Piano Lessons in Waconia, MN

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

It goes very gradually from lesson to lesson and kids have a chance to practice sight reading, practice their counting and gain rhythmic stability. I also add up some other tunes with piano accompaniment early on. It is also fun to play with piano, you can hear how your part is not just one line but can have a harmony which helps to learn better music sonorities and develop musicality. Read More

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 Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

For beginning students, I typically start with the universal drum exercises every drummer should know, like the Ted Reed's book "syncopation" or the very classic "stick control". These exercises are mostly for warm ups, hand coordination, internalizing rhythm, and speed training. Depending on their musical background, I often like to introduce basic music theory concepts just so we are able to speak the same language. Once a foundation is set, I quickly move to what the student's interests are. 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 Keyboard

Throughout the past 10 years, I have taught neighborhood kids and friends how to play the piano both beginning and intermediately. I like to encourage everybody that consistency is the key to learning (for beginners). Not necessarily practicing for long periods of time, but frequently. Better to practice for 10-15 minutes three to five times per day than for an hour or two all at once. I've found that the best foundation comes from scales. 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

Instruments: Piano

Here are a couple of reviews from students: “Ian’s experience with Sebastian has been nothing short of wondrous. Sebastian has the unique ability to find a musical connection with a broad range of students, From prodigies to students like my son who simply want to know the joy of playing music. Sebastian is able to meet the students where he or she is at in their musical journey and coax that student to move forward at their own pace. Read More