Music Lessons in Monticello, MN

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

I believe in finding its own method for each student. Sometimes it takes a lesson or 2 to understand the student's motivations and find a path to make learning and playing an instrument enjoyable, fun and productive and progressive at the same time. For clarinet beginners, I start with Fred Weber's method book which has pretty simple melodies and is easy to follow and understand and all kids very enjoy it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe

Whatever type of music they are interested in playing, I find several examples to pull from that and use it as teaching material and relate it back to our foundational training. This keeps our lessons fun, engaging, and rewarding. For Drum set, I teach from Tommy Igoe's "Groove Essentials 1.0/2.0" and John Riley's "The Art of Bop Drumming". I encourage students to perform a recital but I like to stretch the definition of a "recital". Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Euphonium Mallet Percussion

Additionally, I like students to work on solos with piano accompaniment, although I don't require it. I am also a big fan of using duets to build listening skills and fluidity (and most students think duets are fun!). For piano lessons, I have experience with a variety of methods; each has its strengths and weaknesses. If a student is already using a particular method, we can continue with that if it seems to be working well. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

I do not have one style of teaching that I prefer to use with my students. I strive to make each lesson plan based on the student's individual needs, desires, and goals for their lesson time. I believe that this makes the material more attainable and more engaging. As I get to know my student's learning styles, I can adjust my plans to meet there different needs. I am able to make a comfortable environment for my students that make lessons fun, because music is fun! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For the first couple lessons I try to gauge how advanced students are in their studies. From then on, I choose material that is feasible and challenging so that students grow accordingly. A lot of learning comes from persistence and practice, so that is a must when it comes to learning with me! I try to find out what motivates the student and what makes them so interested in trumpet and go off of that. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I use art songs that will guide singers through these areas of their voices, and will often allow the singer to bring in material of their own choosing within reason. At any age I put a large focus on how to practice outside of lessons. Lessons are for learning new vocal exercises and exploring new facets of the voice in a safe space. Outside of lessons are where substantial growth occurs. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I begin with an assessment of the student that starts with the student explaining to me his or her background and personal goals/reasons for taking voice lessons. From there, I take the student through simple exercises where assess the students ability in the fundamentals of, postural alignment, breath support, resonance, articulation, and vowel constancy. Based on the students' ability I devise a regimen of vocal exercises designed to strengthen areas of weakness. Read More