Music Lessons in Watertown, MN

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: Guitar

First, I like to hear what the student wants to accomplish with the guitar. If they want to learn to play blues, I will teach them how to play over a 12-bar blues form. If they want to learn the classical style, I will provide them with beginning classical etudes. I work around the student to ensure the best possible learning experience. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

THE DOUNIS METHOD - The secret of being a truly great string player is to make the instrument an extension of the body not vice versa. This is accomplished by using your native instincts which are strongest when you are a child, but can be rediscovered later. When all technique is based on these instinctive movements then the expression is released. Your creative potential is unlocked. This kind of playing conveys a natural musical authority because it is completely based on your own musical impulses. Read More

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

Over the years I have done everything from playing in the local "Battle of The Bands", opening for rocker Marshall Crenshaw with my band "Caf Society" and playing with jazz great Vincent York at The Montreux Detroit Jazz Festival. I have been teaching for over 20 years and really enjoy teaching and helping others, whether they want to play for their own enjoyment. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

My main method is to be in the middle between having a discipline, encouraging to practice regularly, stay focused but at the same time to remain curious about the process and not let the students develop the habit where they need to practice because they need to. With some older students I try to be somewhat specific and explain what are the things we are working on, why we are working on this, and how to archive it. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am straight-forward with my students. I address the issues right away and reference the correct methods. I will explain the answer until the student understands. I will take my time to explain the issue and get creative until we both are on the same page. I value "having confidence in yourself" and use cheerleading statements to bring out their inner-confidence. Some books I currently use or reference with my students include: "Totally Interactive Band Bible", "Music Success in Nine Weeks", "Fast Track - Chords & Scales for Guitar", "The Bass- a comprehensive approach book 1", Total Guitar". Read More