Music Lessons in Cottage Grove, MN

Instruments: Guitar

First, I like to hear what the student wants to accomplish with the guitar. If they want to learn to play blues, I will teach them how to play over a 12-bar blues form. If they want to learn the classical style, I will provide them with beginning classical etudes. I work around the student to ensure the best possible learning experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano

After winning the LB Bank Scholarship for Young Musicians (Germany), I moved to Karlsruhe, Germany, to study with Professor Olga Rissin at the Karlsruhe Hochschule fr Musik. In Germany, I have performed numerous concerts as a soloist, receiving an invitation to record Bachs Busoni Chaconne for the SWR Radio Station in Southern Germany.In 2010 I came to US and completed Artist Diploma at Hamline International Piano Institute with professor Alexander Braginsky. 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: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I believe it is important that each student set goals for his or her progression as a musician in each lesson, and I help students set goals when I can. I have high expectations for my students, and expect them to work hard. I also understand that not every student can put the same amount of time into lessons, so I do not set a weekly practice amount. However, I do still expect them to consistenly practice when they can. Read More

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

I am a passionate and versatile instructor with a background in multiple musical styles. As a saxophonist and woodwind doubler, I have performer in major pit orchestras throughout the region, backed international artists including Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, Gary Smulyn, Gordon Goodwin and Wayne Bergeron. Vocally I have performed with organizations including the MN Opera, Children's Theatre Company, History Theatre, Illusion Theatre and as a touring cabaret and theatre singer. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Piccolo

For beginning students, I generally start with the Accent on Achievment book series and spend the first few lessons assessing and addressing the important fundamentals of the students' particular instrument. After working out of the book for an apropriate amount of time, I introduce solo repertiore from both pop and classical genres. I want my students to learn, but I want them to have fun and enjoy what they are learning. Read More