The Beat

Peace through Music

2010-12-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

One of the organizations that Sound Roots is a proud supporter of is Playing for Change, which promotes peace through community music and dance centers they build around the world in places like Ghana, Nepal, South Africa and Rwanda. Part of their mission is to unite people all throughout the world through a common thread of music. To do this, they've put together music videos of people in all walks of live from diverse cultures playing one song.

Playing for Change has just released a new song and video, set to John Lennon's beautiful message in "Imagine". The video shows musicians from India, Brazil, America, Africa, Japan and more all playing and singing to this amazing song with it's powerful lyrics of peace and hope.

When we saw it, we were once again struck by how music is the ultimate tool to bring people everywhere together with a passion for peace. Across the cultures, the continents and language barriers, we all understand the impact and importance of music in developing identity as well as community. We hope to convey this inspiration and development in our own school in our own little corner of the world. At our heart, Sound Roots is passionate for peace and passionate for using music to promote the ideals that this music video represents.

Please watch this amazing and beautiful video and let us know how it moves you!

Playing for Change Foundation | News | New Song Around the World

Holiday Rocks Band Camp is BACK!

2010-12-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

September Newsletter

2010-09-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

Check Out Our September Newsletter for updates, a fabulous deal, class news and MORE!

What to look for in a Portland Music School

2010-09-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

Living in Portland grants you countless opportunities to hear live music, attend musical festivals and events, and be a part of a strong community buzzing with music in it's very soul. It's hard to live here for very long and not catch some sort of musical bug. If you've been thinking about music instruction for yourself or your family in the Portland area, here's a list of things to consider when making your choice of Portland Music School.

Value
Consider the value of your music education. What is it worth to you? What does it mean to you? If you consider music education to be an enhancement to your life, something that will contribute excellence to it, consider the personal value of it. Consider the professional value, as well as financial value if you are investing in your musical career. From this perspective, make your next determination - quality.

Quality
Consider the quality of not only the school, but it's educators. Visit the school and talk to the staff, the owners and the teachers if possible to discuss their experience, qualifications and values. Or look online to see if these questions are answered on the school's website. These answers will help you estimate if the quality of the school/education is worth the investment at that particular music school.

Investment
Consider the financial investment of the music education at the school. Compare the value and quality with the investment to make a logical assessment. Some music schools charge more because you'll be receiving a higher quality of education which comes only with education, experience and passion. Again, refer to the value of music education to your life. Is it worth it?

Character
Consider the character of the school. This is evident in it's reputation, the building itself, it's owners, the staff, the neighborhood, etc. Is it an inspirational place? Is it locally owned and operated by passionate and musically oriented people? Is it music school franchise? Does it value personal and unique education or are lessons run taught in a specific learning style from a specific book? Does the music school jive with who you are as a person, as a family?

After these careful considerations, you'll be more empowered and ready to decide what Portland music school is the right choice for you and your family.

About Sound Roots Music School:
We are a passionate and family owned Portland music school, located in the revitalized N Williams Avenue neighborhood in NW Portland. Our "music coaches" are passionate, musically educated, and most are also performers, playing in their own bands. For many, teaching at Sound Roots is their full time job, committing to provide unparalleled music education in a flexible environment. We are artists and have a deep value for the arts and music and building a musical community. Music education at Sound Roots is highly personalized and developed individually through consideration of learning styles, music goals, experience and ability. We believe that music education is therapeutic, benefiting everyone from stressed out and overworked executives and mothers, to children coping with learning disabilities, to small toddlers developing motor skills. We strive to make music education fun, connected and inspirational.

To learn more about our school, take a tour of our artistic music studio, and meet the people behind the name, call our office today! 503.282.9999. We look forward to hearing from you and telling you all about our wonderful programs.

photo credit: Campbell/Salgado Studio

Is Rock U for You?

2010-08-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

You know Rock U is for you if...

10. You have ever written the words "be a rockstar" on a list of things you hope to become, of dreams to fulfill, or a bucket list of things to experience, but you don't have the time/energy/money to invest in instruments, band formation, fame, fortune, touring, etc...

9. You own an air guitar, pound on your ~~steering wheel~~ drums, or use your hairbrush as a microphone.

8. You can kick your kids butt on Guitar Hero or Rock Band for wii.

7. You have ever dressed like Gene Simmons or Tina Turner or Madonna for Halloween. As an adult.

6. Your kids beg you to stop singing Justin Bieber in the car. Or at home. Or in front of their friends.

5. You have ever licked your air guitar while playing it.

4. The last time you took any time for yourself, iit was in the grocery store at 12am for an emergency bag of diapers/infant Tylenol/teething gel.

3. You have a busy life and want to find a fun, meaningful, exciting outlet to relive stress and relate to other adults in a creative collaborative environment.

2. You are looking for cool new friends and desire to pick up a rad new skill in the processs.

1. Music is in your soul and your soul is hungry.

Rock U is an adult Rock Band Camp Class that meets once a week for 8 weeks, to come together as a band to learn a few songs, practice chords and harmony, grow as artists and humans, acquire new skills, and experience self discovery in a fun and empowering environment.

Even if you've NEVER PICKED UP an instrument and aren't sure you have a musical bone in your body, you will find yourself amazed at what you are capable of. You will be guided by experienced instructors who will also act as your band coach to form a cohesive and musical bond and help you overcome any doubts and fears you might have.

Best of all, it's fun!

Enrollment is open now, and space is filling up! Call (503) 282-9999 or visit our website right away to secure your spot in the band! We are waiting for you!!! Your time is now!! Claim it!!!

ROCK ON!!!

Add Groove to Your Daily Grind

2010-08-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

Music and it's affect on human behavior and emotions has long been studied and proven to be quite connected. Music adds drama and tension to movies, keeps you patient and calm while on hold (though, it usually results in quite an opposite reaction...), keeps you running at the gym, inspires you to get up and dance at the club (or say...at the grocery store if you find the right place to shop), and if you've ever been a teenager you know that sometimes music has helped you get through a rough time in your life.

On an instinctual level, mothers know to sing softly to their newborns to soothe them. Culturally, music is a powerful tool to bring people together from different social groups to connect and relate to each other.

Music has also been shown by decades of research to benefit child development in the areas of speech, cognitive abilities, memory, pattern recognition, reasoning, and in later years has been shown to impact better math study outcomes, no matter the socioeconomic status of the children studied. Psychologically, music has been shown to improve mental well being, and is used in Music Therapy to help patients fighting a myriad of disabilities and diseases, including Alzheimer's, stress, substance abuse, even mothers in labor understand the power of music to assist in coping with pain!

Music is simply vital to humanity.

When you engage in music education, you are evoking all of music's powerful tools to create a more balanced, calm, centered, happy and fulfilling life. For some people, it's a way to stay connected to themselves in a busy lifestyle full of commuting and meetings and expectations. For others, they are inspired to pick up a new skill or fulfill a lifelong dream. Some people who pick up music lessons and take music classes are simply curious people who want more out of life. Whatever your motivation is, the outcome can be simply an amazing experience that you can feel right away.

Children can experience these same results in their own lives, bustling with sports and school and homework and social struggles. Kids are under tremendous stress! Music is an avenue to self expression and awareness that can lead to greater confidence, sharper focus, and by the way...it's FUN!

A child inspired by passion and motivated by creativity is a person who can move mountains!!

At Sound Roots, we strive to provide a safe place to start musical journeys at any level and at any age. We believe that music has the power to heal and connect and is the most amazing catalyst for personal growth that we've seen.

What is your musical journey? Have you started it yet? Do you know a young person who seems to be intrinsically connected to music and wants to start their own journey?

Independent private lessons and group classes are starting soon! Join us and find your musical mojo today!!!

Sound Roots School of Modern Music

Adult Classes starting SOON!!!

2010-08-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to be offering two new classes this fall just for adults! Who said kids get to have all the fun?

ROCK U
Are you a rock star in your soul? Unleash your inner Elvis and Janis in this rock camp for adults! It’s all the fun of being in a real live rock band without the hassle of celebrity and contracts. Beginners welcome.

Thursdays @ 6:30pm
9/16-11/18
$160
Sign Up Online!

_________________________________________________________________

ART OF IMPROV
Train your ear to be able to hear other musicians in a way that enables you to “speak” the language of the music together! Intermediate level experience recommended.

Mondays @ 6:30pm
9/13-11/15
$160
Sign up Online!

Come See us at Bridgefest this Saturday!

2010-07-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

Looking for something FREE, FUN, and FAMILY oriented to do this weekend?

Bring the kids to the Portland Bridge Fest this Saturday between 4:45-9:00pm and visit the
Sound Roots Kids Stage for an evening full of fun and musical delight!

If you can't make it, LISTEN LIVE ON KBOO 90.7 FM, OR AT KBOO.FM/LISTEN – all day broadcast of the event!

And be sure to enjoy the festivities while you're there!

"A full day of Music On the River, Saturday July 31st! PDX Bridge Festival, in conjunction with the Hawthorne Bridge Centennial Project and our sponsors, present an historic, outdoor free concert and performance featuring Portland’s best musical and performance acts. Join us on the Eastside of the Hawthorne Bridge at Water and Salmon Streets for MORSound. Activities—besides five hours of stellar music on three stages—include street performance, live art, food and beverage vendors, local shops, art installations, info booths, and a kids’ activities area. Plus, don’t miss a special two-hour media and music spectacular on the Hawthorne Bridge! This event has something for everyone…"

See the music lineup here
Questions? Call us at the school at 503.282.9999

Spring has sprung...

2010-03-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

...and Sound Roots is bustling because of it! The group lesson How to Choose an Instrument has been quite a big hit, so we'll be launching our next 10-week class on April 26. Junior Jams has also had an impressive start, with lots of ambitious little ones learning to play instruments together.

And Rookie Rock is as vivacious as ever - we even opened up another time slot, Thursdays at 2 p.m., to allow more kids to join in on the cheery fun.

As we march through Spring we encourage everyone to remember us for their Summer plans. We're still accepting enrollment for our 5 sessions of Summer Rocks! Band Camps, and will be kicking off different group lessons for children AND adults. Private lessons will also be in full swing, and we'll soon be making announcements on our Summer hours and promotions.

So keep on the lookout for our newsletters and The Beat, Facebook and Twitter announcements to see what you can get involved in. Enjoy this sunny Spring, in the meantime!

Junior Jams!

2010-03-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

It's true that most kids were born to boogie, and when they team up with other children their age, the boogie becomes full blown. That's just one of the many reasons we'll be launching Junior Jams on Tuesday, March 16!

Led by Mo Phillips, our birthday party extraordinaire, this class will be teaching miniature music masters how to band together and create music as a group. The students will also be learning to play songs on various instruments, and making songs of their own!

Those interested can start or stop the program at any time, but open spots are limited, so call us today to get your children enrolled!

Attention All Musical Homeschoolers!

2010-02-27T12:38:00.001-08:00

Looking for an exciting and adventurous way to enhance your homeschooled students' appreciation for music? Get them signed up for our brand new Homeschool Band!!

This class, which focuses solely on building a band, will get underway March 19. Instructor Brian Jackson will be teaching students how to write tunes, learn songs, increase their talent on different instruments and work together to create a happenin' kind of band...with live performances going down once the band's learned their chops!

You can start or stop the lessons at any time, so give us a call at 503-282-9999, or e-mail Nicci at soundrootsms@gmail.com, to get your homeschooler enrolled in this electrifying band endeavor!

15 Minutes of Fame!!

2010-02-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

Everybody wants to live those infamous 15 Minutes of Fame at some point or another, & that's why we are more than happy to offer you all a chance at one! Give us a call, or sign up at the office, for your very own quarter hour of stardom, set for Friday, March 12th at 6 p.m.

Get ready for the spotlight to shine on you, & only you!!

Lemonaid For Haiti

2010-02-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

The awesome little guy that is Amiri Horn is making a big difference for the world!!

Amiri saw the destruction in Haiti and wanted to do something to help them out, so he decided to set up a lemonade stand to raise money for band aids. His first stand was so successful he chose to set up another one, and it's running great, as we speak!

Stop by Vergnetti's Coffee (in the front of the Sound Roots building) for some fresh lemonade, cookies and pastries, and take part in the different raffles going on.

100% of the proceeds benefit Mercy Corps, and for more information on Amiri's campaign, visit http://www.mercycorps.org/fundraising/bandaidsfromamiri

How to Choose an Instrument Class

2010-01-20T18:47:00.000-08:00

How to Choose an Instrument Class enrolling now!

This is an exploratory class for kids who want to experiment with different instruments before families start investing in private lessons and/or instrument purchases.

Cost is $160 for the 10 week class, beginning Mondays 2/15.

Enrollment is open NOW, please call as soon as possible to reserve your space, as there is a limited number of students allowed to fully benefit from the exploratory process.

Register with Amy at 503 282-9999

Spring Break Rocks! Band Camp enrolling now!

2010-01-12T18:47:00.000-08:00

Get our your blue hair gel and put on your ripped jeans, Rock Band Camp is back!

Spring Break Rocks! Band Camp is coming!!!
March 22-26th 9am-3pm
Join the band online or call us at 503 282-9999!

Check out our new digs!

2009-12-21T17:42:00.000-08:00

Well we've moved into our new place on N Williams Ave!

We are thrilled with our new space. It's eclectic and funky and fun and bright. We think it suits us much better and we are soooo excited for you to see it!!!

Not only do we have a funky new space, but we also acquired a new neighborhood in N Williams, too, which is lined with other fun and fresh locally owned businesses. We share a space with Vergnetti's Coffee, and Che Cafe as well, so it's a great place for families waiting for students in lessons!

Read about our neighborhood online at Sunset Magazine!
See pictures of our new school on our Facebook Page!

We are now in the process of planning our most awesome birthday bash/open house for January 8th at 6pm. We would LOVE to see you!

Live Music (our staff is collaborating on a teacher concert, and our Holiday Rocks! Bands will be performing as well!)
Cake and Food
Craft Table sponsored by Spielwerks Toys
Door Prizes
Raffle Fundraiser for The Playing for Change Foundation

Holiday Rocks! Band Camp 2009

2009-12-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Sound Roots offers Rock Band Camp during every public school holiday break? Here is a video from one of our bands last winter. This is the perfect time for your child to rock out the rest of their school holiday with their friends, learn a song to play, be in a band, design band posters, and perform for friends and family on the last day of camp!

Enrollment is filling up and we can only take a maximum of 24 students so call today to reserve your rock star! 503 282.9999 or register online!

When? December 26-31st 9am-3pm
Where? Sound Roots new location, 3954 N Williams, NE Portland (Williams and Shaver)
Cost? $220 per child, 10% discount on sibling enrollment
Ages? 6-14 years old

Homeschool Band!

2009-12-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

Are you a homeschooling family interested in joining a homeschool band?

We are currently putting together a list of interested families in order to put together a class.

If you are interested, email Amy at soundrootsms@gmail.com with the following info:

Child's Name
Child's Age
Instrument of Interest
Level of Play (beg, int, adv)
Time/Day you are available

As soon as we get a handful of families interested, I'll send out more info about costs (which will depend on how many families we have) and session information.

Thanks!

We have music in our souls!

2009-11-27T19:32:00.000-08:00

Sound Roots is so proud to have such amazing musicians on staff, who are actual musicians, practicing what they teach, out there living and doing what they love.

A few examples:

Corwin Bolt, our banjo/bass/guitar/mandolin teacher is performing this weekend with PSU Symphony in a joint production with The Portland Ballet collaborating on 'La Boutique Fantasque'.

Kyleen King (violin/bass) and Dave Jones (drums) are currently in studio, recording an album.

JT Locke (guitar) and his rock band just finished up their last concert of the year and also just wrapped up recording their 2nd album.

Jessica Jaeger (voice/piano/music theater) has spent the past two summers at Long Lake Camp for the Arts in New York teaching voice and music theater as well as being a camp counselor to teen girls!

That's just a taste of what our instructors have been up to and enjoy doing. Our life is about music. Playing it, sharing it, teaching it, living it.

Come play with us!

Winter Break Rocks! Band Camp is coming!

2009-11-24T19:01:00.000-08:00

Winter Break Rocks! Band Camp
December 26th-31st
9am-3pm

Learn a song, name your band, learn about
songwriting and being in a rock band!
Camp ends with a performance in front of
adoring fans on New Years Eve Day!

To enroll:
call - 503 282.9999
email - soundrootsms@gmail.com
online - soundrootsmusic.com

Do you recognize beauty?

2009-11-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

I read a really interesting article this morning about a social experiment which took place several years ago in a Washington metro station.

Joshua Bell, one of the worlds most talented violinist went incognito for 45 minutes as he played his 3.5 million dollar Stradivari in the lobby. Though he plays in sold out music halls and commands so much respect that people won't cough or adjust in their seats when he plays, in the metro station lobby, nobody hardly even notices him or stops to listen to his music. The experiment asks if people will recognize true beauty and comprehend what they see and hear around them when it's provided to them completely out of normal context.

You wouldn't throw a few pennies on stage at a Joshua Bell concert, but in the station, he earned a whopping $34.17, and only one person recognized who he was. Only a small handful of people stopped to listen to this amazing performer and understood that they were witnessing something truly unique and special.

Are you paying attention? Do you recognize the exceptional when it's right in front of you disguised as something ordinary? Look around today, you might be surprised.

See the video here:

The article can be read here: (wonderfully written!)

Give a Gift of Music!

2009-11-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

Amy's Top Ten Reasons why a Sound Roots Gift Certificate is the Perfect Gift:

1. It's easy.

No stalking people to their cars to get a good parking spot. No getting elbowed in crowded malls. No militant shoppers running carts over your heels. No sleeping in folding chairs to burst through the department store doors when they open in order to get the best deal. No staying up until 3am to assemble that cute little toy you saw in the store, eating all of Santa's cookies and cursing at your plight.

Just call us and you're done! It really is that easy!

2. No Post Office Needed!

Don't live in the area but want to give a cool and fun gift to your friends and family without fighting post office lines? A gift certificate doesn't require special shipping labels or boxes, and best yet, doesn't require you to stand in those lines to mail it! All you need is an envelope and a stamp. Make it even easier and provide us with mailing information and we will send it for you!

3. Wrapping it is a breeze.

Got an envelope? You're done.

4. It's a gift that keeps on giving.

Maybe you can't play with a gift certificate like a brand new toy, but if you are a parent, you probably know that after a few days at play, toys lose pieces, get broken, batteries get lost (that is, if it's a gift your sister gave to one of your kids as retribution for an extremely annoying toy you gave to one of her children last Christmas...), Legos get stepped on and stickers stop sticking. Use your gift certificate right away, or save it until the "new toy" novelty starts to wear off!

Better still, get a gift certificate for your child to use at our 2009 Holiday Rocks! Camp happening the week after Christmas! Keep Winter Vacation excitement going until New Years!

5. You don't have to be a Music Maniac!

Sound Roots has something to offer everyone, from beginners to professional musicians. You don't need to be a prodigy, you don't need to know how to read music to start. Don't think you have a musical bone in your body? Come surprise yourself or someone you love with the amazing power of creating music.

6. Choices Choices Choices!!!

Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Ukelele, Bass, Double Bass, Banjo, Mandolin, Piano, Harp, Drums, Voice, Violin, Fiddle, Viola, Cello, Accordion.....SPOONS. If you can make music with it, we can teach it. Not interested in a private one on one instrument lesson with one of our fun and professional musicians? How about a Music Theory class, or a Rock Band Camp, or a Birthday Party, or a Rookie Rock class, or a Girls Only Guitar class, or a Forming a Band Class, or Music Exploration Class, etc.....

You simply can't go wrong.

7. It's a Gift of Inspiration.

Know someone who is always giving their time, energy and money on helping and taking care of others? Does this person feel guilty about spending any money on themselves because "there's always something more important to spend money on"? Want to encourage someone to carve time out for themselves, to invest in themselves for once, something that will inspire them and nurture their soul? A gift certificate from Sound Roots is a beautiful gesture that says you believe in who they are as an individual.

8. It's Rehab Giving for the Vacuum/Treadmill/Mixer gift giver.

Unless you are giving a gift to a hobbyist house cleaner, a treadmill enthusiast, or a baker, step away from the housewares/fitness department unless she/he SPECIFICALLY asked for it. If you find yourself in the doghouse for offenses of Christmas past, fear not. It is pretty hard to go wrong with a Sound Roots Music School gift certificate. (See items 5-7)

*just as a side note: don't sign them up for voice lessons specifically unless they have mentioned interest in voice lessons before....otherwise keep it generic...trust me on this...

9. It's Romantic!

Looking to add a spark to the flame? Get gift certificates for both of you and take lessons together! Couples who play together stay together!!!

10. It's COOL!

You know it is. Add it to your wish list.

Check your list twice and give us a call! 503.282.9999
and remember, naughty kids need music too!
(music is actually a great outlet for kids who need help with focus, self esteem and is a pretty fun stress reliever!)

More information about our school and offerings are provided in the links in the sidebar.

Rookie Rock Flyer!

2009-11-19T18:05:00.001-08:00

Check out our new Rookie Rock flyer! Spread the word, friends! :D

Sneak a Peek

2009-11-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

Get a glimpse of our Rookie Rock class on our Facebook page!

See the album!

If you're not our friend on Facebook, add us while you're there!

Have a great weekend, friends!

Rookie Rock in YOUR Preschool!

2009-11-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to announce that we now offer On-Site Preschool Rookie Rock classes!

In our On-site Rookie Rock Program, music and movement are combined to form an interactive experience. With motions set to rhythm, children are introduced to music with their entire bodies through simple instructive dances, props, and sing-a-longs.

We will bring a complete 50 minute music program to your school on a schedule customized to your program needs and budget, whether that is twice a month or five days a week. We bill on a per class basis to fit any budget!

If you are a preschool parent and want to bring this to your school, let us know and we'll send your preschool Director the information they need to schedule a free trial class and get started!

503.282.9999
soundrootsms@gmail.com
Amy or Fara

Come Jam with Us!

2009-11-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

Open House Community Jam tonight at 7:30pm!

Free and open to all skills, instruments, and ages!!

Teacher Tuesday: Jessica Jaeger - Voice/Piano/Music Theater

2009-11-03T17:51:00.000-08:00

Meet Jessica!

Jessica began her musical theater career in her backyard putting on productions with neighborhood kids with homemade sets and costumes created straight out of their imaginations.

Formally, she has a degree in Music Theater and has performed professionally around the Portland area with Live on Stage and Lakewood Theater just to name a few.

Not only does she dance, sing and act, but she is also interested in learning how to play the fiddle! She loves Nickel Creek and is passionate about music which expresses a passion for life and the natural world.

At Sound Roots, Jessica offers private lessons in voice and piano and teaches music theater classes when they are in session. Ever smiling, Jessica reaches her students through her upbeat and fun personality and loves sharing her passion for music with others.

She is available Tuesday and Friday!
Call us for upcoming class information or to schedule a private lesson.
503-282-9999

So you want to play the Banjo...

2009-11-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

After looking around for some cool banjo footage to promote our awesome new banjo teacher Corwin, I found some vintage Steve Martin taking on the Muppets ala Dueling Banjos!

So maybe you aren't going to join a band of Muppets and play with Steve Martin, but playing the banjo is still quite cool. ;)

Corwin is available Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the afternoons.

He also teaches guitar, mandolin and double bass!

Call us to get more info! 503.282.9999

Look out for Little Timmy tonight!

2009-10-31T13:33:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween Everyone! If this little guy ends up on your porch...you've been warned!

Rookie Rockers

2009-10-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

If you have a kid somewhere between the age of 0-5 years old, you probably know a couple things:

1. If there is music, there will be dancing,
2. If there is dancing, there will be laughing,
and...
3. If there is laughing, there will be fun.

Our most popular program, Rookie Rock, is based on these three elements and is founded on the principle that music education in early childhood should be interactive, engaging, and inspiring.

Between 10-11am on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, our school is filled with the combined joy of a room full of little kiddos and their parents singing, dancing, playing and (shhh...don't tell them...) learning!

You probably already know this, but research has proven that kids who are actively involved in rich musical experiences do better in math and reading in school, have better self control and focus, and have increased self esteem.

Rookie Rock is one way to share this experience with your child in a fun and engaging way with other kiddos. At home, there are a number of ways to continue these experiences!

Take your child to a variety of live musical performances. Concerts in the park, children's theater, band concerts, and jazz recitals are just a few ways to widen your child's growing experience with different styles and types of music. Check with your local library or newspaper to see what might be available in your neighborhood.

Make music a part of a daily activity. You can sing specific songs together every time you are giving your child a bath, or cleaning up around the house, getting ready for school, etc. Soon the song will become a cue to start the process of bathing, cleaning, getting ready, and you might find that what may have been a struggle has become a fun activity that EVERYONE enjoys!

Find directions online to create simple homemade instruments using materials you may already have at home to create your own family "band"!

Be your child's greatest fan. Build your child's self esteem by watching them play, put on a show for you, or teach YOU a new made up song.

We believe that music in early childhood can have a profound affect on your child's development, but also, we think music is just a great way to relieve stress, connect with other people, and have a blast. We have seen music do amazing things to kids to inspire and help spark creativity and connection, and we invite you to experience this for your child, too!

Come check out Rookie Rock and see for yourself - your first class is on us!

Call us to schedule your visit! (503) 282.9999

Don't Miss a Beat!

2009-10-29T19:20:00.001-07:00

If you are a fan or want to follow the latest news and happenings of our school, make sure to subscribe to our blog. We are updating it constantly and it's a great way to keep up with "The Beat!" ;)

Just enter your email address to get our blog posts sent directly to your inbox!

Thanks!

Teacher Tuesday: JT Locke - Guitar Superstar

2009-10-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

With over 21 years of playing and 10 years of touring and recording music, it's safe to say that JT is a total rockstar! When he's not teaching guitar at Sound Roots, you can find JT rocking out with his band, Locke n Load, writing music, or in class himself, working towards a degree in music.

JT takes a personal approach to teaching guitar, and caters his lessons to the student's individual goals, whether it be simply learning the basics or deepening a connection to music through songwriting, arranging or simply rocking out. Many of his students have remarked that working with him has been a sort of "music therapy", as he is passionate about finding that spark within them and bringing it out through music. Whether you are into rock, pop, blues, jazz, metal or classical, JT can bring you closer to you guitar goals!

JT is at Sound Roots on Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs and Sat. Call for current availability.
503.282.9999

We're Looking for a Birthday Party Rockstar Host!

2009-10-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

Sound Roots Music School's Rock and Roll birthday parties have become a huge hit and we need to hire a new teacher to help out with the work flow.

To apply for this job, you should be:

~Able to play the guitar fluently and sing at the same time
~Able to learn new songs on a regular basis
~Have a ton of energy and relay that to a group of excited 2-6 year olds
~Have experience in classroom or group management- particularly with the above age group
~LOVE music and have an upbeat, slightly edgy, fun loving, kids-gravitate-towards-you kind of personality
~Be available on the weekends all the time
~Be looking at this as extra income NOT your only source as there is no guaranteed amount of work you may be asked to do (usually 6-10 hours per MONTH).

If this is you, please email us with resume and cover letter. We look forward to hearing from you.

Saturday Stumbling

2009-10-24T13:37:00.001-07:00

Every Saturday, I am going to post some mega cool just-for-fun music-focused finds I come across during exploring "StumbleUpon".

This week check out this AMAZING Steel Drum player.

Have you seen the "Free Hugs" campaign? Check this "Free Beats" campaign. Hilarious!

And lastly, have you ever listened to a song and thought it sounded similar to another song? That Song Sounds Like is a blog that compares similar sounding songs to one another...very interesting!!!

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

New Classes Starting Soon!

2009-10-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

How to Choose an Instrument
Tuesdays @ 4:30pm

This is a great beginner level class for kids ages 6-14 who are interested in music but haven't quite decided which instrument they would like to pursue. Over 10 weeks, the class will examine a variety of instruments, how they are played and a history of great players from many genres.

Guitar 101
TBD
Learn the basics of guitar before diving in to private lessons. Beginner Guitar class for ages 7-14.

Call 503 282.9999 for more information
or email soundrootsms@gmail.com

Home/Unschoolers! We can design a special music program for you. Drum Circle? Garage Band? Orchestra group? Whatever your special interests and schedules are, we can custom design a class especially for you. Contact us with your ideas!

Playing for Change

2009-10-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

As you probably know, Sound Roots is a music school built on the belief that music has the power to bring people together and unite them with a sense of purpose, passion, and community.

Playing For Change is an organization which is also founded on this belief, and has taken it to a global scale with their phenomenal multimedia project. They travel around the world as a mobile recording studio, searching for local musicians on street corners, subways, dirt roads, from African villages to the Himalayan Mountains, to Native American reservations. What they create is a unique human connection which embraces a philosophy of "Peace through Music". Their videos are emotional and frankly, amazing. If you have a few minutes, go to their website and watch a few.

Here's an intro video:

A large part of want we want to accomplish at Sound Roots is to unite people in a community of music, powered by passion and inspired by connection. To further our mission in this respect, we will be celebrating our first birthday with a "Playing for Change Party", a fundraiser which will not only benefit this inspirational organization, but will also celebrate our first year in business by bringing our community together for music, fun, prizes and the opportunity to rock out (of course!).

Our Playing for Change/Birthday Party will be happening in January after we've had time to settle into our new space. Stay tuned for more details.

In the meantime, consider hosting your own Playing for Change Party, and check out the Playing for Change Band who are on tour right now and heading to Portland to play on November 17th at the Aladdin! Get tickets here. You might see us there!

We'd love to hear your thoughts about Playing for Change. Please leave us a comment and tell us what you think!

Thanksgiving Rocks! Band Camp

2009-10-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

Need something to keep your kids happy (and you sane) over the Thanksgiving school break? Kids ages 6-16 are invited to ROCK OUT with us at Thanksgiving Rocks! Band Camp at Sound Roots Music School.

Your kids will get matched up with other kids of similar age and skill level (TOTAL BEGINNERS WELCOME!) and will get to become rock stars in their own band, learning a song to play, write music and even put on a live performance at the end of camp!

Check out our WEBSITE for more info!
Call 503 282 9999 today to reserve your spot- SPACE IS VERY LIMITED!

Videos from previous camps are on the right side bar - check them out!

A different kind of music school

2009-10-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

At Sound Roots you can expect a whole new kind of musical learning experience. With over 13 teachers and over 100 years of combined experience, we offer top notch education for every interest, age and skill level.

All of our lessons, classes and other services are highly customized to your personal musical interests and learning style. With an extensive network of highly skilled teachers, we offer instruction in just about any instrument and if we don't already offer something you are looking for, just let us know and we will help find just the right teacher for you.