Chanhassen Music Lessons

, struggling for years to find their own unique voice.

The KEY difference between professional vocalists and average singers is (9 times out of 10) the presence of an influential teacher/mentor!

The right teacher/mentor pushes you to grow continuously; beyond what you think is possible. The right teacher/mentor has wisdom and information to share from inside the music industry. The right teacher/mentor genuinely cares about you as a person.

I teach so that I can be that life-changing mentor for my students, giving them that missing link for success.

About me:
I grew up in NYC and "cut my teeth" across a variety of genres: rock, jazz, R&B, gospel and choral/classical. You name it; I've sung it. In addition to being a vocal coach, I travel the nation as a musician/performing artist, professional speaker and author. Please take a moment to watch the video clip below.

Unlike most teachers that take on any/all students, I limit my roster to 15 students at any given time. During our first few lessons, I commit to offering you honest and professional feedback about your strengths and weaknesses. I want to help YOU find YOUR own voice. I want to take a look at YOUR goals, YOUR dreams, and figure out what makes you tick.

During lessons, I draw on my dual B.A. degree in vocal performance & music business as well as industry experience. I offer insights on what works and what doesn't as a vocalist, whether you are looking to pursue singing vocationally or just as a hobby.

I can help you:
- Stop feeling nervous
- Develop impeccable technique
- Learn the “ins and outs” of being in the music business
- Assemble a press kit, record a demo and start to get gigs
- Much more!

I would love the opportunity to meet you and hear where you want your singing to take you. Please, get in touch!

Other Notes:

Studio Equipment:
I teach out of my residence-based studio in downtown Minneapolis. It's centrally located with free parking and easy access to skyways and public transportation. Do you work downtown? Consider taking lessons over your lunch break!

I have everything we need for lessons in my studio: instruments, laptop, mics, etc... I will provide you with all audio files and any written materials for our lessons.

you or your child on the guitar. The guitar is a great instrument for sharing the joy of making music.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my page and I hope to see you soon!

Mark F.

*** Lesson Details ***
I've had some great guitar teachers in my life and I've learned a lot from them about music and playing the guitar. I will use what my teachers taught me to help you or your child learn how to play the guitar. I teach beginning to advanced players (except for classical guitar which I teach beginning to intermediate levels), kids and adults, and will work with you in a fun and challenging environment to make sure you are getting the most out of your investment. I am a very calm and friendly teacher who will make our lessons fun while also encouraging you to make progress. I will strive to keep you motivated to improve and will document your progress with the use of technology like audio recordings and video so you can see and hear your progress. I like to work from guitar method books so we can establish specific and measurable goals, but I do respect and accommodate different learning styles. And, of course, we willwork progressively on any songs that you have your heart set on learning so that you can soon be playing the music that you love!
I believe that there is always room for improvement. I continue to look for new ways to improve my own playing. I am sure that I will be learning some things from you, too, so let's get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I currently teach in the living room of my home while my basement music room is being remodeled. I provide a music stand, a metronome, a tuner and recording capability so students can see and hear themselves play. I expect the student to bring his or her own instrument and to purchase the book(s) that we'll be working from.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a small amp for electric guitar if the student doesn't have one. I expect the
student to provide his or her own instrument, a music stand, and to
purchase the book(s) that we'll be working from.

*** Specialties ***
I can teach you to play guitar in any style of music that you want to play, from folk to rock , country to classical and bluegrass to contemporary Christian. I specialize in fingerstyle acoustic guitar that I have adapted from my many years of classical guitar training, but I also love to play the electric guitar, too.

es, from beginners to advanced; from young children to adults.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music studio, f/w keyboard, and all other instruments he teachers, seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student should provide instrument, stand. I will provide my own instrument (except piano).

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki for violin (I'm comfortable with other methods, too)

d. Music would be pretty dull if everyone was the same, wouldn't it?

I have been a singer/songwriter out of the Twin Cities for the past 11 years and have played in venues all over the world. These include coffee shops, events, and churches in Minnesota and go as far as various establishments in Guatemala. My debut album was released in 2007 and I have been a part of numerous projects since that time. I have also had the privilege of taking intensive blues lessons with Michael May and vocal lessons with Helen Lapakko.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back, patient, flexible, and caring teacher. I have experience with and enjoy teaching all ages and abilities. I like to guide students through material that they choose to work on, as long as it is within their ability. During my lessons, I will cover everything from the introductory basics, improving your technical abilities, ear training, theory, and improvisation. Time can also be taken to work through electric guitar basics involving amplifiers and effects and guitar maintenance.

*** Studio Equipment ***
None

*** Travel Equipment ***
Musical Materials, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Amp, Pedaboard, Metronome

*** Specialties ***
I prefer to teach people starting out in tablature, as I feel that they can more easily access songs in this method. I will, of course, teach them some basic note reading and the fretboard. I feel that learning chords and strumming is a great way to ensure that students feel success as they progress...as they can begin to play simple songs. I play all sorts of music myself, from rock to folk to blues.

g to learn music, and I enjoy working with students to help them achieve their goals.

Being a well-rounded musician has not only helped me in my music career, but it has helped me experience and enjoy many different kinds of music. I expect students to play different types of music with a main focus on one genre. If you want to learn to play classical music only, I teach sightreading, technical skills, and with a little time and practice you or your child can be playing some of the simpler masterworks by the end of the first year. But I also encourage classical pianist to try out a rock song or improvisation.

The same goes for those who are only interested in learning how to play rock music or church music. Being able to sightread is invaluable to a musician, and after a few lessons on chords and ear-training, I like to introduce basic sight-reading.

Developing a love for the instrument you play is just as important as developing the technical skills to play it. I do my best as a teacher to learn what it is that students enjoy most about playing and incorporate that into lessons.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home Studio--New Kawai upright

Lino Lakes--Baldwin upright, good condition, and electric piano

*** Specialties ***
I can play and teach in a variety of genres, from classical to pop to church music. I teach students to sight-read, and I can also teach students to play off a chord chart or by ear if these are things that student expresses an interest in.

I've found that the method books available to piano students are thorough and effective, especially for beginning students of elementary age. I've used different books, including Faber & Faber, Alfred, and Hal Leonard. All of these have strengths and weaknesses, and I like to pick the method depending on the personality of the student.

he University of Minnesota, Harmon Place Players, and the Rhombus Theater Company.

*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect lessons to be structured while being tailored to their desires and goals. Mark likes to focus on what students want to learn while pushing them to challenge themselves. His goal is to “bring out the artist” in his students but he also understands lessons should be fun.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will suggest necessary teaching materials/books. Students need their own instruments.

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Jazz, Funk, Blues, Pop, etc

underkeys method.

I hold a Bachelors degree in French Horn performance from the University of MN-Duluth with piano being my secondary instrument. I also hold a Master's Degree from Wichita State University. I held the position of Assistant French Horn in the Wichita Symphony and have freelanced and subbed with numerous orchestras and groups in the midwest including the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra.

and have become proficient in determining what skills each individual student needs to work on as well as helping students progress in their interests, keeping the lessons fun and the student motivated. I can easily transcribe any song as well! So any song you might want to learn, even if there is no sheet music, is totally doable. I love working in odd time signatures and I prefer fancy hi-hat work over heavy double-bass drum use. Progressive / Indie rock is my favorite genre of music to play, but I have tons of fun playing hip-hop, punk, metal, I dabble in jazz, Latin rhythms, and pretty much anything else. I'm always excited to play drums, and I pass this excitement on in my teachings.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons and curriculum's are built around a students experience level, age, and goals. Students will learn the fundamentals of drumming, as well as the ability to add flair and pizzazz to their playing. Within the first 3 months, a beginning level student will have the ability to play basic beats found in many styles of music, as well as feeling comfortable playing to a metronome and keeping time. Lessons will include routines to be practiced by the student on their own time, as well as fun, exciting techniques to keep students interested and motivated to continue playing.
Each Lesson will hold its own highlights depending on the student. I believe getting to know the student and their goals for their drumming is one of the most important aspects of teaching lessons. Understanding whether the student is looking to drum as a hobby and for fun will change the lesson style dramatically compared to a student looking to make a living off drumming. The types of routines, styles and techniques taught should fit into helping the student reach their desired destination.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the basement, full band rehearsal set up with 2 drum kits, one for the student, one for the teacher in an acoustically treated room.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would expect the student to have a drum set and drum sticks. I can provide a drum set for lessons but it is important for the student to have a drum set or practice pad to practice.

*** Specialties ***
I have touched on almost every genre of music. I specialize in rock, progressive rock, funk and fusion.

e instrument early in life. Still today he is an active chamber musician and also thrives as a soloist.

With the little free time that remains on his schedule, he shares his music with schools, churches, hospitals and friends. He looks forward to continuing his education and to a career of teaching and concertizing.

Mr. S. owes his success to the support of his family and the patience of his mentors.