Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. “I was completely bowled over by Allen Mathews…. His artistry is amazing…incredibly fluent and sensitive playing…” Maxine Frost, KING FM, Seattle
Upcoming Concert:
Saturday May 19th at 7pm with Mandolinist Tim Connell at Taborspace in SE Portland. We will be playing some Americana, some Brazilian music, some Beatles, and a bunch of our solo pieces as well. So it promises to be a well-rounded good time!
Allen Mathews is a guitarist living in Portland, Oregon. Specializing in classical, Spanish, and Brazilian music, he has been welcomed as a performer in 6 countries, and throughout the US. He performs publicly in concert venues, as well as in more intimate house concerts. When in Portland, he lends his skills to private events and wedding ceremonies, and frequently offers interactive concerts at community centers and schools.
As an educator, Mr. Mathews teaches guitar at Reed College and Oregon Episcopal School in Portland, and maintains a private teaching studio in southeast Portland and offers online lessons via Skype. For three years he headed the classical guitar department at Lewis and Clark College. He has been a guest instructor and clinician at colleges and universities around the country.
Allen Walter Mathews has a B.A. in Guitar Performance from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO, and has studied with many fine musicians in the US and Brazil, where he lived for a time. He continues regular coaching with concert pianist Mark Westcott.
Guitar for Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions
Guitar for Parties, Dinners, and Events
Below is some information about lessons.
-Interested in lessons?
“Live as if you will die tomorrow; learn as if you will live forever.” Gandhi
My philosophy is one of mastery. Learning is something that we do for a lifetime. As any master craftsman or artist can attest, the moment-by-moment process becomes the most important facet. When we develop attention to detail and consistent focus of mind, beauty will inevitably emerge. This is true for everything, not just music.
For myself, I believe that personal study, performing and teaching are of equal importance, and that each informs the others. Teaching gives me great joy and satisfaction, and I am grateful to have students with whom to share this musical journey.
My teaching style pulls from the many teachers with whom I have studied and continue to study, in addition to my own personal study of learning, cognitive processes, and body mechanics. I strive to be as intuitive as possible as to the trajectory of your individual musical path; and focus as much as possible on your interests and tastes.
Should I have in-person, or online (Skype) lessons? Web lessons are growing increasingly popular, and I have found them very effective and convenient for students.
| Live online via Skype | In-person lessons | |
| I live outside the Portland area | Yes, absolutely. | Occasionally perhaps, if you can travel |
| My schedule changes week to week. | Yes. Scheduling is slightly more flexible with online lessons. | Perhaps, though it helps if you know your schedule a week or two in advance. |
| I do not drive. | Yes. | Perhaps (public transit) |
| I am busy and want to reduce driving time | A great option. | We may be able to schedule a beneficial time when traffic is less berserk. |
| I want lessons for my child. | I prefer to have an adult present as well, at least to start. | Absolutely. I ask that an adult stay at the lesson as well. (no drop-offs, please.) Consider taking lessons with your child! (more below) |
| I travel frequently. | Yes. We can maintain our weekly schedule, or often conveniently reschedule. | We can generally work out agreeable arrangements surrounding travel plans. |
| I like to record lessons. | Yes, this works very well with Skype lessons. | You are welcome to record video or audio in our lessons. I highly encourage it. |
How much does it cost?
| Duration | Monthly Charge |
| Weekly 30 minute lessons | $112 |
| Weekly 45 minute lessons | $160 |
| Weekly hour-long lessons | $200 |
In months with 5 weeks, the fifth lesson is free. I ask that you pay the last week of the month for the upcoming month (i.e. the last week of January you pay for February lessons). These 4 extra lessons per year cover one week off for me each quarter for holidays.
How do I pay?
You can pay online. For online payments, please include a $5 service fee.
Check or cash:
You can mail me a check, or just hand it to me in a lesson. Some students find it very convenient to enter me as a payee in their bank’s online “bill pay” feature and automate the monthly payment.
My mailing address is:
Allen Mathews 2614 SE 22nd Ave, Portland OR 97202
What if I miss a week? I ask for at least 48 hours notice for missing lessons with a make-up lesson. Make-up lessons are available at limited times, and are not transferable to a new month. It may help to think of your lesson time in the same light as a gym membership: It’s yours whether you use it or not. That said, I try to be as flexible as possible.
Lessons that I miss will be made up, or deducted from the next month’s payment.
Where do you teach? In addition to online lessons, I teach classical guitar at Reed College and Oregon Episcopal School in Portland, Oregon, and have a private teaching studio (on 39th between SE Division and SE Powell). I also periodically facilitate classes and workshops in the community.
Will you come to my house for our lessons? Years ago I did house-calls, and very much enjoyed it. It’s like being a member of the family, or visiting friends.
However, my current schedule does not permit it. Sorry. You may be a good candidate for live online lessons via Skype. Please read above for more on this.
How do I sign up? To start lessons, or have an introductory lesson, simply contact me by email or call me at 503-891-9878. We can find a time a get started. We can talk about what you have/need by way of materials then, or in the first lesson.
How often are lessons? When you sign up for lessons, we agree on a regular weekly time. I understand that sometimes schedules need to change to accommodate sports or other activities, and I work to ensure a convenient time for us both, and try to be as flexible as possible when need be.
May I take lessons once in while, or have occasional coaching? First, let me say that I have found that regular lessons are motivating and generate solid increases in performance. If you can swing it, regular lessons are great.
That said, some people:
- Like to do it mainly by themselves
- Study with another teacher
- Are advanced players and want a different perspective (coaching)
- Just want a tip or two to explore now and then.
I am more than happy to accommodate.
If you would like to get my opinion on your playing or technique, or work a specific issue with me, please get in touch and we can find a time to get together.
Do you teach electric guitar? No, I do not. However, many skills are transferable and I have successfully worked with electric guitar players.
In lessons I prefer acoustic instrument, preferably nylon-string acoustic guitars. As I specialize in classical/finger-style technique, I prefer to keep things mostly in this arena.
There are many fine electric guitar players and teachers in Portland, and I am happy to direct you to one if you like. Just drop me a note and I will be happy to refer someone.
What age groups do you work with? I have worked with kids as young as 5, and adults as old as 80. I don’t have rigid guidelines on age.
What do I need? For lessons, you will need an approved acoustic instrument (generally a nylon-string guitar), a music stand, and other small odds and ends, which I will list for you upon starting. A quiet, consistent place to practice is helpful, as is a positive, upbeat outlook and a love of music.
How much practice? This varies according to age and specific goals, but in general, at least 30 minutes a day is a good minimum to shoot for. This can be advantageously split into two smaller practices if needed. However, only you know what kind of time commitment you are able to make. . Advanced students often put in considerable time, but we benefit from whatever time we can spend on a consistent basis.
Studio extras: salons and recitals - I host at least two student recitals per year, which are completely optional. We talk about stage presence, performance etiquette, and all the details of live performance prior, so students feel well prepared.
Also, every 3rd Monday of the month, I host a “Fireside Salon” for my adult students. We get together and talk about common music, classic guitar and practice issues, and everyone who wants to can play for the group. A few times a year, I bring in guest performers/clinicians to play and do presentations, and offer different perspectives on technique and musical interpretation. The Fireside Salon is a very laid back and comfortable atmosphere, and offers a sense of community surrounding guitar study.
Do you teach parent/child group lessons? Parent/child can be great fun and I have several success stories with this form of lesson. The motivation level is often higher with a “teammate” and a little friendly competition is good for some students. Just a warning to the parents: the kids usually take off and eventually leave the parent behind!
Do you teach adult groups? Yes, I do. These are often a great way to go and are lots of fun. I typically ask that a group member assemble the group, and then we meet for a specific term or number of lessons. Let me know if this sounds like a fit and we can discuss the finer points.
“Allen Mathews has worked with my two boys as their guitar teacher. His gentle style is one that encourages the love of the music and the need to practice. He keeps his students interests in the instrument while also setting expectations that move them ahead in their level of skill. He does this with a quiet calm, intelligence and humor that is very pleasant to work with. I would highly recommend him as an instructor.” Suzie K.
Testimonial from an online student:
” Hi Allen, I wanted to thank you for everything you did for Tyler this past year. His playing has matured more since he started studying with you than in the past 2 years prior. He played for the Rotary Club last month as he was one of their scholarship recipients. I noticed how confident he was and it sounded beautiful. Many people commented on how impressed they were with his playing. Others have also commented on the same thing even with pieces he has worked out on his own. That means he is applying the techniques you taught him! We are taking him to college in a few weeks, he is signed up for a classical guitar ensemble class along with his other music classes. I’m glad we chose you as his teacher, his time with you has been invaluable.Best Regards,
Cindy
PS: Through all our scholarship efforts he has enough $ to cover all his expenses for his freshman year. Some of his scholarships are renewable so if he keeps his grades up he can count on some money for all 4 years. Yahoo!”