Music Lessons in Excelsior, MN

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Synthesizer Euphonium French Horn Tuba Oboe Keyboard

Traditional but relaxed, with the goal of helping the students to reach their maximum level by building on success. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it’s important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my student at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students’ desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more.By trying to find out what inspires the student. 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

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

It goes very gradually from lesson to lesson and kids have a chance to practice sight reading, practice their counting and gain rhythmic stability. I also add up some other tunes with piano accompaniment early on. It is also fun to play with piano, you can hear how your part is not just one line but can have a harmony which helps to learn better music sonorities and develop musicality. Read More

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: Piano

It is often difficult to choose just the right method book for each student. I most often choose the Alfred series for both beginner's and adults, as I like how in that series the student not only develops the necessary skills but also learns about how music works. I also like very much the Piano Town series and have used it with success. For more intermediate and advanced students, I strive to get a sense of the type of music and pieces the student enjoys the most and try to assign their repertoire accordingly. 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: 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