Music Lessons Minnesota

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, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Organ, Synthesizer, Accordion, Banjo, Ukulele, Mandolin, Recorder, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Double Bass, French Horn, Tuba, Piccolo, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Oboe, Bassoon, English Horn, Conga, Music, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

I use generally use Faber and Faber for piano and the Yamaha method for guitar. However, each student learns differently therefore I like to meet and assess the needs before choosing a course to follow. For band students, I use the school's chosen method of instruction supplementing with theory, technique and performance pieces. For piano students, I get to know each student's taste in music and choose accordingly. I encourage my voice students to learn a varied repertoire of classical, folk songs, Broadway and pop if they desire. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Music, Keyboard

I graduated from McNally Smith College of Music magna cum laude in 2011 with a bachelors in vocal performance. I played everywhere from Duluth. Minnesota to Lima, Peru: sharing the stage with artists as diverse as Andres Prado and Judi Donaghy. In addition to my McNally Smith Degree, I received master classes from Bobby McFerrin and the New York Voices. Passionate about giving back to the community, I instructed voice and piano students at the Urban Hub, a community center for inner city youth in Minneapolis MN. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Drums, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Music, Keyboard

I like to get students playing actual music as soon as possible. Many students start taking lessons and are discouraged by the cut-throat nature of focusing on technique for so long. Students should be playing actual music, not just exercises and drills, pretty early on! For percussionists and drummers who only have a practice pad, this seems pretty impossible, but getting a student jamming along with their favorite song for the first time is always an incredible thing to watch. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Organ, Synthesizer, Music, Keyboard

I've been teaching lessons for students and also giving advise for others for 35+ years. I've been told that I have a very gentle nature. I guess it's the way I was brought up. anyway.....I teach to a students strengths and weaknesses. For example; One may have a young sax student that has very good sound right out the gate but cannot understand the language on the page. Conversely, the student that gets the language right way, but alas, the thing sounds like a duck call! those are specific issues that need to be addressed. Read More