Music Lessons in Lake Elmo, MN

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The methods and approaches I use depend greatly on the student and their needs. The most important thing for me is to find repertoire that addresses the students needs and interests. For classical guitar students, there are a variety of methods that I regularly utilize (Julio Sagreras, The Royal Conservatory Series, Suzuki Guitar Method, Charles Duncan), and often supplement with other pieces/etudes. For other styles, I build lessons around playing music that the student is interested in, and include technical and musical exercises when needed. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginners, particularly children, I use the Suzuki method due to the emphasis on learning the instrument before learning how to read notes. I do this in part because, regardless of method, listening to experts play pieces that you are working on is a big part of string playing, and the Suzuki method has become standardized enough that the beginner and intermediate pieces have readily available recordings. Once a baseline of the instrument is established, I add outside repertoire and workbooks. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience began 10 years ago when I had the opportunity to teach group piano classes at a local elementary school. My first piano pedagogy classes were at the Cleveland Institute of Music in 2005-2006, and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity for practice teaching not only at the Cleveland Institute of Music but also at the MacPhail Center for the Arts in Minneapolis, MN. I taught 20 weekly students during my time at the University of Illinois and upon moving back to Minneapolis, MN, began teaching for Schmitt Music locations as well as agencies that give in-home lessons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice

It also allowed me the opportunity to perform in famous cathedrals throughout Europe in my Senior Year of High School. The ability to inspire others is what motivates me most in this profession and in life in general! I define the art of singing as "Vocal Gymnastics" and focus on exercises that teach the techniques needed for creating optimal sounds. The other part of the fun involves applying the new mastered technique to the context of a specific song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Synthesizer Music Keyboard

Every student has different needs. I offer a relaxed style of teaching. Safe, comfortable evironment. Parents are always welcome to attend lessons for their students if need be. I have a student tell me what their goals are and we go from there. Some students may have a greater understanding of how the language on the page works. Others may have very natural ability to play the instrument, but may have more trouble with the notation if you will. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I like to begin students in the Arban's Conservatory Method book, it is a very thorough book with a lot of examples of most technical things a student should work on. It is a very comprehensive book that doesn't focus on anything in particular but covers everything well. I then like to move into books that focus more on different aspects of playing such as Charlier, Vizutti, Brandt, and Orchestral Excerpt books meant for Smphony auditions. Read More