Instructor Bios
Laird Halling
School Director
Laird has been a professional musician, teacher, composer / arranger, and church music director in Portland for over 20 years.
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Ph: (503) 245-7735 x357
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Meet Our Instructors
Jon Haarstad [ piano, guitar ]
Jon is currently serving as an associate worship pastor at Portland Christian Center and has been playing piano for over 20 years with formal training from childhood through college. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwest University, where he traveled with various ministry/touring groups.
Laird Halling [ woodwinds ]
Laird is the Director of Portland Christian Center School of Music and has over 25 years of experience as a professional musician, music instructor, and church instrumental director. He has a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition from Marylhurst University. Jazz groups and church orchestras across the country perform his published arrangements.
Andrea Irvin-Jones [ violin ]
Andrea has a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University, where she played in the NAU Orchestra and Flagstaff Symphony. She currently performs as a soloist for church events and has played with the Hillsboro Symphony as well as the Beaverton Chamber Orchestra. Andrea is a certified Suzuki method violin instructor.
Shaya Lindseth [ piano, voice]
Shaya has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Northwest University, where she played for three choirs: “His Praise”, “One Voice”, and “Choralons.” She has been a church music director and worship leader at numerous camps and conferences.
Brian Newman [ guitar ]
Brian has a Bachelor of Music degree in guitar form Portland State University. He currently plays classic guitar for banquets, galleries, and restaurants. Brian has previously played guitar in the Oregon Cascade Symphony, the chamber group “Trio Todas”, and bass with “ Jazz Guys”. He created his own guitar method book that incorporates note reading and chord techniques for a well-rounded approach to guitar.
