Spencer Moholt | Instructor Bio

What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that learning music is a lifelong journey and the person that focuses on gradual, continuous progress will come out all the better. Music is one of the most rewarding things you can invest in, but it is an investment and takes dedication as well as passion. My goal is to foster an excitement and curiosity that pushes us to ask questions and as a result, improve.

How long have you been teaching music? At Youth Music Project?
I began teaching private lessons in early 2014. I started as a substitute at Youth Music Project in the fall of 2018 and was brought on as an instructor the following year.

What is your favorite thing about teaching music?
The most rewarding part of teaching for me is when a student has an “a-ha!” moment and the concept we’ve been discussing finally clicks. It’s a great reminder of how we all have room to grow.

What do you expect of your students in classes/lessons?
I expect my students to give their best effort in lessons and to respect my time as well as their own. This means giving their instruments proper attention and being prepared so we can focus on what’s important: making music.

About Spencer
Spencer took an interest in music at a young age, starting with the piano. During his middle school years, he played trumpet in both concert and jazz band. It was around this same time he got his first guitar and began learning electric and acoustic. After several years working on the basics, he shifted his focus towards classical guitar.

Spencer received a Bachelor’s of Science in Music from the University of Oregon where he was fortunate to take lessons with Professor Case and further his musical development. While at Oregon, he was exposed to all different styles of music and heightened his theory chops in courses like Studio Guitar, Counterpoint, and Analysis of Nineteenth Century Sonata Form. Near the end of his time at university, he started teaching private lessons in guitar and eventually added ukulele, bass, and piano.

When he is not teaching, you can find him on occasion performing classical guitar in the Portland area. His taste in music ranges widely depending on the day, from composers like Debussy and Tárrega to Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, and The Dear Hunter.