Priscilla Stilwell - Music Studio

I start each (voice) student (except for the very young) by giving an overview of how the voice works, and then getting right into the singing. I provide immediate feedback and advice on how to improve tone and breath support immediately.

We then start working on songs. My preferred way is to study an artist that the student is inspired by. We use great artists to help teach the student through a method I call "artist studies."

For songwriting, theory, and keyboard, we learn by doing. We do first and analyze later so that the same thing can be done in different ways and with ease. I'm an analytical learner and also an artist, so I combine both in my teaching.

1. Associate of Arts [Anoka-Ramsey Community College] - Music Education.
2. Bachelor of Arts [UMD-Duluth] - Vocal Performance (with considerable side-work in Jazz Studies, Music Composition, and Linguistics).
3. Graduate Work [McNally Smith College of Music] - Contemporary Vocal Performance & Hip Hop Studies.
4. Doctor of Worship Studies [Liberty University] - currently in this program.

55 minute lesson = $50
30 minute lesson = $35 (for very young students)

10% discount for students who pay for 4 weekly lessons at a time. Discounts for referrals and for consistent, paid, weekly lessons completed. 

I began teaching in 1991 when I was a junior in high school. In our very small private school, there was no music program, but I had completed all my course work, so they put me to work directing the school choir. 

Soon after I began teaching private lessons locally, and began leading worship and directing bands. This blossomed out to what it is today.

I have worked with all ages, from 3-76 years old. I've worked with tone-deaf students, and have developed an excellent process to train the ear. I also work with ear training for those who want to learn to sing harmony. 

I've taught both private lessons and classrooms. I've taught in a formal setting from elementary students through university, and have taught songwriting and other music classes in continuing education classes through Saint Paul Public Schools, and other local arts and community learning organizations. 

I've done clinics and master classes in both the high school and college levels. I've also taught those with cognitive and developmental challenges such as Asburgers, Autism, and ADHD.

And I've now developed my ability to teach remotely as the need arises, though I find in-person lessons are far more productive when possible. 

Choose someone with the maximum life experience. It's tempting to go to someone who you like to listen to, and that's good, but that should not be your first objective when looking for a teacher. I have found that some of the most enjoyable or talented musicians are some of the worst teachers, and this is particularly true the younger they are.

Instead, find a teacher who has faced the challenges artistically, and has overcome them. The teacher who continues to teach and thrive in the industry after a decade or more of teaching . . . they are someone who is committed and who is truly a teacher. 

Are you willing to do the work? Music lessons are not a "quick fix." I work to ensure that my students are making maximum progress in minimum time, but this is a process. It's like learning a new sport and a new language all at once. It will take time and commitment.