Meet the Teacher: Lila Riley’s Heart for Music Education
When you’re choosing a music teacher for your child, you're not just looking for someone who can teach notes and rhythms. You’re looking for someone who will inspire confidence, celebrate growth, and nurture a lifelong love of music.
That’s exactly why I started HeartStrings School of Music.
My name is Lila Riley, and I’m the founder and primary teacher here at HeartStrings. With over 20 years of experience teaching piano and violin to students of all ages, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful music education can be, not just in developing skill, but in building character, curiosity, and courage.
But let me back up a little and tell you how this all began.
A Childhood Steeped in Music
Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started piano lessons at age five and added violin a few years later. My dad was a jazz pianist who played entirely by ear. No sheet music, just feel and instinct. I was classically trained, but our styles met in the middle. Some of my favorite childhood memories are from our living room “concerts” - joyful, loud, completely unscripted moments where music brought us together.
That spirit of connection and joy is what I try to bring into every lesson I teach.
Why I Teach
I’ve performed in symphonies, chamber groups, and as a soloist, but my favorite moments happen in the studio. There’s something magical about seeing a student light up when they play a song they never thought they could, or watching their confidence grow with each new skill.
I’ve had wonderful teachers who inspired me, and a few who taught me exactly what not to do. Those experiences helped shape my belief in kindness, patience, and a low-pressure environment. Around here, we celebrate progress over perfection and make space for every kind of learner.
Teaching has always been more than a job, it’s my calling. I’ve worked with hundreds of students, from wiggly 5-year-olds discovering their finger numbers, to high schoolers preparing advanced repertoire, to adult beginners learning simply for the joy of it.
Along the way, I’ve found that the best music education happens when students feel safe, supported, and seen. That’s why I don’t believe in perfectionism or pressure. Instead, I focus on:
Building confidence through small wins
Helping students find their own voice
Creating an environment where mistakes are part of the process
Making music fun, approachable, and relevant to each child’s personality
I’m also a member of the Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA) and regularly participate in continuing education, local events, and community music advocacy. I believe in always growing as a teacher, just as I expect my students to grow as learners.
The Dream Behind HeartStrings
For years, I dreamed of opening a music school that felt different, one that emphasized creativity over competition, joy over pressure, with a sense of community and support. In 2025, that dream became reality when I opened HeartStrings School of Music right here in Forest Grove.
Every inch of the studio was built with care, from the moment you walk through the front door, we want to inspire your curiosity, your creativity, and make everyone feel welcome. Our teaching space has room for 10 digital pianos so that each student in a group class can learn on their own full-size instrument. The classroom area is perfect for movement and rhythm games to play with classmates. And, this space easily converts to a recital hall, complete with a custom-built stage and grand piano. We’ve also included a cozy family lounge where parents can relax and feel at home. The school was designed to be welcoming, vibrant, and full of possibility. Because music should feel that way, too.
Our programs at HeartStrings include group piano classes, private lessons, ensemble workshops, and summer camps. But more importantly, they’re built to help kids:
Feel confident trying new things
Discover the joy of learning at their own pace
Build meaningful musical connections with peers and teachers
Experience music as something playful, expressive, and deeply human
We’re still a new business here in Forest Grove, and I’m so excited to welcome new families into this growing community.
A Personal Note for Parents
As a mom myself, I know what it’s like to want the best for your child. I also know how overwhelming it can be to find the “right fit.” My promise to you is that HeartStrings will always be a place where your child is treated with respect, encouraged to grow, and inspired to love music for life.
Whether your child is a shy beginner, a budding performer, or simply curious to try something new, I’d be honored to be a part of their musical journey.
Come visit, stay for a class, and see what makes HeartStrings different. I can’t wait to meet you.
Warmly,
Lila Riley
Founder & Teacher, HeartStrings School of Music
Let’s Connect
Ready to start lessons or have questions about how our program works? Contact us to book a tour or trial lesson!
