About Us
Chris Huffine, Founder
Chris Huffine
"I've been involved in music for 45 years. It's what I love. It's what I do. Sharing this love of music has been, and continues to be a tremendously rewarding life choice for me. I may not have amassed any financial riches doing it, but I believe I've enriched many lives along the way - including my own. This makes me happy.”
Our namesake “La Di Da” was written by Chris and recorded with former student Samantha Short on vocals. Check out our video: “La Di Da - A Stick Figure Love Story” (and just try not to smile!)
Music is such a personal experience for each of us. That’s why we’re passionate about creating a customized approach to learning music of all kinds for students of all ages. Our goal is to bring a perfect blend of creativity, fun and structure to each lesson. Because we all learn differently, we do a lot of listening and asking for feedback. A more structured, technical music curriculum works for some, while others simply want to learn enough basic skills to play songs around the campfire. We love to teach to both. We also work with many students to develop songwriting and performance skills. And we have to admit, that seeing our students perform makes us incredibly proud. I have been happily teaching music since 2004, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Our Talented Teachers
At La Di Da Lessons we take great pride in the fact that we have painstakingly searched high and low all over the country to add only the very best instructors to our team. They are people who have a true passion for teaching, performing and sharing music of all kinds. They have stellar resumes and an impressive amount of collective experience. We are very grateful to have found every one of them as they each bring special and unique talents to the team. We hope that you’ll allow one of them to help bring some music into your life!
Jenna Bauer
Violin, Viola and Piano
Jenna, with a BMA in Violin Performance from DePauw University and a Masters in Orchestral Career Studies, boasts 26 years of violin mastery. As Violin instructor at Brookfield Academy, Jenna received training in the Suzuki Method and expanded the program into a full orchestra. She has nurtured violin, viola, and piano students for local and international orchestras, camps, and festivals. Jenna remains an active performer with regional ensembles like the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, and she frequently graces events in scenic locales near Lake Tahoe.
Jenna playing violin in the Boise Philharmonic!
Greg Hyatt
Electric Bass and Guitar
Greg is a celebrated musician, educator, and producer with over 3 decades of experience. On his chosen instruments of electric bass and guitar, he has earned a reputation as a top-notch touring and recording professional. He is the co-author of the critically acclaimed bass/drum method 'Get Locked' (Alfred Publishing). Greg is an active influencer within the music community of Portland, Oregon, and is deeply committed to passing on his passion for music to the next generation.
Check out a sample of Greg on the bass:
Paul Haigh
Guitar and Ukulele
Paul teaches beginning guitar and ukulele. He has been studying music and performing for several years now and has a love for the joyful aspect of playing music for many reasons – but mostly just for the fun of it! He’s the guy you want to hang out with around the campfire. His approach and demeanor are both alluring and contagious. He views himself simultaneously as both a teacher and a student and his grace and humility are endearing. If you’re an aspiring guitar or ukulele player who wants to make playing music a priority or maybe put it on your “bucket list”, we should definitely connect you with Paul – he’s got a line on all the best ways to get the most enjoyment out of your musical experiences!
Jess Clinton
Vocals/Singing, Guitar, Ukulele, and Piano
Jess is a graduate of New York University with a degree in Songwriting. She has also had over ten years of formal vocal training in various styles including jazz, theatre, and classical. Subsequently, and wanting to pass her skills on to others, she has spent the last decade training others to become great vocalists as well. Along with her singing and songwriting acumen, Jess has excellent instrumental skills on the Guitar, Ukulele and Piano as well. Jess's sense of humor and accessibility paired with her extensive musical knowledge makes her a creative, fun, and impactful educator.
You can sample some of her music at:
www.jessclinton.com Jess Clinton (bandcamp.com)
Videos of Jess performing:
Jess Clinton "The Runaway" at Frontrunner Magazine - YouTube
Manuel “Bair” Graves
Guitar and Ukulele
A singer-songwriter from Bend, Oregon, Manuel has released a full-length record his original music worldwide. His goal is to show others how to create their own music as he has done. Manuel has a way of bringing laughter and camaraderie into every lesson. His younger students love taking lessons with him because they seem to always be laughing and learning at the same time! Manuel has a special knack for engaging both young and old students and he teaches electric guitar, acoustic guitar and ukulele. Rock on Manuel!
You can check out some of his recordings here:
Laura de Amorim
Guitar, Electric Bass and Ukulele
Laura is a graduate of the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media with a certification for Electric Guitar Performance. A singer, songwriter, and performer, who has been teaching with La Di Da for five years now, Laura has a talent and love of a wide range of musical styles which makes her a great instructor for a variety of different students. Laura considers playing music as a well-earned gift and is determined to pass along that gift to as many people as she can. That’s Laura…paying it forward!
Tommy Lutz
Mandolin and Guitar
Tommy Lutz is an active member of the local music scene in Central Oregon. You might catch him playing mandolin with his band Billy and the Box Kid. Tommy has a passion for teaching and says that sharing the ability to play music is extremely rewarding and happily teaches guitar and mandolin. Thanks for sharing Tommy!
Check out his music (and live performance video below):
Chuck Michaelson
Piano, Guitar and Ukulele
With a B.A. in Music History and a Masters of Music from the University of Florida, Chuck has been a performer with several live acts over the years and has been a part of the music teaching community for over 25 years. He is a celebrated musician in the Pacific Northwest and an outstanding instructor! Chuck teaches piano, electric and acoustic guitar, and ukulele.
Some of Chuck’s recorded music:
Call 541-350-6486 or click below for more information or to book lessons!
