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Our Coaches
Experience the Excitement of Learning!
Learn up to 8 Times Faster. Build Complete Confidence!
is where you learn to play!
A Note from the Founder
Andy Harrison
"We are excited to help you discover all you can do with music and to learn in a way that's the most fun and effective for you. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of your lifelong adventure with music!"
Andy is a musician, recording artist and music producer living in Hillsboro Oregon. He has over 35 years of teaching and teacher training experience. He has written over 3000 songs, recorded over 37 albums and had three nationally charted singles. Andy developed the American Guitar Academy learning method which has been used in hundreds of teaching facilities across the U.S. to help thousands of people reach their goals learning music.
Karyn Hanson
I've been involved with music in many ways over the last 45 years. I began playing guitar in grade school and have been honored to be a student of classical guitarist, Michael Davis. I have experience with the music business as a concert producer at Portland State University. I am currently finishing my degree in Music and Sonic Arts at Portland Community College where I perform solo and as a member of ensembles. I excel in music theory and composition and have many years of teaching experience. I've been a music coach at American Guitar Academy since August of 2019 and am currently coaching guitar, piano, drums, voice and ukulele.
Isaak Boorstein
I have always enjoyed singing and performing. When I was fifteen, I took my first music course, a guitar, songwriting, and music history class. Ever since, creating music has been a main driving force in my life. Growing up, our house was full of all types of instruments. Over the years, I would teach my friends instruments so that I would have people to play music with and, in doing so, I discovered that teaching is something I love to do and have a talent for. At the University of Oregon, I studied Music Production and Performance, starred in the UO's production of Once: The Musical, and acted as the vocalist and guitarist for the School of Music's Pop Ensemble. I sing, play guitar, and piano in two local Portland bands, and produce music for a few PNW artists. I love talking about music and music history. At AGA, I coach guitar, piano, drums, ukulele, and vocals.
Bill Hernandez
I have always loved music. It all started Sunday, Feb. 9, 1964... the night the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. Not really sure how my parents felt about their eight year old son wearing a Beatles wig shouting "She Loves You Yeah Yeah Yeah!!!" but it didn't matter because I was hooked. From my very first concert (Sonny and Cher) to the one I saw most recently (Elton John) and the hundreds more over 50 years, I love that music is the chronicle of our lives and I love the ability it has to bring back memories. Now at 66 years young, it's time to start creating new memories and passing on what I've learned to others. No matter what it is in life you’re passionate about, pursue it like there’s no tomorrow. I am currently coaching guitar and ukulele.
Tom Casiano
From my early beginnings in music with church and school, I have always understood the value of music in our lives as more than just a form of entertainment. Once I moved to Oregon, I had already accomplished multi-track recording on 4 track tape with my band from Bellingham, WA and played many of the celebrated clubs and venues of the early 90's in the Pacific Northwest. I currently play multiple instruments with a new interest in DAW recording based on my early work with sound module synthesis (analog synthesizers). One of the things that excites me the most about music is the way that music creation has become more accessible to everyone who is willing to spend the time to enjoy the simplicity of creation through a basic understanding of both the instruments and principles used to compose. Music is simply a part of my life and I feel grateful to be able to share my experience as a coach with the AGA.
Sydney Timm
My name is Sydney and I'm entering my Junior year at Pacific University completing my Bachelors of Music Education and Bachelors of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance. Going hand in hand with my life long passion for music is a deep love of musical theater. I've performed with many local community theaters, notably playing Sophie in Mamma Mia and Marian Paroo in The Music Man. I'm a mentor teacher for Pacific University’s Choral Project, and have worked with Forest Grove High School teaching and conducting their spring choir concert. I'm Coaching voice, piano and ukulele lessons at AGA and am thrilled to have the opportunity to help you find your passion for music!
Ezra Hapner
My name is Ezra and I’m a 23 year old drummer and percussionist. A recent transplant to Portland, I’m originally from Santa Cruz, CA, and I spent the last 4 years studying music at UCLA where I got my BA in Ethnomusicology. Since a young age, I’ve played drum set and percussion in a wide variety of settings and styles. Growing up, I played jazz and afro-latin jazz, did drumline/marching band at school, and gigged with a local artist and a Grateful Dead cover band. During college, I had the opportunity to play with many college bands and also did my fair share of gigging around the city (and a little touring) with pop and folk rock acts. I co-founded a 10-piece reggae/jazz group called Old Growth and had my own act where I’d rap and play drums with a full band (Ezzie the Scribe). Studying Ethnomusicology, I spent most of my time learning tabla (North Indian) and tombak/daf (Iranian). I had the privilege of playing in ensembles for these styles, as well as klezmer, Turkish, Balkan, Armenian, Indonesian, and West African musics. I’m an avid student of music and see teaching as another form of learning. At AGA, I will be offering lessons on drums, piano, and ukulele. I’m excited about meeting people and moving through the learning process together!
Sam Sullivan
Music and art have always been at the center of my life. I grew up loving a wide range of styles, starting on drums and later teaching myself guitar, bass, and piano. In high school, I served as band president and performed in award-winning drumline, marching band, jazz, and wind ensembles. Along the way, I discovered a passion for coaching — helping younger musicians grow their skills and confidence. After high school, I focused on developing my craft as a singer-songwriter and producer, eventually releasing my debut album Enemies under the artist name Samson. I'm currently working on my next album. I'm thrilled to be Coaching guitar, piano, drums, voice and ukulele at AGA and excited to help students unlock their full potential!
Andres Perez-Lete
Hello! My name is Andres Perez-Lete, I am a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and composer. I started playing guitar at age 10 quickly fell in love with music. I am heading into my senior year at Glencoe High School, where I am the choir president of the school’s concert choir. I have also participated in the school’s jazz band and wind ensemble. I am so excited to share the joy of music with others. I am currently Coaching guitar, piano, drums and ukulele at AGA.