Music Lessons in Stillwater, MN

Instruments: Piano

I'm a laid-back but passionate music instructor who really enjoys teaching students of all ages and all ability levels. I have been teaching regularly for 5 years and have learned immensely from the experiences myself, which I use to better teach students now. I have earned degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music and the University of Illinois, and have performed as a soloist and collaborative pianist throughout the Midwest and East Coast. 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: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My earliest musical memories were of Led Zeppelin, Guns 'n' Roses, and Jimi Hendrix. When I started taking guitar lessons at eleven years old, I pursued the powerful distorted guitar riffs from my classic rock idols. After learning about jazz in high-school, I began to seek out knowledge of every genre of music. McNally-Smith helped me tremendously. I joined a wide range of ensembles, from blues to indie-rock, classical to gypsy jazz. Read More

Instruments: Piano

As my skills developed, my desire to become a solo pianist grew. I am passionate about music, and I work to perfect my technique, striving to bring out the composers intentions in whatever piece I perform. Fundamentally, my interpretations stem from my lifes experiences: from the difficulties of becoming a classical musician to leaving my family in Armenia for Germany in order to pursue my passion for piano. I have been brought up in the Russian/Soviet traditions of piano performance. 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: Piano

Students are instructed to immediately let me know if anything they are doing hurts. Physical habits are quickly established so counterproductive behavior needs to be addressed immediately. Habits, good and bad, are forever. Every beginner learns what a habit is when they have practiced a mistake without realizing it. When I point this out and ask them to play the correct note they readily agree. Then, much to their surprise, their fingers play the mistake anyway. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello

Cello is my main instrument, but I have also been teaching piano, guitar, and violin for years. I love teaching and the variety of finding the approach that works best for each individual student. On a personal note, I was married in 2010 and had my first child, a boy, a year later. I live in Northfield but commute up to the Eden Prairie/Chanhassen area for lessons every Monday. I am also open to giving lessons at people's homes who are close to Highway 35 on the way to or from the Cities. Read More