Claire Teresko

Instruments: Guitar, Piano

Best Fit For: Beginner students of all ages who want to focus on playing songs they love and creating their own original music in a high-confidence environment.

Why we recommend her for music lessons in Portland:

Claire is a versatile and inspiring mentor within the Portland music scene, bringing two decades of guitar experience and 14 years of piano mastery to her students. Her teaching philosophy is centered on building the confidence necessary for students to not only play their instruments but to eventually get out and perform with others. With a background that spans indie, folk, punk, and jazz, she is exceptionally skilled at turning a student’s personal musical tastes into a roadmap for lifelong learning.

She is an ideal choice for families in neighborhoods like Buckman, Richmond, and Alberta Arts District who are looking for a teacher with deep roots in local performance culture. Her technical training from San Francisco State University ensures a solid foundation in music theory and jazz performance. By fostering a “creation-first” mindset, she prepares her students to engage with Portland’s unique artistic identity, from the local band DIY circuit to the professional stages of the Oregon Symphony.

Specialized Teaching Focus:

• Song-First Guitar Instruction: Learning the mechanics of the guitar through the indie, folk, and punk songs that inspire the student.
• Creative Piano Foundations: Bridging music theory and classical fundamentals with modern, student-led creativity.
• Performance Readiness: Guiding students toward the resources and confidence they need to play in groups and ensembles.
• Genre Versatility: Specialized guidance for students in Hawthorne and Woodstock interested in exploring jazz, punk, or singer-songwriter styles.

Background & Educational Experience:

• SFSU Music Coursework: Focused study in Music Theory and Jazz Performance at San Francisco State University.
• 20 Years of Experience: A lifelong dedication to guitar (20 years) and piano (14 years).
• Active Performer: Years of experience performing in various local groups, bringing real-world stage insights to every lesson.

Teaching Style: Claire’s lessons are supportive, patient, and highly personalized. She focuses on the “spark” of inspiration, ensuring that students in the Hollywood District and Beaumont areas build a technical foundation while staying focused on the music that makes them want to pick up their instrument every day.