Piano Lessons in Saint Louis Park, MN

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Piccolo

For beginning students, I generally start with the Accent on Achievment book series and spend the first few lessons assessing and addressing the important fundamentals of the students' particular instrument. After working out of the book for an apropriate amount of time, I introduce solo repertiore from both pop and classical genres. I want my students to learn, but I want them to have fun and enjoy what they are learning. 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 Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

As a teacher, I've learned so much from my colleagues and peers, but likely not as much as I've learned from my students. I've found that some teaching practices are outdated and I think I can bring a fresh and modern perspective to teaching music. I like to base my lessons around the student's natural curiosity and desire for learning music. Whether that be trying to play in the school band or wanting to learn a Led Zeppelin song, I believe that giving my students this ability to make their own decisions, helps them become more confident, motivated, and passionate about succeeding as a musician as well as in their own personal lives. 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

Instruments: Piano

It is often difficult to choose just the right method book for each student. I most often choose the Alfred series for both beginner's and adults, as I like how in that series the student not only develops the necessary skills but also learns about how music works. I also like very much the Piano Town series and have used it with success. For more intermediate and advanced students, I strive to get a sense of the type of music and pieces the student enjoys the most and try to assign their repertoire accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Synthesizer Music Keyboard

I teach with a very casual approach. It's not a science or math class. ( I guess it actually is in all regards ). Different student have different needs. I believe in finding out a students wants. I had a younger student who wanted to Zeppelin on the Alto. "Okay" So I showed the student exactly what to do. He had no knowledge of music but I knew that if he enjoyed it, he'd keep playing and playing. 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