Piano Lessons in Excelsior, 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: Piano Keyboard

Starting with a couple of easy scales will teach the student how to position their hands properly and there they will learn how to cross their fingers as well. Even though a lot of this may not be "fun", it is the fundamentals of becoming a good piano player and will help tremendously in future lessons as well. After touching over all of that or even in the midst of it, I like to try to find a few beginning songs that will keep the student engaged and eager to learn more. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I firmly believe in the fact that each student possesses his/her optimal way of learning, and I strive to discover that method and tailor my approach as such. I also believe in tried and true method books and use just the right one for each student, based, on his/her age, ability level, etc. I also believe in helping each student get the most out of lessons, including pure enjoyment and fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

They will also be taught methods designed to help embrace the character being performed and to enjoy the act of performing. Piano students can expect training focused on building finger strength and flexibility along with sight reading and improvisation training. Piano students can also expect more theory training to complement improvisation and to more fully understand the music at hand. Beginning piano pedagogy focuses on agile, slightly curved fingers, an aligned and free back and arms, proper use of the pedals, and creating a clear and even strike. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

My philosophy in teaching is that a good understanding of the foundation of music and the instrument will lead to self sufficiency in learning. I aim to teach my students not just to be dependant on myself as the instructor, but to be able to problem solve and learn on their own if they run into a question and an instructor is unavailable. I regularly practice sight reading with my students and keep them critically thinking about their music and what makes it up. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Lesson plans are catered to the needs and level of each individual student. For younger students with maturing voices, I generally work on basic technique like breathing and posture. I will teach solfege and simple songs that help develop the young singer's ear and a relationship to their voice. For more mature voices, typically above the age of 16, I begin to approach more technical areas of singing like vowel formation, breath energy and management, agility, legato, vocal registration, and a more detailed understanding of the physical anatomy behind singing. Read More