Music Lessons in Rockford, MN

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

My style of teaching is personal and caring. Whether my students develop a desire to pursue music beyond our lessons, I care about their happiness and personal success in life. I develop a relationship with my students and I really enjoy it when I hear that they used a concept I taught them in our music lessons for something beyond music. I at least hope to instill a strong understanding and enjoyment of music in each of my students which they can share with the people in their life. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass French Horn

I am a driven and passionate musician, who loves performing, and most of all passing on my love of music to students. In 2014 I graduated from Messiah College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education, Studying both horn and Jazz Bass. Upon graduating Messiah, I attended Bowling Green State University studying Horn Performance. My wide range of musical experiences has equiped me to teach different styles to a wide variety of students. Read More

Instruments: Piano

It is important that each student progress at his or her own pace. Encouragement is given by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps engage a students desire to progress and make students eager to learn more. By exploring what inspires the student, I can tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. An example is using the Faber and Faber book PlayTime Piano Rock'n'Roll and learningRock Around the Clock or Rockin'Robin and PlayTime Piano Classics such as Lullaby by Brahms or Country Dance by Beethoven. Read More

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

I began teaching clarinet lessons as a college student in 1990, and got my first job as a band director in 1993. I have not taught lessons in a home studio setting (only at school), but would be able to teach students in my home if desired, or would travel to students' homes or teach online if preferred. I have taught piano, drums, and all band instruments since 1993. Some of my biggest strengths as a private lesson teacher are patience, differentiating instruction to fit the needs of each learner, and finding material that will be both fun and beneficial for students to practice. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

There should always be a balance between the two. One important aspect of teaching is listening, and while I will always assign something for the student to work on directly on their instrument, I always try and find something for them to listen to as well. This is a key component in any student's education. If you don't know how you want to sound, then how can I help you get there? 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

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