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BS, St. Cloud State University, vocal and general music education
AS, Glendale College, electronics technology
I am an instructor who tailors lessons based on the student's desires. Having been a performer since I was 13 years old, I work as a musical coach. My performing experience varies from pop, rock, country, jazz, hard rock, contemporary Christian and classical. I am a classically trained pianist and vocalist. Currently I play in a trio that performs regularly at nursing homes. I love bringing joy to the elderly by playing their favorite sing alongs as well as teaching them current music. I am a composer and arranger, a praise and worship team leader and a school band/orchestra director.
I began teaching private lessons in 1989. My focus is to understand what learning style my students have and base my teaching methods on their individual needs. In college I studied pedagogies (teaching methods) for band, orchestra and majored in vocal and classroom education. Since achieving my degree in teaching kindergarten through 12th grade education, I have worked in Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, and High School settings as well with the elderly. I perform in the trio at community events, concerts, and nursing homes on a regular basis. As the director of Music Ministries at a Lakeville church, I am accepting new students to teach in the church classrooms. I love finding out what my students desires are and tailoring lessons to help them achieve their goals and desires.
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.
My teaching style is based on each student's needs. Some students like to learn at a fast pace and others like to go slower. I listen carefully and ask questions, basing instruction on what creates success. My approach is to make learning fun. I bring markers and stickers and other visual aids to create a unique learning process. I like to use games and sayings to help remember things, many of which I've developed over the years. Even with older students I will offer highlighters and stickers to spice up learning. I've discovered learning is more efficient with a high level of interest.