Hi! I’m Ray Austin, a professional music educator, pianist, and composer based in Portland, OR. I’ve had the honor of teaching in summer camps, afterschool programs, non-profit organizations, community centers, and now in my private home studio. I also perform in various rock and folk bands in the local Portland area. I hold a Bachelor of Comparative Religion from Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA and continue to advance my skills in both teaching and piano studies when I’m not performing or mentoring future musicians.
Before opening my piano studio and teaching music full-time, I spent years working in childcare. I’ve held positions as an afterschool program director, preschool teacher, behavioral therapist, and classroom aide among several other childcare roles. From these experiences I’ve learned that the key to a child’s heart and mind is through play. Learning should be fun! Learning to play the piano is no different. I teach through games, stories, imaginative exploration, and humor. Experiencing the joy of music doesn’t have to wait until you have years of study under your belt. In Sunshine Ray Piano Studio making music is fun starting on day one!