Music Lessons in Cottage Grove, MN

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

Throughout the past 10 years, I have taught neighborhood kids and friends how to play the piano both beginning and intermediately. I like to encourage everybody that consistency is the key to learning (for beginners). Not necessarily practicing for long periods of time, but frequently. Better to practice for 10-15 minutes three to five times per day than for an hour or two all at once. I've found that the best foundation comes from scales. 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: Piano

I start usually with Piano Adventures by Nancy and Randall Faber including Technique and Artistry Book, Theory book and Lesson Book . Additional solo repertoire might include Faber books on Jazz and Blues or Musical Theatre or Classics for children. Adults may start with Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course. I tend to custom the lesson plans related to the students interests too . I try to find out what the student is interested in and guide my instruction to keep the lessons uplifting and inspiring no matter what the ability level. Read More

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: Violin

My teaching experience started in 2010 at my own studio in Alexandria, MN. Since moving to the Minneapolis area, I have regrown my studio in this region. I work with students to achieve their goals which can be anywhere from advanced student goals, beginner students learning for fun, and adult students learning a music instrument as a hobby. My emphasis is on creating a fun, safe environment where I can help students identify methods of practice that will help them succeed long-term in their home practice. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For the first couple lessons I try to gauge how advanced students are in their studies. From then on, I choose material that is feasible and challenging so that students grow accordingly. A lot of learning comes from persistence and practice, so that is a must when it comes to learning with me! I try to find out what motivates the student and what makes them so interested in trumpet and go off of that. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I use a variety of books for teaching, and prefer to not use just one. It is essential for students to study scales and arpeggios, so a scale book, typically the Flesch Scale book is required. Other books I use are -Suzuki -Solos for Young Violinists/Violists -For Strings (Though I use Suzuki books, I do NOT teach the Suzuki method. I strong emphasize music reading literacy, and this requires the ability to understand by reading, and not by hearing alone). Read More