Music Lessons in Castle Rock, MN

Instruments: Piano

I like to make each student feels special, valued, and encouraged. I have coordinated student recitals, met with parents to discuss progress and future plans in both school settings and private tutoring. I strive to help my students enjoy the process of understanding and making music. Thus, my lessons often include such activities as ear training, theory, history, sight reading, technique, and repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Here are a couple of reviews from students: “Ian’s experience with Sebastian has been nothing short of wondrous. Sebastian has the unique ability to find a musical connection with a broad range of students, From prodigies to students like my son who simply want to know the joy of playing music. Sebastian is able to meet the students where he or she is at in their musical journey and coax that student to move forward at their own pace. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

I do not have one style of teaching that I prefer to use with my students. I strive to make each lesson plan based on the student's individual needs, desires, and goals for their lesson time. I believe that this makes the material more attainable and more engaging. As I get to know my student's learning styles, I can adjust my plans to meet there different needs. I am able to make a comfortable environment for my students that make lessons fun, because music is fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience began 10 years ago when I had the opportunity to teach group piano classes at a local elementary school. My first piano pedagogy classes were at the Cleveland Institute of Music in 2005-2006, and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity for practice teaching not only at the Cleveland Institute of Music but also at the MacPhail Center for the Arts in Minneapolis, MN. I taught 20 weekly students during my time at the University of Illinois and upon moving back to Minneapolis, MN, began teaching for Schmitt Music locations as well as agencies that give in-home lessons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My earliest musical memories were of Led Zeppelin, Guns 'n' Roses, and Jimi Hendrix. When I started taking guitar lessons at eleven years old, I pursued the powerful distorted guitar riffs from my classic rock idols. After learning about jazz in high-school, I began to seek out knowledge of every genre of music. McNally-Smith helped me tremendously. I joined a wide range of ensembles, from blues to indie-rock, classical to gypsy jazz. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I have been teaching private voice lessons for 5 years. For 2 years starting in 2017, I worked as a graduate voice assistant at the University of Minnesota where I taught vocal methods in a classroom environment, as well as private lessons to a studio of 18+ students. I am most experienced teaching young adults, though I am comfortable with any age group. I received training from the University of Minnesota and am familiar with a variety of pedagogical approaches. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginners, particularly children, I use the Suzuki method due to the emphasis on learning the instrument before learning how to read notes. I do this in part because, regardless of method, listening to experts play pieces that you are working on is a big part of string playing, and the Suzuki method has become standardized enough that the beginner and intermediate pieces have readily available recordings. Once a baseline of the instrument is established, I add outside repertoire and workbooks. Read More