproof rooms!
- Cons: None.
Wonderful Fiddle Teacher
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.
- Pros: Studio-quality rooms for lessons; air conditioned in the summer; heated in the winter
- Cons: Horrible parking - only one space for Starfish use.
The Quintessance of Quality
by nickalicious
I have had the pleasure of studying guitar with Noah Beck and simply cannot praise him enough. Noah is one of the only people I know who understands the artistry of guitar playing and I couldn't imagine a more positive influence on my guitar playing. When you're with him it's hard not to have his enthusiasm about music rub off on you. He is open to work on abslutely whatever you want with you and he'll surely have something helpful to say. Whether you're playing classical, bluegrass, jazz, psycadelic noodling, or just want to learn some chords, Noah has spent time truly understanding it and how to effectively improve your playing. I love this guy, he's had such a huge influence on me. If you're at all interested in not only playing guitar well but also understanding the reason and technique behind it all, do yourself an immense favor and go to Noah Beck.
Lovely, just lovely
by nuwa
My 10 year old takes violin lessons weekly with Jillian Hicks although my daughter will tell you, "I play the fiddle!". We look forward to our lesson each week; incredibly motivating lessons that are fun and are tailored for your child. You bite what you can chew, you are commended for the progress you have made. We've never come to a lesson feeling not good enough, which can often come up when learning. Not only is my daughter's technique come along her love for this instrument is growing. Thank you Star Fish Studios there's a bit more dancing in the kitchen these days! Kristin
great music lesson studio
by rickcritt
I recently started teaching bass guitar at Starfish. The facility is well equipped and very comfortable. My students enjoy the quiet relaxed atmosphere. A great place to study music.
Most qualified and enjoyable Fiddle lessons I have ever had
by kenneth_m_hunter
Jillian at Starfish Studios is one of the most patient, fun, and enjoyable teachers in music that I have ever had. My time flies by and I cannot wait for my next lesson. She encourages much fun while learning. This is underpinned by her exceptional backgroung with the fiddle / violin.
I would and have recommended Jillian and Starfish Studios to many of my friends who are looking for the pursuit of the arts.
Thank you Jillian
- Pros: Positive, Patient, Fun, Expert in the Field
- Cons: Cannot Think of a single thing
It's good.
by littemisscantbewrong
Me: A beginning guitar student.
The studio: Easy to find with parking lot adjacent (no parallel parking for those of us who have never mastered the skill) and comfortable private rooms for lessons.
My teacher: Noah Beck. He is a knowledgeable and experienced musician. As a teacher he is patient, answers questions thoroughly, and adapts to the needs of his students - whether you are learning just for fun or have greater ambition he will adjust his teaching style to fit your goals. But that is not all! As an added bonus, Noah is a really nice guy.
Nicest Studio Ever
by erenkov
I've been teaching saxophone, clarient, and flute at Starfish Studios for about 6 months. After working for several other music lesson studios and taking many lessons throughout my childhood at various music stores, I can confidently say that Starfish is the nicest and most comfortable studio space I have ever encountered. The interior is warm and all of the teachers are equally enthusiastic. Students never seem to be scared or uncomfortable when attending their lessons. Starfish Studios and its teachers take the anxiety out of learning music and makes it a fun and rewarding endeavour.
- Pros: Location, Staff, Design
- Cons: none
You could feel that people, who work there, enjoy every moment of it.
by viswapadme
My son started to play a guitar from scratch about 2 months ago. I decided to give it a try but was a little skeptical at first since I knew how much effort should be invested. 2 months passed and I'm amazed at my son's progress... The name of his guitar teacher is Noah Beck, look no further, this is as good as it gets. Noah is true professional, teacher and performing musician with real passion to music. Noah knows how to bring excitement into learning experience and to keep interest going. Whether you want to rock, jazz or play a classical guitar this is the place to be.
- Pros: Great teacher.
- Cons: None.








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