Inver Grove Heights Music Lessons

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!

idual desires and needs of each student. 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, ProTools Digi002, Garageband, Kurzweil 2500, Mac Pro Desktop computers, 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. Tutoring/homework help in English, mac computers and basic academic subjects for K-12 and adult students. Technology (geek) help/support with computers, digital gadgets (especially Apple) for "non-techies".

tudied with Ruth Giles, Catherine Ramirez, Patricia George, and Michele Frisch.

ere every student, no matter age or ability, can feel free to express their creativity.

I earned my B.A. in 2014 from St. Olaf College, where I studied both music and neuroscience. My background in music is largely collaborative, having played extensively as a chamber musician, an orchestral musician, a pit musician, an accompanist, and a soloist. I strongly value giving constructive criticism in a positive and understanding way. I know how hard it can be to learn an instrument, and I fully respect that!

My background in teaching also includes music theory and music history, which is an essential part of understanding the music that we play. I began teaching in 2009 as the founder of J&J’s Music Camp, whose mission is to educate young people about music history, theory, and repertoire in a fun and engaging way. Since then, I have taught violin privately, have worked as an instructor in Theory and Aural Skills at St. Olaf College, and have worked as an Instructor of Music Theory at the Portland Youth Philharmonic, where I formerly served as Associate Concertmaster.

I have also held positions as a first violinist in the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra and the Newport Symphony Orchestra, and have served as Associate Concertmaster of the St. Olaf Orchestra, winner of the 2013 American Prize. In addition, I was a soloist on the St. Olaf Orchestra’s National Tour in 2012, and am the recipient of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame Scholarship and the Thursday Musical Young Artists Scholarship. Perhaps some of the most meaningful work I have done is in chamber music, as a violinist in the Bridge City Quartet and the St. Olaf Piano Quintet. These experiences truly developed my passion for collaboration and partnership in music, which is to me one of the most meaningful aspects of music. I truly believe that taking violin lessons is a partnership between teacher and student. As a teacher, I look forward to sharing my love of music with anyone who wants to explore their musicality and learn more about the beautiful instrument that is the violin. Thanks!

y of tone. After, student's continue to explore other styles including jazz, musical theater, world, improvisation, rock, and contemporary, depending on the student's goals.

Nicole attended McNally Smith College of Music, St. Paul, MN. She also continues to perform nationally and Internationally with various groups locally, while teaching at local performing arts schools in the Twin Cities.

itar, composition and music theory and have received uniformly good post semester reviews. I focus on fundamentals and how those develop into more complex skills.