Piano with Helen L.

I studied voice at McPhail Center for the Arts in high school. I studied piano, voice, guitar at Augsburg college. I performed in musicals, small ensembles. I write my own music and have performed it around town for years. I have sung in bands and solo. I recorded two CD's with my original music. My original songs are eclectic and contain jazz, blues, folk, country, and soft rock songs. I love music theory and writing. I taught at Mars music until it closed, then taught at Minnesota School of Music for a couple of years. Then moved my students to my home, where I have been teaching for the last ten years. I teach all ages. My piano students perform in music auditions like "The Guild", my guitar students have performed in school concerts and talent shows, my vocal students have performed in musicals, and solos in their choirs. One of my adult vocal students went on to perform main stage at WE FEST and recorded a CD in Nashville, another adult student is touring around the U.S. she recorded three excellent CD's. Other adult students perform around town. And of course some of my adults just learn to play for themselves. I teach all styles of music. *** Lesson Details *** I use method books in guitar and piano, and encourage note reading. In guitar I also teach tab and chords. I use supplemental books and solo sheets once I learn the interest of my student, if they lean toward jazz and blues, I put them in books with that style, or if it is Classical I have books with the classical greats. My vocal students study songs that fit their age and interests. My goal is to find music that makes my students feel passionate about their music, so practicing isn't just drudgery but something they want to do. I also teach technique and theory. I provide a studio class where students perform for each other, eat pizza and play music games that promote note reading and rhythm in a fun way. In 3-6 months students will be able to read music and hopefully will be filled with the excitement of music to keep learning more. *** Studio Equipment *** The In-Studio lessons are taught in the front room with a waiting area for kids/students, The teaching space contains piano and guitars, amps, microphones. No pets. Seating is available. *** Specialties *** For piano I use Faber method books, piano literature books etc. For guitar I use Hal Leonard method books, and Charles Duncan method books. I teach vocal in classical, music theatre and guitar playing band singers, in country, and rock. I teach classical as well as blues styles and ragtime and pop, and encourage creating own songs where there is interest. In guitar I teach note reading as well as tab and teach classical, acoustic and electric guitar. I teach students from beginning to advanced levels.