Rick is so special. He is an amazing, thoughtful, caring person, who happens to be an amazing guitar teacher. He... read moreRick is so special. He is an amazing, thoughtful, caring person, who happens to be an amazing guitar teacher. He has the patience of a saint, a great sense of humor, and is a joy to work with. Beyond that, he is super well organized, caring, and really helps me learn and grow as a guitarist. I would recommend him highly to absolutely anyone who wants to learn guitar from the best. read less

I have been taking lessons with Rick for almost a year. He is a wonderful musician and teacher. He is... read moreI have been taking lessons with Rick for almost a year. He is a wonderful musician and teacher. He is great for all levels and backgrounds. I was worried that since I have a long background with music in other instruments I would have trouble connecting with a teacher (since I'm so picky). Rick is very patient and goes at your level. He is very flexible, and always works with me and my crazy schedule. The price is fair and worth it. I really could not have asked for a better experience. He has knowledge of all different types of music which makes lessons fun and productive. I would highly recommend Rick to any guitarist with goals for any style and starting at any level! read less

My daughter has been taking lessons with Rick for some time now, and it's been a great experience! Rick is... read moreMy daughter has been taking lessons with Rick for some time now, and it's been a great experience! Rick is patient with children, but also really good at holding them accountable in a kind, no-nonsense manner. I also appreciate that he uses not only the sometimes dry lesson book but also teaches pop and rock songs that my daughter adores, and customizes them so they're at the right skill level when needed. This has kept lessons interesting and fresh. I would highly recommend Rick as a teacher for children or adults. My kiddo is his biggest fan! read less

I've been getting lessons from Rick for about a year now and it's been a great experience. I had... read moreI've been getting lessons from Rick for about a year now and it's been a great experience. I had no guitar experience, I just woke up one day and said I wanted to learn, and I've made so much progress from our initial lesson. Rick's incredibly patient, keeps me engaged by challenging me with new songs to learn and creates a really fun learning experience. I highly recommend him if you're interested in taking lessons! read less

I’m retired and have time to take guitar lessons. I’m so glad to have found Rick to teach me. He... read moreI’m retired and have time to take guitar lessons. I’m so glad to have found Rick to teach me. He is very patient, clear instructions, and knowledgeable. I would recommend Rick for any age group. Thanks Rick! read less

I have loved music since the Sixties but I have never been a musician until lately. A few years ago... read moreI have loved music since the Sixties but I have never been a musician until lately. A few years ago I bought a ukulele and learned to play, completely self taught. I finally decided to buy a guitar a couple of months ago and I knew that I need a good instructor. The first person that I contacted never got back to me, which proved to be very fortunate, because when I searched again I found Rick and Learn Guitar PDX. Rick responded almost immediately and welcomed me to an introductory lesson. After that first meeting I knew that he was what I was looking for in a guitar teacher. He is organized, friendly and ready to lead you on your musical journey. After taking lessons for a couple of months, I couldn't be happier with my progress and my weekly visits with Rick. He is patient, detail oriented and able to connect with musicians of all ages. It feels like you're learning and playing with a friend. I would recommend Rick's lessons to anyone and I feel fortunate to have found an instructor like him. read less

I’ve been taking lessons from Rick for a few months now. Overall he’s a great teacher with lots of patience.... read moreI’ve been taking lessons from Rick for a few months now. Overall he’s a great teacher with lots of patience. Learning the guitar as a beginner can be frustrating and difficult at times, but he does a good job motivating me to persevere and that it’s alright to make mistakes. I would definitely recommend Rick whether you are brand new and picking up the guitar for the first time, or if you have experience and would like to better your skills and techniques. read less

Been taking lessons as a beginner guitarist for a few months with Rick,he’s an excellent teacher,highly recommend

Rick has been teaching my daughter to play guitar for almost two years. She sometimes goes to the lesson a... read moreRick has been teaching my daughter to play guitar for almost two years. She sometimes goes to the lesson a bit grumpy but always when she leaves she is upbeat and enthusiastic. He is consistently patient and kind. I’d recommend him whole heartedly. He rocks! read less

Rick had been teaching our 11 year old daughter for over a year. She has made a lot of progress... read moreRick had been teaching our 11 year old daughter for over a year. She has made a lot of progress as a beginner--Rick is so patient with her. Beyond the fundamentals she is learning, Rick also works with her on pop songs in which she has interest. Rick is flexible and a good communicator. He also gives very good feedback to keep my daughter on track. I highly recommend Rick and learnguitarpdx!! read less

Rick is knowledgeable, talented and a natural at teaching. He’s a good listener and knows how to adjust to an... read moreRick is knowledgeable, talented and a natural at teaching. He’s a good listener and knows how to adjust to an individual’s learning style. And, on top of that, he’s fun! read less

Rick doesn't rush me to the dead corner if I can't play the thing. He's nice and supportive. I feel... read moreRick doesn't rush me to the dead corner if I can't play the thing. He's nice and supportive. I feel more comfortable picking the strings. My dexterity goes up with each exercise. Also, he plays pretty nice music. Check out on SoundCloud! read less

I fully echo the positive reviews others have left. Rick has been nothing but patient and encouraging since I... read moreI fully echo the positive reviews others have left. Rick has been nothing but patient and encouraging since I first started guitar lessons seven months ago. I was a complete novice and didn’t know what to expect, but he has always proven to be a great teacher. Even when my chords would make others cringe, he is positive about my progress and emphasizes what I have gotten right. He even gives out stickers! Would definitely recommend him to others. read less

I'm 41 years old and just decided this year that I wanted to learn guitar. I had no musical... read moreI'm 41 years old and just decided this year that I wanted to learn guitar. I had no musical training whatsoever, other than some recorder lessons in grade school. Rick has been a fantastic teacher, and I'm very glad that I found him. Not only has he been very patient, he's been encouraging and a pleasure to talk to. I'll be continuing to take lessons with Rick, and if you're looking for lessons yourself, I highly recommend you give him a try! read less

I have been taking lessons for over a year with Rick and he has been superb! He has always... read moreI have been taking lessons for over a year with Rick and he has been superb! He has always been willing to work with me on whatever I choose--whether it's theory, learning different songs, or anything else (how to properly adjust your strap, changing strings and stretching them afterwards, what to look for in an amp--whatever). I look forward to every week's lesson, and he's just generally a pretty cool guy. Always a pleasure! read less

If you're in the market for a super rad guitar teacher, check out Rick. My son, Quinton, loves him. Rick... read moreIf you're in the market for a super rad guitar teacher, check out Rick. My son, Quinton, loves him. Rick is cool, patient, hilarious, and just an all around great human. And he's awesome with free spirits! read less

Taking guitar lessons from Rick has been a great experience. His lessons are a highlight of my week, as he... read moreTaking guitar lessons from Rick has been a great experience. His lessons are a highlight of my week, as he is an incredibly patient and knowledgeable teacher. I've been able to start learning how to play some of my favorite songs, which is awesome and something that felt so frustrating attempting to do on my own. I would highly recommend anyone looking to learn to play guitar, to do so through learn guitar pdx. Also, his dog is ridiculously cute. read less

Rick is an extremely knowledgeable, patient and helpful guitar teacher. He breaks down the theory in a way that makes... read moreRick is an extremely knowledgeable, patient and helpful guitar teacher. He breaks down the theory in a way that makes it easy to grasp and keeps the material directed towards what you are interested in. Highly recommend for any skill level. read less

Great teachers! A fun and positve environment making it easy to learn and grow. We've been taking lessons from Joel... read moreGreat teachers! A fun and positve environment making it easy to learn and grow. We've been taking lessons from Joel for the last 15 months and it's been a wonderful experience. read less

I took lessons from Rick for a couple of years. Rick was always very patient, knowledgeable, and fun! What I... read moreI took lessons from Rick for a couple of years. Rick was always very patient, knowledgeable, and fun! What I loved most was that he would teach technique through conventional methods but also throw in some rad songs that kept it fun. I would highly recommend him as a teacher for both children and adults. read less

My 12 year old has been learning guitar from Rick for over a year now and he has learned quite... read moreMy 12 year old has been learning guitar from Rick for over a year now and he has learned quite a bit during this time. We are very pleased with Rick and with my son's achievement. Rick is an awesome teacher, vocalist, and guitarist and we highly recommend him. Our son is excited to learn from Rick and practices at home without being asked to; we don't have to make him do it anymore 🙂 Rick has helped him learn some songs of his choice and any kid would love that kind of tutoring and encouragement. Thank you, Rick! read less

Rick is clear, attentive and goal oriented. I'm an adult student with a busy life. And on those weeks when... read moreRick is clear, attentive and goal oriented. I'm an adult student with a busy life. And on those weeks when my practice does not match our goals he adjusts and works to keep me moving forward. Which I appreciate. Also, I very much appreciate that RIck is an active musician. His passion comes through in his teaching. read less

Rick has been an amazing guitar teacher for our teenage daughter, and we're so happy we found him! Each... read moreRick has been an amazing guitar teacher for our teenage daughter, and we're so happy we found him! Each week our daughter leaves her lesson excited about what she learned and practiced with Rick, and wants to share it with us as soon as we get home. Rick strikes a wonderful balance between helping our daughter master the songs she wants to play while also introducing her to new music that expands her knowledge and builds new skills. She feels comfortable sharing her singing and songwriting with him as well which speaks to his patience, kindness, and ability to connect with young people. Rick makes lessons fun and engaging, and we highly recommend him to anyone looking for a guitar teacher. read less

Rick has been teaching guitar to our teen son for a couple of years, and I would definitely recommend him.... read moreRick has been teaching guitar to our teen son for a couple of years, and I would definitely recommend him. He is patient and kind while also providing enough push and motivation to keep our son continually learning and improving his skills. He has made it fun for our son and has helped him learn a few of his most favorite songs along the way. We look forward to continuing lessons with Rick for the foreseeable future. read less

Rick is a rad teacher!
After a few months of failing to teach myself guitar, I started taking lessons from... read moreRick is a rad teacher!
After a few months of failing to teach myself guitar, I started taking lessons from Rick. As an adult with absolutely no musical experience at all, Rick made any nervousness about being "too old to learn" dissipate immediately. He's hilarious, so kind, and his encouragement and support is unwavering. His belief in his students is unmatched.
He really cares about his students and takes interest in catering musical selections to be based on your favorite bands and songs. He's great at gauging musical taste and coming up with songs to play within your skill level.
I give Rick 5 stars and a high-five! read less

My daughter took ukulele from Rick for 6 months, in that time the improvement was amazing due to the fact... read moreMy daughter took ukulele from Rick for 6 months, in that time the improvement was amazing due to the fact that Rick is kind, patient and his passion is kid focused and never getting frustrated no matter how many times they had to redo the chords. My wife is a PPS teacher and she mentioned how Rick is a natural as not easy to show passion with every student. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is thinking of getting their kids into music. Very talented musician. read less

Rick is an incredible teacher and a very nice person! I highly recommend lessons with Rick.

Been taking lessons for nearly a year now. Rick is always very patient, knowledgeable, and friendly. He is willing to... read moreBeen taking lessons for nearly a year now. Rick is always very patient, knowledgeable, and friendly. He is willing to give you everything you need to really learn how to play music. Highly recommended!!! read less

Rick has been such a wonderful instructor to my daughter, who expressed interest in learning ukulele but who was nervous... read moreRick has been such a wonderful instructor to my daughter, who expressed interest in learning ukulele but who was nervous about whether it would be difficult since she has never studied music before. Rick has made her feel so comfortable every step of the way, and I have been able to listen to them make such lovely music together sitting in on the lessons in his charming studio. Rick has a gentle, encouraging manner with kids, and my daughter has been transformed from someone who was nervous about trying music to someone who is making big plans about joining the band at school. Thank you for everything, Rick! read less

I have taken classes with Rick for the last 6 or so months. Going into it I was fully prepared... read moreI have taken classes with Rick for the last 6 or so months. Going into it I was fully prepared to begin with the most monotonous and grueling songs for the first year at least. While he does incorporate classic beginners songs, he also writes tablature that learners can understand in order for you to play your favorite songs right off the bat. I love playing and I have learned so much faster than I had expected to; and I think that my passion had a lot to do with Rick's teaching styles. He's incredibly patient and helpful, and he works around my schedule as much as he can. Also, his lessons are pretty much the cheapest you can find in the Portland area. All around this guy is a great teacher. read less

My daughter is 11 and takes lessons with Rick. We could not be happier with the lessons! His communication style... read moreMy daughter is 11 and takes lessons with Rick. We could not be happier with the lessons! His communication style is perfect with kids, authentic, kind, direct and funny. My daughter loves the lessons and talks about how much she loves them with her friends. The lessons themselves a a good balance of theory, music literacy and creative invention. I also love the consistency of the lessons and how my daughter is able to work on a project from beginning to end over a a series of many lessons and to feel the success of pulling off a difficult piece completely. Rick is the best! read less

I've taken lessons from Rick for almost two years now and he is a great guy and an amazing teacher.... read moreI've taken lessons from Rick for almost two years now and he is a great guy and an amazing teacher. He is an awesome guitar player and is extremely knowledged in music theory. But the best part is that he is a very patient teacher and is really good at passing on what he knows in a way that is easy to understand. I learned so much from him in regards to theory and technique, both of which are challenging enough to learn let alone teach. Also, If I have a question about something throughout the week he always helps me out in an email or text. I can't recommend him enough, he is great at what he does and will help you learn quickly. Awesome teacher! read less

Rick has a rare combination - a highly skilled guitarist AND a special teacher. He truly listens, takes notes,... read moreRick has a rare combination - a highly skilled guitarist AND a special teacher. He truly listens, takes notes, and then prepares for your lesson. When you arrive you feel as if he's been waiting for you all week long. I've learned so much from him. Practice is fun again!Chris read less

Rick is an amazing guitar teacher. He crafts lessons to suit your style and experience, and does an excellent... read moreRick is an amazing guitar teacher. He crafts lessons to suit your style and experience, and does an excellent job of combining theory and practice to make you not just a better guitar player, but a better musician. He is affable, organized, and very devoted to his students, even putting out a monthly newsletter for them in which he provides tips, links, advice, etc. I highly recommend. read less

Rick is a gifted teacher, offering structure to the student's musical interest with a relaxed approach and genuine enthusiasm for... read moreRick is a gifted teacher, offering structure to the student's musical interest with a relaxed approach and genuine enthusiasm for the craft. He allows the student to feel comfortable with the learning process from the beginning, enabling them to grow the confidence needed to truly enjoy it. I'm listening to my son practice right now- it brings joy to my heart to hear him learning songs he always wanted to play and creating the sounds he always wanted to hear. The gift of music is a gift for life. Priceless. read less

Rick is an excellent teacher. Scheduling: Prompt responses and flexible regarding scheduling.Lessons: He tailors the lessons and content... read moreRick is an excellent teacher. Scheduling: Prompt responses and flexible regarding scheduling.Lessons: He tailors the lessons and content based on my feedback and his vast experience as a musician. The result is fun, challenging, customized lessons and homework that blends playing songs, learning music theory, and skill development exercises. This customized approach, well rounded approach is extremely beneficial and fun for a beginner like myself.He is also extremely knowledgeable about music equipment (guitars, amps, etc), which has been really helpful, as I purchased a new guitar.I would highly recommend Rick for young and old, beginners or experienced musicians. He is a great teacher. A++++ read less

I've been working with Rick for about 6 months now and I couldn't speak more highly of him as a... read moreI've been working with Rick for about 6 months now and I couldn't speak more highly of him as a teacher. I had wanted to learn guitar for years, but couldn't get over the fear of possibly not being good enough (so why bother?). He assured me that many people felt and overcame not only that fear but several other handicaps. In addition to learning how to read music, I'm learning chords, strumming patterns and techniques. Rick makes each lesson varied and enjoyable. We have a lot of laughs and I look forward to each session. His approach to teaching comprises patience, compassion and structure -- three things I needed for this goal to become a reality. I feel that he is as invested in helping me learn as I am in wanting to learn! Thank you for everything, Rick! read less

Howdy,I'm a beginner guitarist who has been taking lessons from Rick for a while now. He's a very relaxed, skilled,... read moreHowdy,I'm a beginner guitarist who has been taking lessons from Rick for a while now. He's a very relaxed, skilled, and encouraging teacher. I really appreciate the opportunity to give input on what types of music or specific songs I'd like to work on. Rick gives regular instruction on music theory along with technique that is very helpful the more I practice. I'd recommend Rick to anyone wanting to improve their guitar playing.Dave read less

I've been taking guitar lessons from Rick on and off for a while now. His versatility as a musician really... read moreI've been taking guitar lessons from Rick on and off for a while now. His versatility as a musician really helps him adapt to the individual students needs and interests. For example, if I show up for a lesson being really stoked on some blues musician I've heard he will cater the lesson and proceeding jam session to that style. In short, he doesn't just teach guitar, he teaches you how to be a musician. read less

In the few lessons that I did have with Rick, I learned more about the intricacies involved in creative and... read moreIn the few lessons that I did have with Rick, I learned more about the intricacies involved in creative and inspiring guitar play than anywhere else in 14 years of guitar and bass playing. Rick truly is a one-of-a-kind musician and teacher. Whether it's from his solo projects, to his (recently dismembered) band, Invisible Orchestra, you'll find nothing but creative and inspiring innovation. No matter if you're just interested in learning an awesome riff, or the theory behind the Dorian scale: look no further. Rick's lessons and teachings will leave a permanent positive impact on the way you look at guitar, which, in turn, will transcend into the way you look at nature, the world, and your everyday life. read less

Rick was knowledgeable and patient with me and my guitar studies. It was clear to me that I could have... read moreRick was knowledgeable and patient with me and my guitar studies. It was clear to me that I could have studied with him for years to come. Unfortunately, as an adult learner, I had to stop so that I could focus on other things but if I can return to the guitar, Rick is top on my list for instruction. Still, when I have time to sit with the guitar, I refer to his notes and remember the guidance, which is invaluable. read less

Rick taught me guitar when I was in high school. He's as good at teaching as he is at playing... read moreRick taught me guitar when I was in high school. He's as good at teaching as he is at playing - which is pretty damn good, imho.I could only imagine he's gotten even better over the years. read less