Music Lessons in Downtown, MN

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Over the years I have played in many different types of groups such as folk, rock, pop, EDM, and punk bands, which has given me a pretty broad appreciation for all different types of music. On the production side of things, I have recently had the opportunity to work for other artists in genres outside of my wheelhouse, such as hip hop and jazz. I always tell my students that I think it is important to challenge yourself and stretch your ears. 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

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Hello, my name is Brian and I am a woodwind (saxophone/clarinet/flute) instructor based in Minneapolis. I have studied music at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of North Texas, and during my collegiate tenure I took lessons on both classical and jazz saxophone, classical clarinet and classical flute, as well as having participated in a number of both classical and jazz ensembles. Since college, I have performed professionally in a wide variety of genres, including jazz, salsa/Afro-Cuban, pop/rock/top 40, gospel, folk, blues, funk, ska and musical theater. Read More

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

I have been instructing since I was 17. I have found that, as a performer, my craft only deepens as I develop as an education as well. I have been fulltime since college and have loved every minute. With my diverse background in multi styles I find that I bring a fresh and unique approach to music education. My primary goal is to bring together the technical element to grow in fundamentals, intermixed with fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Accordion Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use generally use Faber and Faber for piano and the Yamaha method for guitar. However, each student learns differently therefore I like to meet and assess the needs before choosing a course to follow. For band students, I use the school's chosen method of instruction supplementing with theory, technique and performance pieces. For piano students, I get to know each student's taste in music and choose accordingly. I encourage my voice students to learn a varied repertoire of classical, folk songs, Broadway and pop if they desire. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I teach students technique, theory, Classical repertoire, and also whichever contemporary pieces they would like to learn. I can learn almost any style and teach it by ear. So in a typical lesson we will start with some scales or technique, move on to some Bach or Mozart, and then try something by ear. Some examples of songs I’ve been working on with students lately are: Chopin c minor Waltz, Sibelius opus 76 Etude, Prince purple rain, Motley Crew home sweet home, Duke Ellington A train, and La Nieve-which my own composition- But classical training is the basis where it all starts Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

It is vital to show every student how talented they are. I set students up for success by giving them goals that are objective, acheivable, and flexible. Students should know exactly what I expect for the next lesson, so they can be be prepared. My goals for students are never to frustrate them, but challenge them to be better than they thought they could be. I like to leave each lesson with specific goals, but these goals have lots of room for "extra credit," meaning that students can experiment on thier own time with the exercises, allowing them to develope thier own unique musical style. Read More