Prior Lake 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.

. 2 or 3 months ahead, we decide on a song they like that will show off their acquired skills. I look forward to being your teacher! We will have fun learning!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a friendly person and like to put everyone at ease. I try to adapt to each student's learning style. As I have hinted at in my bio, I teach the skills and then we work together on these skills during the lesson. The idea is for the knowledge and skills to come together before the student tries on their own. The student actually learns quicker this way and we repeat lessons much less. The student also desires to learn when they see those goals being attained at a quicker pace. I usually average one lesson book every 2-3 months, depending on the student.

*** Specialties ***
I have taught every method available for piano. My preference is Faber & Faber. For more advanced students we create our own curriculum.

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.

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

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!

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!

and Wyatt-
Manhattan Transfer coach /NY Academy of Dramatic Arts. Through many years of teaching experience, I've developed a very successful, uniquely simple 8 part method to help cross cultural individuals/groups of all ages , styles, and levels, sing optimally from their hearts. The necessary basic vocal techniques can be taught effectively in 4 to 8 lessons, though the learning process takes longer and can continue throughout one's lifetime.

With a BA in Theater Arts from SFSU, and over 50 years directing, acting, and musical experience, including the last 15 years also working successfully as an ESL educator, I have gained the confidence to help almost any student achieve their personal and/or professional goals.

and an active educator in the Twin Cities area, teaching piano, chamber ensembles, composition and accordion lessons.

*As a composer, I am a winner of four International and American composers’ competitions. Among them are the Dallas Wind Symphony contest for new Fanfares (2006), the Faith Partners Program of the American Composers Forum (2005), the VocalEssence contest "Welcome Christmas" for a new Christmas carol (2001), and Boston Metro Opera’s International Contemporary Americana Festival (2010). In 2000, I received a commission for the Belarusian Rhythmic Gymnastics Team for the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, in which they took second place.
My music had been performed by many world-recognized groups such as The Rose Ensemble from the United States (a winner of the International Choir Festival in Tolosa, Spain, 2007 and 2012); Spanish vocal ensemble Kromatika, a winner of many prestige National Competitions; Salt Lake Choral Artists; the Choir of Stellenbosch University, South Africa (a winner of the World Choir Games in China in 2010 and Cincinnati, Ohio in 2012 ); and many others.