Music Lessons in Andover, MN

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

With a new student I always start by getting to know their abilities and experience with the drums or any other musical instrument up to this point and then go from there. With someone starting out with no experience I begin with basic match-grip technique, striking the drum, and some basic counting to get the fundamentals down. I generally use George Lawrence Stones Stick Control for the Snare Drummer to introduce various sticking patterns and the upstroke/downstroke concept. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I start out the students first lesson giving a brief intro on my background as a musician. I then talk to the student to see what their goals as an upcoming musician are. I focus my lessons on the students skill level, goals among others. I incorporate music theory, ear training, learning to improvise over changes. For beginners I start with basic Melodie’s line Star Wars. Clapping rhythms keeping time using a metronome. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I like to begin students in the Arban's Conservatory Method book, it is a very thorough book with a lot of examples of most technical things a student should work on. It is a very comprehensive book that doesn't focus on anything in particular but covers everything well. I then like to move into books that focus more on different aspects of playing such as Charlier, Vizutti, Brandt, and Orchestral Excerpt books meant for Smphony auditions. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

Ever since I met the great string teacher George Neikrug, I've been inspired to share all his knowledge about Dounis (the world's greatest string teacher). This information is the most exciting way to learn cello, violin, or viola. It's all about using your "native instincts" instead of conditioned reflexes. All the knowledge given me by this great teacher, plus the experience of playing concerts in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and around the world with the world's best artists is mygreat joy to pass on. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I began teaching during my time in college. I have been teaching private lessons for over 5 years now and have seen a huge improvement in all of my students. I encourage a regular practice schedule and assign weekly studies for the guitar. I encourage all my students to learn to read music but have also found that having them learn with their ear can be beneficial. My main concern is that the student becomes passionate about the guitar. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

I want to see my students thrive grow in their musical abilities. I use a lot of positive reinforcement in my lessons to help the students become confident and strive for excellence! I also try to get to know my students well enough to know what learning style best suits them and what will help them continue to grow in their musical studies. I strive for my students to develop the skill of making realistic goals, and finding a way to meet those goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

My teaching experience started in High School when I would lead groups of my peers in musical exercises. I then had many opportunities to lead individuals or groups in lessons while at school. Professors who have observed me teaching all agree that I have a knack for teaching and getting the student excited about learning the music while also holding them to a high standard of education and seriousness about the subject. Read More