Music Lessons in Thomas Dale, MN

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My primary objective in my teaching is to use the multitude of different musical styles within my arsenal to help each of my students find what type of music they are most interested in learning, and to be the best resource I can to help them achieve his/her musical goals. My beginning students generally work out of the Standard of Excellence Book 1, and then graduate to a combination of the Rubank Intermediate/Advanced Methods combined with a mixture of various jazz methods (Jamey Aebersold, Jim Snidero, etc.) as well as a variety of pop/folk/movie theme collections depending on the interests of the individual student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have great joy in seeing my students succeed! When you succeed, I succeed. Together we are a team! I will correct you on the spot when there is an error, so you don't keep doing an incorrect guitar hand gesture. Skills my students learn with me include sight-reading, discovering new genres and improvisation. The sky is the limit! I will work on your songs (orginal or covers) with you to develop your skills. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For absolute beginners who are children, I will use a method book, such as the Hal Leonard Guitar Method. I help them through the book, supplementing with thier favorite songs and excercises that allow them to play along with ease. For older students, I have a discussion about what they would like to accomplish and set up a general plan. For every lesson, of all ages, I incorporate five categories: Scales, chords, arpeggios, repertoire, and improvisation. Read More

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

I am classically trained but I also compose music extensively on a daily basis . I have had a life long passion for music and started playing when I was eight years old. I am currently the pianist for the ballet program at Macalester College, LIse Houlton's professional class at MDT, the Metropolitan Ballet, and Ballet Minnesota. Growing up I studied 10 years with Yakov Gelfand, Phd from St. Petersburg Conservatory. I also studied in Hungary with Gulays Istvan, professor at the Franz List Conservatory in Budapest. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I like to make each student feels special, valued, and encouraged. I have coordinated student recitals, met with parents to discuss progress and future plans in both school settings and private tutoring. I strive to help my students enjoy the process of understanding and making music. Thus, my lessons often include such activities as ear training, theory, history, sight reading, technique, and repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Each student is an individual and learns in a different way. Although I usually use the same or similar materials, I teach them differently to each student. My goal as a teacher is to help my students advance their musical abilities and have fun making music, so the students' goals will guide the direction of the lessons. It's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Read More