Music Lessons in Elko, MN

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

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: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Piccolo

Music has always been my greatest passion. I became a teacher so I could spread that passion to my students and watch them succeed at something that they love. I believe it is important for all students to learn at their own pace and that is why I prefer the individual attention I can provide as a private lesson teacher over a classroom teacher. Each lesson will be centered around the student reaching realistic goals and learning essential music elements while playing music that inspires them to continue to include music in their daily lives. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello

Guitar: For children, I prefer the FJH Young Beginner Guitar method, but for adults I would prefer Hal Leonard if the student is looking to learn both chords and melody using folk music. I could also teach guitar based on gospel and Christian praise music if the student prefers. I have taught students with an interest in rock music, but only to give them the basic foundation skills of chords and notes to build on with another teacher who has more of a rock music speciality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

It is hard to explain about teaching method for voice lesson because the voice is not visible. When I was studying a doctoral program I studied hard about vocal pedagogy. Generally, voice teachers abstractly tend to teach their students. So, I have been emphasizing how to know their body mechanism first before letting them sing. Actually, when we sing many muscles work together but they do not know which muscle works. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am classically trained but I also compose music extensively on a daily basis . I have had a life long passion for music and started playing when I was eight years old. I am currently the pianist for the ballet program at Macalester College, LIse Houlton's professional class at MDT, the Metropolitan Ballet, and Ballet Minnesota. Growing up I studied 10 years with Yakov Gelfand, Phd from St. Petersburg Conservatory. I also studied in Hungary with Gulays Istvan, professor at the Franz List Conservatory in Budapest. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet

For beginner trumpeters, I typically start with Hal Leonards Essential Elements and then slowly transition into solo repertoire that suits their skill set as they make it into the intermediate level. As advanced players, we will focus on refining skills with drill books as well as work on standards in solo repertoire. For my vocal students, we will always work on range and flexibility exercises as well as vocal repertoire from multiple genres that suit the skill level of the singer. Read More