Ashley Peck                  

As a teacher, Ashley Peck has a wide range of experience.  She has taught both cello and piano, children and adults, private lessons and group classes, beginners and advanced students.

Ashley believes that every person is musical and has different musical abilities.  Ashley aims to build on those abilities while strengthening any weaknesses.  She keeps lessons fun, focusing on building strong foundational skills while fostering creativity.  

Currently Ashley teaches private lessons at her studio in Northwest Portland.  She also teaches group cello in Lake Oswego School District's beginning strings program.

Practice Tips

The basic rule of thumb for practicing is that more days of short practice sessions is better than fewer days of long pratice sessions.  For instance, 10 minutes six days a week is better than 30 minutes only two days a week.

You can't cram practice the way you might cram for a big test the next morning!  For early beginners, aim for six or seven days of practice a week (not counting the lesson) for only 5-10 minutes a day.  For young students, it is just as important to have parents as committed to practice as the students are.  Young students especially need help during the practice session, while older students who can practice by themselves need reminders to do it at all.

Playing an instrument takes strengthening muscles that we never use in our daily lives outside of music.  It takes developing good rhythm habits over time.  It also takes thoughtful repetition.  Brains should always be engaged while our muscles move our fingers and hands!  Ask yourself: How does this sound?  How can I make it better?  What sections do I struggle with so I can practice them alone?  This type of practice is what really improves playing and frees students to play more fun music!  Once again, this type of practice cannot be crammed.

FAQ's about studying with Ashley Peck:

Q:  What is the right age to start my child in private lessons?

A:  No one is ever too young or too old to enjoy making music and to take private lessons.  Ashley has had success with 4-year-olds, but she herself didn't start playing the cello until she was about twelve.  Playing music is a lifetime sport and an investment that will last with your children no matter what age they start taking lessons.

Q:  Do you accept adult students?

A:  Yes!  Ashley has had a lot of experience with adult students and always enjoys exploring music with them.  She also regularly organizes an adult ensemble.  While regular lessons and practice is still the best way to really learn to play well, you can always just schedule as you go.

Q:  Where can I get an instrument that fits my child?

A:  Ashley recommends David Kerr Violins.  She trusts them with her own instrument and also trusts their expertise in picking the right size instrument for students.  It is important to select a shop that specializes in violin family instruments.  Plus, David Kerr Violins has a great rent-to-own program.  For pianos, Ashley recommends Classic Pianos for acoustic or digital instruments.

Q:  Where are you located?

A:  Ashley's studio is in the heart of Northwest Portland, between the favorite shopping areas of NW 23rd Ave and the Pearl District.  For older students, parents are welcome to leave their children for lessons and go shopping or exploring the area, but parents of young students are asked to sit in on the lessons so they can help their children practice at home.