Music Lessons in Prior Lake, 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: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I like to focus for the first few weeks on playing scales and songs without written music, and I continue to incorporate learning by at any level. When I begin using written music I use the Accent on Achievement or Essential Elements method (I am also comfortable with other standard elementary methods and would be happy to use whatever method a student's band director is using), which is a good place to start whether or not the student already reads music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Euphonium Mallet Percussion

Additionally, I like students to work on solos with piano accompaniment, although I don't require it. I am also a big fan of using duets to build listening skills and fluidity (and most students think duets are fun!). For piano lessons, I have experience with a variety of methods; each has its strengths and weaknesses. If a student is already using a particular method, we can continue with that if it seems to be working well. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

The most important and fundamental thing you can teach a student about music is that it can always be enjoyable. Music should be enjoyed, by the audience as well as the player. This is key to following through with music, I will always try to find a way to make the exercises I assign fun, or atleast not overly boring or repetitive. Students should be given more than one goal at a time, some of these goals should be very short term, while others should be long term, this instills a sense of confidence, but not a sense of hubris. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have always enjoyed teaching others. Even in high school, I consistently helped my peers with their learning and enjoyed helping them learn how to play percussion instruments. After starting college in 2009, I began formally teaching percussion privately and in groups at high schools in my area. I have since expanded to teaching guitar, bass guitar, and composition, incorporating compositional elements into all of my lessons. I have found that encouraging students to explore music through composing original material helps them in every other facet of learning music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I was born into a family of string teachers. My father was a conductor and cellist and also played violin. My mother was a violinist and my brother. So it was only natural this became my course in life. I started on the violin, but soon focused on the cello. I was surrounded by string teaching my whole life. But it was not until I met George Neikrug and learned about D. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I'm a recent graduate of St. Olaf College who has just settled in St. Paul. I've had the opportunity to perform with Minnesota Opera and will soon be performing with the Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company. My interests range from opera and sonatas to pop and jazz, and I love to explore new avenues of musical creativity. My studio exists to give beginning and intermediate singers and pianists of all ages the confidence and ability to produce high quality music with ease. Read More