Victoria Music 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.

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

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.

ge 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, 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.