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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 2000 songs, recorded over 21 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.
Corey Blaisdell
I am a 22 year old musician from Hillsboro Oregon. I enjoy a variety of music from classical, to choral, blues, rock, and metal. I recently graduated with a BA in Music Education from Pacific University and have toured and performed with their chamber singers as a section leader for the past four years as well as singing in their men's group titled "Splendid Audacity". I placed 1st in districts and 5th in state as a baritone at the 2016 Oregon Solo & Ensemble competition. I play a wide variety of instruments including all that we teach at AGA, with a heavy focus on guitar and voice.
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.
Justin Mandell
Justin Mandell started playing guitar when he was 9 years old. At 16 he picked up the bass guitar and it became his main focus. He attended the University of North Florida and studied Jazz with world renown professor Dennis Marks (Maynard Ferguson, Arturo Sandoval). In 2009 he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies. Justin went on to perform with many internationally acclaimed artists including Wycliffe Gordon (Jazz at Lincoln Center), John Lumpkin (founder of Jazz Discovery Series), and Lisa McClendon (Billboard chart at NO.20 Album). He has also opened for acts such as Maria Schneider and Kurt Elling. Justin worked for Princess Cruises for 3 years and traveled the world playing music. In 2015, Justin established residency in Lima, Peru performing in local clubs and venues. Justin is now located in Portland Oregon where he is pursuing his passion of improvisational music in the jazz setting and is currently Coaching guitar, piano, ukulele and drums at AGA.
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.
Listen to a song by Bill
Lola Fields
Lola Fields is a native Oregonian currently living in the Portland area and working on her first album as a singer songwriter. Her music is inspired by artists similar to Adele. As a lead singer Lola is currently performing covers with Lola and Neil Duo singing a variety of music from jazz to country and Got Yer 6 band performing classic rock. Notable past performances include the wedding of Amy Roloff and Chris Marek from Little People Big World and almost a decade of performing at many wineries, private parties and music venues. I am currently coaching piano and voice.
Listen to a song by Lola
Leslie Wagner
I have enjoyed listening to and making music since I was very young, and what I love best about music is sharing it with others. I've taught in classrooms and studios, directed church choirs, played in orchestras, bell choirs, bluegrass groups and marching bands. I'm currently playing in the Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra, Westside Community and Youth Orchestra, and some ensembles in my faith community. I enjoy helping new musicians find joy in expressing themselves through instruments and voice, and learning from them in return! I am currently coaching guitar, piano, drums, voice, ukulele and music theory at AGA.
Brandon Wareing
Hailing from Northern California, I am a die-hard music fanatic. I picked up my first instrument – the bass guitar – in high school, and after graduating went immediately to College of the Siskiyous to study music. While there, I found a love for teaching, as I helped tutor for the Music Theory classes, transposed and arranged parts for the orchestra, all while playing in local groups and ensembles.
Now with more than five years of teaching experience under my belt, and a grasp of guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, and drums, I'm happy to share everything I can here at AGA Music Lessons. I hope you'll give music a chance, and come learn about the infinite journey of spirit and sound that music has to offer!