Chanhassen Music Lessons

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.

thy vocal habits. They will learn all aspects needed to become a well rounded singer: diction, interpretation, musicianship, breath support and focus, all of this while having fun! Also, they will acquire the tools to keep up the work they've done during their lessons in the time between meetings with the teacher.
Pianists will learn to read music and play by ear while acquiring a healthy technique to avoid any injuries.

*** Studio Equipment ***
You'll be learning to play on a beautiful Kawai upright piano.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I own a traveling keyboard but prefer to use a larger instrument if available at the student's home. I also provide musical scores and the use of metronome.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, pop, musical theatre, rock

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.

beginning, others want to improve upon their skills. Some students want to learn more about Classical music, others want to learn jazz and improvisation, others rock and roll or country et. al.. Others want to know why

nts can expect lessons to suit their tastes and goals, whether they intend to pursue music formally, professionally, or for personal enjoyment.

*** Lesson Details ***
Expect this to be fun! All lessons will incorporate proper playing technique and elements of the most basic theory, no matter the style of music. If students can devote some time to practice every week, they will see results. If students practice daily, they may exceed their expectations!

With each new song or lesson to be learned, I walk you through each part so that your practice time alone is fruitful. I encourage students to tell me what they want to learn. Any arrangement, classical or pop, can be made accessible to any level.

*** Studio Equipment ***
In-Studio lessons take place in teacher's home or at Chanson Voice and Music Academy in St. Paul.

*** Specialties ***
Ear training, music notation & sight reading, music theory, tablature, lead sheets, solo and ensemble.
Classical training, for those so inclined!

t. Fun "family-style" lessons with parent(s) and young children are also a new option.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, ukuleles, bass guitars, strum-sticks, various percussion instruments, various keyboards, synthesizers and music composition/production software and amps.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Teacher brings instruments/supplies/books as needed, and can arrange to provide instruments for students as well.

*** Specialties ***
Individual or group instruction in folk, jazz, blues, rock, guitar/vocal performance coaching, songwriting, lyric writing, instrumental improvisation, digital media production/composition, iMovie, Garageband, "beat-making" and therapeutic music for youth, adult and special needs students.

Festival in Minneapolis and Festival of Nations in St. Paul. I also perform in a smaller three-person group, known as the Accidental Trio. As a solo musician I have performed for many special events, such as weddings and parties. I have frequently been called upon to play accordion in pit orchestras for musicals, including "Fiddler on the Roof" (5 different productions), "Cabaret," and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."

ke John Frusciante or Nancy Wilson, I am determined to help you succeed.