Music Lessons in Afton, MN

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I strive to get all of my students to understand not just how to play music, but how to learn how to play music-similar to the old adage "give a man a fish and he can eat today, but teach a man to fish and he can feed himself for the rest of his life". I use a open school-style philosophy of teaching, which revolves around exploration of the music (trial and error, in a sense), as well as encouraging the students to be self-reflective, self-critical, and to ask as many questions as they want to in order to understand each musical concept within the confines of his/her individual learning style. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am straight-forward with my students. I address the issues right away and reference the correct methods. I will explain the answer until the student understands. I will take my time to explain the issue and get creative until we both are on the same page. I value "having confidence in yourself" and use cheerleading statements to bring out their inner-confidence. Some books I currently use or reference with my students include: "Totally Interactive Band Bible", "Music Success in Nine Weeks", "Fast Track - Chords & Scales for Guitar", "The Bass- a comprehensive approach book 1", Total Guitar". Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

For beginning students, I typically start with the universal drum exercises every drummer should know, like the Ted Reed's book "syncopation" or the very classic "stick control". These exercises are mostly for warm ups, hand coordination, internalizing rhythm, and speed training. Depending on their musical background, I often like to introduce basic music theory concepts just so we are able to speak the same language. Once a foundation is set, I quickly move to what the student's interests are. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Synthesizer Music Keyboard

Every student has different needs. I offer a relaxed style of teaching. Safe, comfortable evironment. Parents are always welcome to attend lessons for their students if need be. I have a student tell me what their goals are and we go from there. Some students may have a greater understanding of how the language on the page works. Others may have very natural ability to play the instrument, but may have more trouble with the notation if you will. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello

I started playing the piano when I was 7 and the cello when I was 8. I took lessons in both instruments growing up, adding playing the guitar in High School and the violin in college. In public and private schools, have taught elementary classroom music, elementary orchestra, and High School Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For me, voice teaching is all about the individual. Unlike a violin, trumpet, piano, or other instrument of a fixed size and shape, voices come in all shapes and sizes. Each students physiology and psychology is different and responds better to different stimuli/approaches. In singing, our bodies are our instruments! Therefore, there is no one size fits all approach to teaching voice. It thrills me to get to know a student and work with them in a cooperative and encouraging way to achieve his or her goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I am a voice teacher who teaches from a holistic approach! So I take into consideration all of the elements that impact vocal health & performance. I offer virtual zoom lessons and also virtual studio session coaching. I make my lesson plans customizable to the client and what they are specifically looking to learn or achieve. Some students are beginners looking to learn correct placement & expand their range while others are seasoned recording artists working on perfecting new music to record & perform. Read More