Music Lessons in Cottage Grove, MN

Instruments: Piano

My name is Wendy. I love teaching piano with children and adults and sharing my love of music. I have taught piano for 20 years. I believe every student is a STAR and I believe everyone has strengths. I enjoy working with students to find music that complements those strengths. I use Faber music methods and teaching style. I can teach ages 7-80, Beginners through Intermediate. I have an extensive background in classical piano and musical theatre. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello

Piano: I prefer Faber Piano Adventures, but I can be flexible if the student is in the middle of another series already. I have also taught the young beginner series by Faber. Strings: I use a traditional approach, but I am not tied to any particular method book. I can supplement whatever is being taught in school or the lessons can stand on their own. I have taught anywhere from Kindergarten to adult ages. 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: Piano Voice

I love the art of communicating or telling a story through music. I am a professional performer and vocal instructor, and have sung on professional stages such as Mount Baker Theater's repertory theater and the Whatcom Symphony opera series in Bellingham, Washington. I am a classically trained musician and relish singing folk, jazz, and other popular styles of singing. After graduating with my masters in voice performance from University of Nebraska - Lincoln, I decided that the Twin Cities would a fantastic place to extend my love for teaching and get back on the stage. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Each student is an individual and learns in a different way. Although I usually use the same or similar materials, I teach them differently to each student. My goal as a teacher is to help my students advance their musical abilities and have fun making music, so the students' goals will guide the direction of the lessons. It's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. 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: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For absolute beginners who are children, I will use a method book, such as the Hal Leonard Guitar Method. I help them through the book, supplementing with thier favorite songs and excercises that allow them to play along with ease. For older students, I have a discussion about what they would like to accomplish and set up a general plan. For every lesson, of all ages, I incorporate five categories: Scales, chords, arpeggios, repertoire, and improvisation. Read More