Prior Lake Music Lessons

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.

eloping a strong base of private drum students in and around the Twin Cities. I have a thorough understanding of drumming technique coupled with an in-depth knowledge of different styles and genres, which I've accumulated through playing with a vast variety of bands and ensembles. Check out my website (http://synhavsky.tumblr.com/) for more information about my musical endeavors.

I love sharing my passion for drums with people of all ages and musical backgrounds. I provide a fun and stimulating learning environment in which students can foster their drum skills and grow their love of music.

*** Lesson Details ***
John provides a laid back atmosphere, ensuring that lessons are equal parts fun and education. Based on his teaching experience with a wide range of ages and experience levels, John tailors his curriculum according to his students' input and the exercises that are most effective. John can teach any number of drum set skills, from basic mechanics and music reading to advanced technique and improvisation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Sound-Proof Studio w/ Full Drum Kit

*** Travel Equipment ***
Given the short duration of each drum lesson, I expect the student to provide all of the drums, cymbals, and hardware for which he/she desires to learn the instrument.

*** Specialties ***
Genres: Funk, Rock, Jazz, Latin (Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Latin-Jazz), Pop, Country, Hip-Hop; Sight-Reading; Rudiments; Improvisation; Technique

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!

so that the student maintains interest and has fun. This is important to me.
I incorporate music theory, ear training, and rhythm into my lessons for a well rounded musical approach. I also teach beginning students how to read music. I am able to teach a variety of genres of music and am more than happy to explore them with all of my students.
What do I expect from students? I expect students to come to lessons prepared: I expect them to have their instrument, music, and to have practiced at least 3-4 times that week. In my experience this is the best way to truly master a musical instrument.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a large studio space with an upright piano, sturdy chairs, and music stands. I have a variety of different types of trumpets for intermediate-advanced students to experiment with: a Fluegel horn, piccolo trumpet, C trumpet, and a cornet.

*** Specialties ***
-My specialty is in teaching trumpet lessons. I am able to teach any level of trumpet lessons, from beginner to advanced.
-I teach beginner to intermediate piano lessons.
-I teach music theory lessons and can teach from a beginner to an advanced level.
-I teach free improvisation and encourage the ability to play freely and harness creativity.

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.

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!

nich, Germany and the Conservatoire de Versailles in France. In addition, I am a recipient of a 2017 Artist Initiative grant made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature; and by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. (saharhassan.com)