Music Lessons in Hamel, MN

Instruments: Trumpet

I like to begin students in the Arban's Conservatory Method book, it is a very thorough book with a lot of examples of most technical things a student should work on. It is a very comprehensive book that doesn't focus on anything in particular but covers everything well. I then like to move into books that focus more on different aspects of playing such as Charlier, Vizutti, Brandt, and Orchestral Excerpt books meant for Smphony auditions. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I do not have a beginning method book that I prefer, so I typically use a student's band method book for early lessons. For advanced students I prefer the Bordogni/Rochut etude book and the Blazhevich clef studies, along with a solo. I use scales with students of any level, and expect for students to eventually have all the major and minor scales memorized. 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: 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: Guitar Bass Guitar

I have been teaching Guitar and Bass off and on for the last 8 years, and have seen many of my students become great musicians in their own right. One thing that I have come to understand is that everyone has different ways of learning, and my main goal is to understand how the student best absorbs information and try to package that in a way that is easily digestible. My family is very musical and I grew up playing many different instruments, and I vividly remember how frustrating the learning experience can be, especially if you don't gel with your teacher. 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