Music Lessons in Elko, MN

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

THE DOUNIS METHOD - The secret of being a truly great string player is to make the instrument an extension of the body not vice versa. This is accomplished by using your native instincts which are strongest when you are a child, but can be rediscovered later. When all technique is based on these instinctive movements then the expression is released. Your creative potential is unlocked. This kind of playing conveys a natural musical authority because it is completely based on your own musical impulses. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My earliest musical memories were of Led Zeppelin, Guns 'n' Roses, and Jimi Hendrix. When I started taking guitar lessons at eleven years old, I pursued the powerful distorted guitar riffs from my classic rock idols. After learning about jazz in high-school, I began to seek out knowledge of every genre of music. McNally-Smith helped me tremendously. I joined a wide range of ensembles, from blues to indie-rock, classical to gypsy jazz. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have always enjoyed teaching others. Even in high school, I consistently helped my peers with their learning and enjoyed helping them learn how to play percussion instruments. After starting college in 2009, I began formally teaching percussion privately and in groups at high schools in my area. I have since expanded to teaching guitar, bass guitar, and composition, incorporating compositional elements into all of my lessons. I have found that encouraging students to explore music through composing original material helps them in every other facet of learning music. Read More

Instruments: Piano

It is important that each student progress at his or her own pace. Encouragement is given by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps engage a students desire to progress and make students eager to learn more. By exploring what inspires the student, I can tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. An example is using the Faber and Faber book PlayTime Piano Rock'n'Roll and learningRock Around the Clock or Rockin'Robin and PlayTime Piano Classics such as Lullaby by Brahms or Country Dance by Beethoven. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I start out the students first lesson giving a brief intro on my background as a musician. I then talk to the student to see what their goals as an upcoming musician are. I focus my lessons on the students skill level, goals among others. I incorporate music theory, ear training, learning to improvise over changes. For beginners I start with basic Melodie’s line Star Wars. Clapping rhythms keeping time using a metronome. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice

I worked in a pre-school for over three years before I decided to pursue music fully. I began by establishing my own band with our own unique musical style that incorporates influences from cultures through out the world! Working with my band, I would sometimes give them singing lessons with the information I had learned from my own (exceptional) Voice Teacher. It was by applying my teaching skills to teach the singing techniques/ abilities that I had acquired through my own lessons and self-study, that I discovered that I can teach voice lessons! Read More