Bald Eagle music takes flight in Sisters

It's been a long time coming, but Becky Morgan French is finally living her dream.

A classically trained musician, French has been teaching private piano lessons since her student teaching days at the University of Oregon in the 1970s. But she's always wanted to open a music location where children and adults alike could come to learn and explore their love of music. Bald Eagle Music Education Station is the fulfillment of that dream.

"I'm so excited I can hardly stand it," said French from her studio in downtown Sisters.

French has created a place filled with all kinds of musical instruments. There are drums, guitars, a banjo, two pianos and a treasure chest full of even more instruments to play with. The tongue drums used by students are made by French's husband, Jason Knoke. Made out of juniper wood, the drums teach the little ones how to have fun with rhythms.

"We even talk about how drums were used as one of people's first forms of communication," said French.

French is the Sisters Area Chair for the Cascades Classical Music Foundation. She has an extensive background as an instructor and performer.

"I want this place to be a resource for music," she said. "We'll even have a place for people to buy and sell their used instruments. I'd love it to be a community center, just full of music all the time."

French's teaching style places a big emphasis on student creativity, self-motivation and empowerment through music. Over her career she has taught blind and handicapped students as well as students overcoming traumatic experiences. Her love of music, coupled with her enthusiasm for teaching, helped her reach her students and help them overcome obstacles and grow as musicians.

"Sometimes parent have certain teaching methods that they prefer for their children," said French. "I will incorporate their methods but also have a library of books available."

French likes to teach her young students how much music is a part of their lives; before they even pick up their first instrument.

"No matter what we're doing during the day, music is always nearby," she said. "It's in the sound of a horse coming down the road, or the noises of nature, even tires humming down the street. In class we talk about what kind of rhythm we have around us."

Bald Eagle Music offers private and group piano/music theory instruction, musical adventures in song, dance, rhythmic movements and drumming for the early music-makers. There is also in-studio composition through old-school methods and Sibelius software. Students are taught how to read and write music; once they have mastered that, they can use the studio's software that translates what is played on the electric piano and then is produced as a MIDI composition.

Classes are filling up, but there is still space available Tuesday through Friday. French welcomes visitors to Bald Eagle Music. The studio entrance is located on Larch Street but the address is 382 E. Hood Ave., Suite C-East. The studio welcomes all ages, genres and abilities. Fees for 30-minute lessons are $15 per hour. Bald Eagle Music will offer scholarships for children needing financial assistance.

The Janie Morgan French Scholarship Fund was established in memory of French's mother, who introduced Becky to the world of music. Before Janie passed away, she encouraged Becky to make her dream of offering a music education station a reality. Both French's parents needed her help as their health began to fail; during that time she was unable to start her business.

For more information call 541-549-3523 or 541-410-9064 or e-mail [email protected]