Cole's Lessons

Modern Lessons on Guitar, Bass, and Drums in Salem.

 
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Cole understands the art of music and the art of teaching music. He taught me things no other instructor was able to.
— David Lytle
 

Hello!

My name is Cole Robinson and I have been teaching guitar and bass for the last twenty years. I am currently offering guitar and bass lessons in Salem, Oregon. I would love to talk with you about your goals and how I can best assist you with your music education.

Creative Experience for Students

I focus on immersing the student with creative experiences including jamming, improvisation, and composition. The repertoire typically consists of rock, blues, folk, and jazz music that students and their families often know and love.

About to play her first gig.

About to play her first gig.

Skills for a Lifetime of Music

The study of rock, blues, and jazz often carries a stereotype that the students do not learn to read music or understand music theory. Not true: My students learn to be well rounded musicians by playing music they love while learning many of the skills typically reserved for classical music instruction. This gives students a strong foundation to expand their creative opportunities to play beyond the classroom.

 
I’ve had two teens work with Cole over the years and it has been a life changing experience for them.
— Stacey Goldstein

Music lesson pricing and policies:

  • Pricing:

    • 30 minute lessons and $40

    • 60 minute lessons are $80

  • Lessons are billed monthly.

  • Tuition is due on the first of the month via Venmo for the coming month.

  • Lessons canceled with greater than seven days advance notice via email (not verbal or text) can receive credit toward the next month’s bill.

  • Lessons may take place online or in-person. If you are unable to make it to a lesson, we can do the lesson on Zoom at your regular lesson time.

  • There are no cash refunds once lessons have been scheduled.

  • If tuition is 7 days or more days late, without prior arrangement, lessons will stop until the balance is paid.

  • Books and other materials may be prescribed based on the student’s needs.

Cole Robinson

Musician, Mentor, Community Builder

 
 
 
 
 

Instructor Bio

For more than a decade, Cole Robinson has been dedicated to music education, community building, and mentoring students. Currently, he is earning his Master’s Degree through Berklee College of Music in Music Production.

Cole and Ben performing at the winter 2018 concert.

Cole and Ben performing at the winter 2018 concert.

As an educator, Cole has taught and designed highly acclaimed programs in music education, outdoor leadership, and youth empowerment. As a leader, Cole has brought youth, college students, and adults together to develop skills and support their community. 



Leading Musician

Cole has studied and performed with some of the leading artists in the Northwest. He is also the founder of Portland’s most unique ensemble-based teaching program, and leads his own musical group, the Cole Robinson Trio. Cole has composed over fifty original works is currently producing a new album with his band, Space Helmet. As a performing musician, Cole has performed with regional acts, Fritzwa, Keegan Smith, The Essentials, and Grammy award winner Lady Rizo.

Cole’s passion for music began at the age of eight, when he first picked up a guitar. Cole found himself travelling as a teenager to study under highly respected guitarists, Dan Balmer, John Stowel, Tommy Emmanuel, and Jeff Peretz. Cole’s passion for music drew him to Portland, where he studied at Portland State University under such noted musicians as Darrell Grant, Jeff Putterman, and Alan Jones.  

 
Cole is not only an extraordinary guitar player, but he also has the patience and understanding that a great teacher needs.
— Pete Bryant

Organizer, Leader

Cole’s work as an environmental advocate and outdoor educator has run parallel to his passion for music.  Since 2005, Cole has led more than one hundred wilderness trips including environmental cleanups for youth and adults from highly diverse backgrounds.

In late 2011, Cole became the Coordinator of the Portland Parks and Recreation department’s Teen Environmental Adventures Program. Thanks to Cole’s efforts, hundreds of hours of environmental education, job-training, academic support, and long-term youth mentorship was provided to hundreds of youth.

Cole also gained valuable experience directing PSU’s Audio Engineering Program, where he trained students in the fine points of sound reinforcement for live musical events. Under Cole’s supervision, students were responsible for setting up and operating audio systems at more than 50 musical performances.

Winter Concert 2018

Winter Concert 2018

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What people are saying about Cole’s Lessons:

Our kids have been studying under Cole for two years now and I’ve been nothing up amazed the entire process. With a relaxed, creative thinker as one son and another who focuses on math and absolutes, it’s been fascinating watching Cole adjust his teaching style to meet the needs of each. While my creative son comes home with enough notes to keep him practicing, the one I had all but given up hope for any appreciation of art receives recommendations for books regarding music theory and practices daily on his own. I look forward to continuing our training with Cole for years to come.
— James Sandlin
 
 
 
Cole has been our guitar instructor for four years. Yes he had the patience and skill to teach my then 7 year old, 13 year old and myself. Thank you cole for being such a wonderful instructor and sharing your passion for music with us
— Angie Garcia
Cole’s Student Performing at Winter Concert 2018

Cole’s Student Performing at Winter Concert 2018

I cannot begin to express my gratitude for Cole and Pacific Guitar Studio. I’ve had two teens work with Cole over the years and it has been a life changing experience for them. Cole instills a love of learning music to last a lifetime. His energy is positive, full of fun and he is incredibly knowledgeable of music! Cole has a gift working with kids of all ages. And the performances are wonderful - the kids are focused musicians showing their skills! You will not be disappointed - Cole is exceptional.
— Stacey Goldstein
My two boys have been taking lessons with Cole for about 2 years now. I am amazed and both their progress and absolute enjoyment of learning guitar. Cole is amazing! His teaching style keeps my kids engaged and excited. I am so happy to have found such a wonderful teacher. We will continue lesson with Cole for years to come!
— Aubri Sandlin
 
Fantastic Teacher and musician with many tricks and descriptions to help simplify learning. I would recommend Cole to anyone wishing to grow in a musical direction. Thanks Cole!
— Randy Ainsley
Cole is a great teacher. He is extremely talented on different instruments as well as transcribing material that his students want to learn. He listens to your musical wants and needs and teaches to that. He has a positive attitude and good sense of humor and shares that with his students. I can’t really say enough to endorse this guy as a music instructor. I learned a lot from him and wish he hadn’t moved so I could have learned more.
— John Toporowski
Cole is such a cool guy! My teenage son has taken lessons, both private and ensemble, on and off for about 4 years. Cole is both knowledgeable and patient, and for my son, hit that sweet spot where music is challenging yet still fun and interesting to learn.
— Gregg Nitta

Contact

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