Inver Grove Heights Music Lessons

nals coupled with academic studies rebuilt my perception of how I was generating sound and their training gave me back MY VOICE, for which I am forever grateful. I combine knowledge from these studies and my own vocal exploration to re-build my voice in exercises that I share with students of voice.

I CAN HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS: My cross-training in dance, yoga, Tai Chi, commercial & improvisational acting provides a well-rounded platform from which to deliver information, guide vocal explorers and also help develop talent.

EXPERIENCE:
* 18 years teaching experience
* 12 years living & working in Los Angeles
* A lifetime of performing experience
* 12 years personal private vocal studies master teachers of bel canto & contemporary singing techniques.

LIFE SKILLS: No matter the subject, my focus is also teach skills that can be extrapolated into any area of your life. Life Skills focuses on eradicating negative self-talk and expanding communication skills that help develop confidence, enhancing daily life.

Between performing and my own artistic studies, I have been taking the occasional private voice student since 1997, mostly via referrals from friends and other students. While living in California, one of my voice teachers requested me as her regular substitute at Culver City and Santa Monica Music Schools from 2008-2012, which I felt deeply honored. She said she trusted me with their voices, which encouraged me into full-time voice teaching practice. In June 2012, I returned to Minneapolis and began teaching in my home studio through music services like Take Lessons. Past projects include producing a vocal showcase at The Ritz Theater, musical direction & choreography for a school's 2016 production of the Wizard of Oz; assisting students to prepare for local & national auditions like La Banda, The Voice & American Idol; prepping singers for studio recordings and congratulating a new student who's stepped out of the chorus to land her first lead role!

I am forever grateful to all of my teachers, past and present, for their valuable gifts of knowledge, skill, grace and compassion.

ENJOY LIFE MORE! Singing & dancing improves our quality of life.

*** STUDIO POLICIES ***

Always know that any personal data shared will be held in strict confidence.

STUDIO HOURS: EDEN PRAIRIE Central Standard Time
Mon-Thurs 10:00am-9:00pm
Fri 10:00am-5:00pm
Sat 10:00am-1:00pm
Sun 1:00pm-7:00pm

TRAVEL
Cost for travel is $1 per minute.

CANCELLATIONS
Mutual 24-hour advance notice agreement states both parties will respect the difficulty of planning schedules by providing 24-hour notice to change a reserved lesson time.

* Cancellations within 24-hours of lesson require a phone call or text
- Lessons not cancelled w/24-hour notice are the responsibility of the cancelling party to makeup

*** STUDIO EQUIPMENT ***

EDEN PRAIRIE: Lessons in separate "studio" room, electric piano, mirror, music stands, table for your water, chair. Parents/loved ones can lounge in the large comfortable lobby area, drink free coffee/hot chocolate, read, use the free Wi-Fi, or watch TV [see photos below].

to the craft of making music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am experienced in most major genres of music: classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, folk, metal, acoustic fingerstyle/slap, instrumental rock, "shred," pop, world music, electronica, etc. & feel comfortable conveying the techniques, approaches & idioms to a student by breaking them down into digestible components, while making these new ideas relatable to material they are already familiar with.

In the end, I want the student to learn what they're most interested in learning. I'm here to answer any questions they may have & with my experiences, I feel confident that I will be able to either answer these questions or point them in the right direction. Some topics covered:

Scales/modes
Ear training
Instrument-specific techniques (ie bending, tapping, sweep picking, etc.)
Songwriting & Composition
Arranging & Orchestrating
Sight-reading
Improvisation
Chordal theory & how to read charts
Practice routines & approaches
Instrument maintenance
Instrument-based gear (guitars, amplifiers, effects, picks, slides, capos, etc.)

The student will learn at the pace they set for themselves & can only get out of it the amount of effort they put forth. I expect my students to practice on a regular basis (however brief each session may be). Consistency is key for progress to be made, & if they hold up their end of the bargain, the payoffs will be quite substantial!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Practice amplifier, tuner, music stand(s), guitar picks & cables.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide guitar neck paper. I expect the students to have their own instrument & any materials they may need to achieve the goals they've set for themselves (such as a weekly notebook).

*** Specialties ***
Progressive rock, classic rock, blues, jazz, funk, disco, classical, acoustic fingerstyle/slap, flamenco guitar; music theory, sight-reading, composition, songwriting, film scoring, music production.

further broadened my background by accompanying church choirs and congregations, playing for weddings, and volunteering to lead children’s music time at church.

I love music of all kinds and have a strong belief that everyone should experience the joy and power of it in his or her life. It is very rewarding for me to help students develop their skills as they discover a meaningful way of self-expression using a universal language. Teaching music is something I love to do and I know that fact reflects to my students resulting in an enjoyable experience for them as well.

*** Lesson Details ***
What can a student/parent expect from lessons with me? I can provide my students with a solid foundation of proper technique. This is so very important because you do not ever want to have to unlearn bad habits. I also include appropriate music theory, ear training and improvising for each level. I purposefully pace the lessons to prevent students from feeling frustrated. Instead, I work to generate excitement about the learning process and keep students motivated by their own progress. Furthermore, I am willing to accommodate a student if they have a special interest in a certain musical genre or a personal goal they are working towards. I encourage, but do not require students to take advantage of recital and performance opportunities that I provide.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Large music room: piano, electric keyboard, flute, clarinet, trumpet, music stands.
*** Specialties ***
I have a lot of experience teaching students who are brand new to their instrument. I believe the beginning is a very important time to start building a solid foundation for all future musical growth. I love being able to help my students establish good habits from the beginning and influence the overall direction of a new student’s musical experience.

I love music of all kinds and have fun playing and teaching all the instruments that I listed. However, the two instruments that I have the most training on and have performed on are the piano and the flute. I would be a great teacher for private lessons to help a student excel in band at school or for a high school student preparing for contests or auditions. Also, I am very patient with beginners and would be ideal as a child'€™s first piano teacher or for an adult who has always wanted to play a certain instrument of his or her choice.

orm a wider range of music

*** Studio Equipment ***
Most instruments

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to provide an instrument, method book, stand and supplies for that instrument. I will bring an instrument to play along and model.

*** Specialties ***
Kodaly and Orff methods

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.

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 and fusion.

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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.

fall in love with playing music as well.

During the first lesson, I like to talk with you about your goals and how you learn best. I always tailor my lessons to the needs of the individual student, and believe it is my responsibility as a teacher to make learning fun and engaging for the student.

I have several options of standard coursework we can follow if a weekly plan is best. Otherwise, I enjoy following the student's lead and spending our time together on what you would like to work on.

If you are looking for a teacher who will inspire you to reach your best potential as a musician, who will make learning a fun and rewarding experience, please reach out to me and let's start playing.

h questions and answers. I have found this to be the most productive, as the student remains actively engaged with the lesson. I incorporate other instruments into my lessons; this helps the student understand music as a whole and how their parts fits in. For example, I often reference other percussion instruments and melody instruments when listening to recordings. I also will play simple bass or piano lines to accompany the drum set groove played by the student. With todays technology, I stress the importance of recording and critiquing oneself. I offer this as a part of my lessons.

I love playing drums and I look forward to sharing my knowledge with you!