Savage Music Lessons

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.

as learn at their own pace. My goal as a teacher is to give you an enjoyable experience in learning a new instrument and to tailor the lessons based on your interests and goals. After the first few months a beginner student can expect to have learned basic techniques and useful skills to allow them to play simple songs and melodies with ease.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons are taught in a studio with amps, acoustic guitars and electric guitars, ukuleles, along with fretless and fretted bass guitars, drums, microphones, recording equipment and software, are available for a student to use during the lesson time.

*** Specialties ***
Simplifying concepts and process. Breaking down elements of how to play Pop, Jazz, Funk, Blues, Rock, Folk etc.

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!

Twin Cities as well as an M. F. A. from NYU's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program.

onservatoire 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.

c that YOU want to play!

I also teach composition and music theory (which is beneficial skill set for performers and composers alike).

Please send me a message and let me know your musical goals. I'd love to work with you!