About
We offer private instruction on guitar and fretted string instruments such as mandolin, banjo, and ukulele. We are professionals who have been teaching for over 10 years and working on our instruments for over 20 years. Offering recitals and recording projects, we are the cornerstone of private music education in Wright County.
Since I was a young teen I knew that I wanted to be a full time musician, no matter what it took. Decades later it is immensely fullfilling to be living that dream. While the gigs that I play are a meaningful contribution to my career, my teaching is the bread and butter of what I do. Teaching is a constant source of new perspectives and exciting revelations that reinvigorates my love for music on a yearly basis.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We meet and discuss what your goals are. If you are completely, 100% brand new then we start with basic physical technique, basic reading skills, and practice routines.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was lucky enough to have an AP Music Theory class in high school that offered a college level music theory course. I was allowed to have an independent study in music for half of the day during my entire senior year. I studied at Macphail Center For Music in Minneapolis for two years after high school. At Macphail I studied with the chair of the guitar dept. Craig Anderson, as well as Ruth Mackenzie and Paul Renz. I have also studied with classical guitar master Kristian Anderson. On a side note I have an extensive performance career in Rock and Pop music and have recorded with members of groups such as Parliament Funkadelic, Evanescence, and Future Leaders of the World.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Most of my students pay a monthly tuition of $100 which reserves a weekly 30m slot in the schedule. There is a 2 day cancellation policy for make ups and tuition stays the same regardless of if there are 5 lessons in a month, or 3 due to a holiday.
Students can also book lessons one at a time at $30 per half hour lesson, there's a 1 day cancellation policy for these lessons.
How did you get started teaching?
I took a job in my early twenties teaching in home lessons. The driving and gas expenses became too much, but it did allow me to gain some teaching experience. Eventually I decided to rent out an office space and start my own teaching studio. Inspired by my own teacher I've been creating much of my own curriculum ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students aged 6-70. I have experience playing and teaching in the following styles: Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz, Rn'B, Classical, Bluegrass, Metal, and Country.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently I have played some solo gigs at my local library, a wonderful opportunity to perform instrumental music in a quiet setting, I look forward to more of these :)
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It's very important to have a teacher that "feels" right, someone you can "vibe" with. Talk to your prospective teacher and see if they seem like someone who can help you grow within an environment of respect, mutual understanding, and good humor.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think very carefully about what your goals are. Write them down! The more specfiic you are with your goals the more your teacher can help you achieve them. Also, be prepared for your goals to change as you and grow and learn more about what options there are as a musician on your given instrument.