Currently Accepting New Students
Adam Mullen is a brass instructor offering private music lessons to students and community members in the Portland metro area. He has taught private lessons since 2011 and holds a Bachelor of Music Education (University of Oregon, 2011) and a Master of Music in Multiple Brass Performance (University of Oregon, 2014). He specializes in trombone, euphonium/baritone, and tuba, music production/composition, and also teaches trumpet/cornet and French horn.
Instrumental Lessons
Lessons with Adam are structured and goal-oriented, using carefully prepared materials provided from lesson to lesson. Instruction emphasizes singing, buzzing, and etude study, along with the development of a consistent daily routine that builds essential fundamentals for all musicians.
These fundamentals are reinforced through lesson repertoire and applied directly to school ensemble music. Adam has extensive experience in brass pedagogy and teaches all brass instruments, drawing on his background in music education and performance.
Music Theory Lessons
Adam offers private music theory lessons for students who want to strengthen their theory knowledge or prepare for IB Music exams. Lessons build understanding of music structure and function through applied theory exercises and aural training that develop core musicianship skills.
Instruction is tailored to each student, from beginners with no prior theory experience to advanced students with existing training. This personalized approach allows students to progress at their own pace while developing a deeper understanding of musical concepts.
For IB Music students, lessons focus on exam preparation, including written components, score study, project development, and aural skills training. Students who have studied theory with Adam have successfully achieved strong results in their music theory coursework and IB Music assessments.
Music Production & Composition
Adam composes music for film, television, video games, trailers, and other media, spanning genres including sci-fi, horror, comedy, and action. He has nearly two decades of composing experience. His work has been featured in productions internationally.
Adam offers a limited number of lesson slots for high school and college students interested in music production and composition using digital audio workstations (DAWs) and virtual instruments.
Adam’s Students
Students of Adam regularly participate in District Solo & Ensemble Festivals and auditioned regional ensembles such as WIBC, All-Northwest, and All-State groups.
His students have consistently earned recognition at the state level, including high placements in solo and ensemble performance categories across multiple instruments, as well as repeated participation in State Solo Festivals and selection to All-State ensembles.
Several students have achieved top rankings at the state level, including first-place and top-five finishes. Many former students have continued on to careers as performers, educators, and music directors in the Portland area.
Lesson Rates
In-Person in Tigard or Online
30 minutes - $35
45 minutes - $45
60 minutes - $55
One-Time & Short-Term Lessons
are also offered.
Group Lessons & Small Ensemble Coaching
Open to all students, including
students not currently enrolled
in private lessons with Adam.
2 students - $45 each
3 students - $35 each
4 to 6 students - $25 each
Music Production & Composition
Open to high school, college students,
and community members interested in using a digital audio workstation (DAW)
and virtual instruments.
Must purchase own software and hardware.
Limited Availability
60-minute online sessions - $75
May be scheduled in the evening after 8:00pm.
Studio Policies
Lesson Structure & Payment
Each student is assigned a reserved weekly lesson time, which is held for them each week.
Payment is due at the time of each lesson or may be made in advance at the beginning of each month. Accepted payment methods include Venmo, Zelle, cash, or check.
Missed lessons are charged according to the cancellation policy.
Lesson rates are reviewed annually and may be adjusted beginning each September. Advance notice will be provided.
Cancellations & Rescheduling
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Lessons canceled with at least 24 hours notice may be rescheduled based on availability. Rescheduling is not guaranteed.
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Lessons canceled with less than 24 hours notice are charged in full and may be rescheduled as a courtesy when available.
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Missed lessons without notice (no-shows) are charged in full.
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If a lesson is canceled by Adam, it will be rescheduled or credited.
Illness Policy
Students who are ill should not attend in-person lessons. When possible, an online lesson may be arranged.
Attendance & Scheduling
Students arriving late will receive the remaining portion of their scheduled lesson time.
Lessons end at the scheduled time. Additional time must be scheduled in advance.
Permanent schedule changes may be requested and will be accommodated based on availability.
Pausing Lessons
Short breaks are handled through the cancellation policy.
Extended absences of more than 3 weeks may result in the release of the reserved lesson time.
Withdrawal from lessons
Families are asked to provide advance notice when discontinuing lessons.
Trial & One-Time Lessons
New students may schedule a trial lesson at a discounted rate ($30 / $40 / $50).
One-time lessons are available for audition prep or short-term coaching at the standard rate.
Short-term students do not receive a reserved weekly time. Priority scheduling is given to ongoing weekly students.
Group Lessons
Group lessons and small ensemble coaching are available to all students.
Pricing is based on enrollment and is not adjusted for attendance. Standard cancellation policies apply.
Referral Credit
Families who refer a new student will receive a $10 credit after the new student completes their first paid lesson.
Holidays & Breaks
Lessons are not held on major holidays or when the studio is closed. Closure dates will be communicated in advance. Lessons may be offered in some cases based on availability at Adam’s discretion.
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Thanksgiving Break (dates announced annually)
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Thanksgiving Day (closed)
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Winter Break (dates announced annually)
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Christmas 24th & 25th (closed)
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Spring Break (dates announced annually)
Lesson Portal
Each student receives access to a lesson portal with assignments, notes, and materials. The portal is updated after each lesson and should be reviewed regularly. Each student will receive a unique password to access their password protected lesson page.
Lesson Scheduling & Booking
Short-term and long-term lessons are booked through a scheduling website called Appointy. An Appointy account will be created for you. This website sends out lesson reminders 24 hours in advance. Adam usually also sends out lesson confirmations the day before each lesson. For general availability lesson times or to see the weekly lesson schedule, please see below.
Important Operational Information
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Street Parking: Please park on the curb closest to the driveway and front yard. If the trash and recycling cans are out front on Tuesdays, parking is permitted. On Wednesdays, cans will be moved if they've been picked up, if possible. Please park away from the cans if they are still there on Wednesdays.
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Cap on Customers: The number of customers is limited to 6 per day.
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Noise Level: Please refrain from playing at loud volumes.
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Operational Hours: In-person lessons may be taught from 8am to 8pm. If a lesson would begin or end outside of these hours, the lesson length will be shortened and the rate will match the new length.
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In-person lessons are generally given in Adam's garage music studio. Depending on weather, lessons may be held inside the house.
General Availability & Weekly Schedule
Last Updated 6/24/26
Currently Accepting New Students
Limited spots remain for the 2026-2027 school year.
Summer Open Lesson Times:
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Click this link to see Adam’s summer schedule (different weeks can be selected at the bottom of the document)
General Open Lesson Times:
Fall lessons begin August 23rd.
Exact times TBD.
Weekly Schedule:
Adam's fall schedule will be posted in late August once the new schedule is finalized.