Piano Lessons in Stillwater, MN

Instruments: Piano Voice

In the voice studio I am a kind and nurturing teacher - no matter the age or level of the singer. Above all, I strive to instruct healthy, beautiful singing. I absolutely believe in choosing music for a student that will help improve specific areas of vocal technique, but also music about which the student feels passionate. Singing should feel like a release and it should be rewarding. I remember looking forward to voice lessons and getting so excited to watch my voice grow and get better. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Methods change depending on a student's level.  I want a beginner to feel completely comfortable being a beginner.  We start with the basics and I adjust material to personal levels of development.  If you have previous experience, we will use the first lesson to assess technique and repetorie and advance from there.  I am aware of several piano workbooks that take you from beginner to level four, these are not always the best for every student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Each student needs a long-term goal in mind for where they want their voice to be. I like to start out by setting a couple realistic goals for the long-term with my students, then breaking those goals down into manageable steps each associated with one or two pieces. I also want students to know that they are accomplishing their goals, so I have my students tape lessons and listen back later to hear their progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Euphonium Mallet Percussion

I do expect regular practice outside of lessons; I do not want lessons to simply be a guided practice session. Ideally, students would fully prepare the assigned material for each lesson-- not that it needs to be perfect, but that I can tell that he or she has been working on it. For students who are clearly putting in a reasonable amount of effort, I reward them by writing out melodies of their favorite pop songs for them to learn to play. 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 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 Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I am very passionate about many different types of music including both vocal music and Instrumental Music. I have a strong background being trained classically while also performing musical theatre and pop on different stages. I graduated Luther College in 2014 with a Double Major in Voice and Trumpet and a Triple Minor in Choral/Instrumental Music Education and Theatre and I have had the opportunity to teach around the world in places like Waterloo, Belgium and Vienna, Austria. Read More