Music Lessons in North End, MN

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Clarinet

For students of all levels, I emphasize the fundamentals. No matter what style our focus is in, the development of scales, chord progressions, modes and technique patterns are universal. I incorporate solo literature early and often and work with the students to play the music that they listen to every day. We develop the students ear through weekly memorization of music the student enjoys on a daily basis. This allows us to branch into more advanced literature with a deeper understanding of what makes a style, a style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I use art songs that will guide singers through these areas of their voices, and will often allow the singer to bring in material of their own choosing within reason. At any age I put a large focus on how to practice outside of lessons. Lessons are for learning new vocal exercises and exploring new facets of the voice in a safe space. Outside of lessons are where substantial growth occurs. 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: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Euphonium Mallet Percussion

One of my biggest strengths as a music teacher is figuring out students' learning styles and differentiating instruction accordingly. I absolutely do not use a cookie cutter approach. I am very good at personalizing lessons to fit students' interests and needs. I feel it is important to allow each student to learn at his or her own pace. I set goals that will challenge the student, but be easily attainable with regular practice. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started teaching in high-school. I taught guitar and drums from ages 7 to 55, from the absolute beginner to someone rekindling an old habit. I had the opportunity to use the lessons I was learning in college while I was still in college. I not only was a tutor, but I had some students outside of school. This helped my skills as a teacher improve quickly. Since college, I have been performing origjnals and covers in my free time, and I really enjoy it, but eventually I would love to teach more than i perform. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Fiddle Keyboard

My musical life has been extraordinary. Born in Mpls. MN, I attended the Aspen Musical Festival before my departure to Vienna Austria for Master studies in Violin/viola and piano. Scholarship intended for one year ended up a 25 year tenure, teaching, performing in Vienna and raising a family. I returned to the US to become executive director of a music school in MN. I was able to start new after school music programs for elementary schools throughout the district, start an orchestra program and open a theater program for kids. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Here are a couple of reviews from students: “Ian’s experience with Sebastian has been nothing short of wondrous. Sebastian has the unique ability to find a musical connection with a broad range of students, From prodigies to students like my son who simply want to know the joy of playing music. Sebastian is able to meet the students where he or she is at in their musical journey and coax that student to move forward at their own pace. Read More