Music Lessons in Castle Rock, MN

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

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

My main philosophy is that every student is different and should be treated accordingly. The methods I use are specifically tailored to each student and can be methods that I have learned or developed myself. I start students off by asking them collect ideas about their instrument and the music they enjoy. From that point, I begin to simultaneously teach technique and musicianship in relation to their expressed interests. The key to my teaching method is that I ask difficult questions and then I give the student time to think and develop an answer. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Whether you just want to play for your own enjoyment or you want to eventually play professionally, I can help. My teaching style is designed around the needs of each student. My goal is to encourage and inspire my students at every lesson and to encourage them to believe in themselves. I try to listen carefully to my students so that I can understand and help them reach their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano

It is important that each student progress at his or her own pace. Encouragement is given by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps engage a students desire to progress and make students eager to learn more. By exploring what inspires the student, I can tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. An example is using the Faber and Faber book PlayTime Piano Rock'n'Roll and learningRock Around the Clock or Rockin'Robin and PlayTime Piano Classics such as Lullaby by Brahms or Country Dance by Beethoven. Read More

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: Piano

My piano teaching goals for students are -- l. Enjoyment. 2. To become a good reader of music notation. 3. Learn music theory, history. 4. Gain knowledge of all styles of music - Classical, Contemporary, Popular, Jazz, etc. 5. Be able to perform in year end recital Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

As an instructor and an artist, I look up to those who do what they love for a living and that is what motivates me to do what I love. I take pride in all the work that I do and never settle for less when it comes to being creative and innovative. In the spring of 2014, I graduated from McNally Smith College of Music with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Business. Read More