Guitar Lessons With Pete Krebs

Specialties

I work with complete beginners and experienced guitarists of all ages on everything from basic technique to song writing and improvisation. The lessons are patient, relaxed and fun, focusing on each student’s individual needs within a strong musical framework. In other words, I’ll have you up and running as quick as I can, playing music you like to play. I teach from personal experience as a working musician and teacher for over 20 years, right here in Portland. I have regularly performed and written music in a variety of styles — rock, folk, country, jazz — and have a vast knowledge of vintage swing music and the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt. I particularly enjoy working with self-​taught guitarists looking to fill in the gaps in their understanding and technique, as well as with complete beginners looking for a patient and supportive teacher to help them learn to play that guitar that they got for Xmas or that’s been in the closet for a few years.

History

Established in 1990.

I began playing music professionally in Portland in 1990. Over the years I have made my living as a guitarist playing everything from rock to country to jazz, as a songwriter, and as a teacher. I was the principle songwriter and bandleader with the groups Hazel, Golden Delicious and the Gossamer Wings. I currently play with the Stolen Sweets, and have made records with the likes of Elliott Smith and Ben Shepherd of Soundgarden. My teaching practice really began by accident, with a few of my friends asking me for help and pointers. I quickly realized that I really enjoyed teaching, and more importantly, that I was blessed with the ability to teach. Being a self-​taught guitarist gives me the advantage of being able to translate musical concepts and ideas into an everyday, logical and useful language that’s easy to understand and apply. If I can figure this stuff out, anybody can!

Meet the Business Owner

Pete K.

Business Owner

My passion has been music for over three decades now. I received my first guitar at age 10 (in 1976) at a garage sale, and within weeks was a very competent air guitar player. My musical influences are across the board and too numerous to list completely, but here are the biggies: the Clash, Television, the Kinks, the Jam, the Holy Modal Rounders, Michael Hurley, Django Reinhardt, Fapy Lafertin, Charlie Christian, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson. I’m inspired by Classic Jazz and swing, Gypsy music, French musette, punk rock, old school country, western swing and old blues and Gospel. I have always envisioned myself playing, teaching and sharing my love for music ’til I am old and grey, preferably here in Portland.