Alan Singley

What is your teaching philosophy?
I get the students rocking out as quick as possible. I strive to instill a passion for music in my students. The skills I teach are practical tools that make playing in a band easier. I know that if I am having fun, then the kids are too. I have a lot of fun.

How long have you been teaching music? At Youth Music Project?
I’ve taught since 2006. I’ve taught at Youth Music Project since January 2014. When I saw the Jack Black movie “School of Rock,” that’s the second I knew I wanted to teach.

What is your favorite thing about teaching music?
Since we rock out as soon as possible, I enjoy rocking out! I like to jam with anybody, especially kids. Not much is more adorable than watching those tiny fingers rocking. With older students, I love to sweep off the cobwebs of self-doubt. After teaching for a decade, it’s easy for me to just relax and enjoy the music we make. It’s nice to be in the present moment of the sound.

What do you expect of your students in classes/lessons?
I expect my students to bring their materials, practice each day, and pay me respect as I will respect them. I expect my students to respect the learning environment. I expect them to seek out music to listen to and keep a list of their favorite bands and songs. I expect them to care. I expect them to thank whoever is responsible for their opportunity to have music lessons.

About Alan Singley:
Alan Singley has taught for Youth Music Project since January 2014. He currently instructs all ages guitar, ukulele, bass guitar, drums, and rock band. Alan has also overseen the Recording Studio Workshop held during our summer camps, resulting in over a hundred original compositions from our students over the last five summers. He has taught upwards to a thousand students since beginning teaching in 2006. Alan strives to curate a unique experience for each individual student with an emphasis on developing a life-long passion for music. He draws from a myriad of teaching styles and approaches to achieve success with any learning style and personality, always presenting the student with an enriching, exciting  experience. It should be mentioned, he decided he wanted to teach after seeing Jack Black’s performance in the film ‘School of Rock”. Along with his teaching credentials, Alan is also an active composer and band leader. He has performed at top Portland music venues including The Crystal Ballroom, The Aladdin Theater, Mississippi Studios, Doug Fir Lounge, and PDX POP NOW Festivals. Alan has arranged for and conducted four orchestras, most notably his collaboration with the Camas High School Choir in 2015. His orchestral works have also been utilized by scores of YouTube content creators from as far away as Turkey and Italy.