FAQ's About Other Lessons
Can I rent a violin?
Yes you can. If you're renting for a child we actually recommend renting instead of purchasing. We can measure your child for a violin appropriately sized for them. Then with our rental program as your child grows, they can exchange their violin in for the next size up at no additional cost.
What do I need to bring to my lessons?
You need to bring your guitar, maybe a pick, and questions. We'll take care of any amplification you may or may not need.
Do I need to already have a musical background?
Just the passion to learn, your teacher has the experience to take you wherever you wish on your musical journey.
Emilia
ViolinEmilia grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, where she studied classical violin from the age of 7. She was a member of the Tennessee Youth Symphony and led several small ensembles and orchestra throughout high school. After graduating, Emilia made the move to New England and spent one year as a music student at Keene State College, where she was also the concertmaster of the college orchestra. She has since transferred to the University of Southern Maine, where she continues to perform with the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra and teach violin. Emilia has fallen in love with Maine and now lives in Portland full time.
Tom
ONLINE ONLYMandolin / Ukulele
Tom grew up in New York City the son of a Broadway and film director, and was exposed to Broadway songwriters and performers throughout childhood. As an adult Tom studied songwriting in Paul Simon's masterclass at New York University and majored in Arranging and Composition Major at Berklee College of Music. He then worked as a copyist for The Rodgers and Hasmmerstein Organization and CD buyer for Tower Records in Manhattan while performing all over the USA with various groups. Tom also studied privately with Chuck Anderson of Philadelphia and jazz great John Aberecrombie on New York City.
JD
ONLINE ONLYUkulele
JD Raines has been fascinated by music for his entire life. He grew up in Maine and has performed across New England as both a solo artist and with his band, Better Than, which MaineToday noted "has been a constant name in the local music scene."
In May 2015 JD graduated from the University of Maine Augusta, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music with a concentration in Music Education. While at UMA, JD was a vocalist with Envok, the upper level vocal ensemble. He also performed with many other ensembles as a sought-after vocalist, guitarist, and drummer. He has studied with many talented and well-known musicians, including Dr. Richard Nelson, Dr. Timothy Weir, Scott Hughes and Bob Thompson.
Blaine
ONLINE ONLYUkulele
Blaine Morin graduated from the University of Maine in Orono with a Bachelor's of Music Education in May 2019. He has a strong background with the guitar, specifically classical and jazz guitar. The music education program at Umaine guarantees that all students can teach all the band and orchestra instruments to a degree that any prospective student can find success with their instrument. Along with guitar, Blaine is proficient in playing the trumpet, saxophone, and the piano. During Blaine's student teaching at Hampden Academy and Reeds Brook Middle School in Hampden, Maine, he had the pleasure of guiding and directing various non-traditional music groups, such as, ukulele for middle school and African drumming for high school. The Performance Arts Center at Hampden Academy hosts numerous events that Blaine operated sound and lights for ranging from musical concerts to public speaking competitions. Blaine is trained to teach people of all ages and he is eager to help you pursue your ambitions in music.
Seph
Audio EngineeringSeph was always interested in music in how it worked and what went into it. After high school he pursued a music technology degree at Keene State College, graduating in 2015. His experience at this school was not only a great avenue to learn about music, technology, and getting internships at many recording studios in the area, but gave great context to everything he was doing and exposed him to many styles and techniques to get different tones and results.He uses a ProTools studio and is always willing to try something different to get the sound that is right for the artist. He has learned many tricks over the years and is coming up with more as he progresses in the studio and most importantly is willing to share some of those tricks with you.