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MEET OUR TEACHERS
EMILY IRELAND (she / her), Owner and Director of Brighter Minds Music, Early Childhood Music and Piano Teacher
Emily Ireland has helped hundreds of families discover the joy of playing and sharing music. She has been a full-time piano and early childhood music teacher since 2002, and delights in bringing new and familiar musical experiences to students. Ms Ireland has been trained in the Kindermusik, MacPhail Center for Music and Musikgarten curriculum, and has received training in Kodály and Dalcroze.
With a a master's degree in music education from the University of St. Thomas, and a bachelor's degree in music and German from Gustavus Adolphus College, Ms Ireland's educational background will ensure that you receive the best in music education.
In classes with Emily, you and your loved ones will create special friendships and have fun learning and making music together. In piano lessons with Emily, you or your loved one will learn to play quickly - and more importantly, correctly – with her guidance. Emily is committed to making sure her students discover the joy that comes with making music.
Ms Ireland is actively involved in the music community, a member of music teacher organizations such as Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA), St. Paul Piano Teachers Association (SPPTA), and Association of Professional Piano Teachers (APPI).
Please contact Emily to discuss how Brighter Minds Music teachers can help you or someone you care about discover the joy of making music.
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Andrew S. (he / they), Voice, Piano and Musical Adventures Teacher
Andrew was raised in Crystal, Minnesota and is a singer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended Concordia College, Moorhead where he earned his BA in Cultural Music while studying with Dr. Rene Clausen, and singing with the world-renowned Concordia Choir for 3 seasons. After his undergraduate studies, Andrew attended the University of Redlands where he earned his MM in Vocal Chamber Music Performance while studying with Christopher Gabbitas. Andrew has sung in forty-five of the continental United States as a chorister and fifteen of them as a soloist. He has sung in choirs around the Minneapolis area since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and regularly performs as a guest musician at religious services in churches, temples, and mosques. Andrew aims to teach the whole student and does so by focusing his teaching on the exploration of creating sound, the regulation of emotions for the performer, and the practice necessary to succeed at every level of performance. Andrew looks to use both the voice and the piano as tools in every single one of his lessons to develop aural skills and musical comfort as early as possible for the young musician. When not teaching or making music Andrew is cooking in his kitchen, reading a new Sci-fi novel, communing with his family, playing a video game with friends, or searching for a weird, niche interest to celebrate and fill his time with.
Benjamin H. (he / him), Guitar, Ukulele and Piano Teacher
Ben grew up near Excelsior, MN and went to the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in 2011. That summer he began teaching guitar lessons and has enjoyed it ever since. In 2014, while earning his BFA as a Performer/Composer with a music theory minor he spent a semester in Berlin studying composition and performing around the city. He continued with his students after graduating and worked full time as an activities assistant in a ventilator hospital in North Hollywood for two years, performing weekly for the residents.
After co-founding a record label, touring, and self-producing an album by Koimé (a duo with his spouse) he moved to Minneapolis in 2017. He started working with Brighter Minds Music that summer, and found an assisted living facility to work as an activities assistant. Two years later he achieved one of his greatest goals by switching to teaching full time. He currently performs solo on his 7 string classical guitar, and in groups of many different musical styles.
Ben hopes to encourage in his students the same joy he finds in music. He will never forget the first time he heard Für Elise, the need he felt to learn how to play it on piano. As he teaches the techniques, the language of music, he nurtures students’ enthusiasm by keeping focused on the songs and sounds that made them want to start learning.
Betsy K. J. (she/they), Voice, Piano, Musical Adventures
Betsy is a singer, music teacher, songwriter, and community artist. Betsy holds a Masters of Music in Voice Pedagogy and Performance from Westminster Choir College and a Bachelors of Music in Voice Performance from University of the Pacific. Betsy has taught music for over ten years and helps students to play the music they love with freedom, joy, and ease in a caring and collaborative environment.
Cathy C. (she/her), Piano Teacher
Shih-Han (Cathy) began studying piano at the age of five in Taiwan and completed her Master of Music degree at the University of Minnesota. During her undergraduate years at Soochow University in Taiwan, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music. Her early start in piano laid a solid foundation for her versatile musical career. Additionally, Cathy actively participates in various musical activities, including prestigious music festivals such as the Mozarteum International Summer Academy in Austria and the Maine Chamber Music Seminar.
As a piano teacher, Cathy employs a variety of teaching methods tailored to the unique needs and skills of her students, ranging from beginners to advanced musicians. She focuses on building a strong technical foundation while fostering a love for musical expression. Cathy’s commitment to excellence in piano education drives her to continuously seek innovative ways to engage and inspire her students.
Cecilia B. (she/her), Voice and Piano Teacher
Cecilia has a deep passion for music and its healing power, how it connects us and taps into our deepest emotions. She has been working with kids for 4 years and is very excited to join the Brighter Minds teachers. She graduated Spring 2023 from Grand Canyon University with a Music Major- emphasis in voice and has worked as a K-8 Music Teacher at the bilingual charter school, Escuela Exitos. Cecilia makes learning beginner friendly while challenging creative abilities. It is important to her to teach kids simple music theory and have them learn songs they enjoy on their preferred instrument. Not only does music help with cognitive function but it helps one feel accomplished and confident as a rounded human. Cecilia teaches voice, piano, guitar and ukulele to beginner and intermediate levels of any age.
Craig H. (he / him), Drum and Guitar Teacher
Craig is a performer, educator, and composer specializing in percussion. Past tours include the Broadway musical Swing! and the premieres of the BBC Planet Earth Live films. He was the featured soloist in 2013-14’s Tokyo production of Kitchen Beat. Through the GRAMMY Experience, the Billboard Media group, and a number of corporate Grand World Voyages, Craig has performed internationally and across the U.S.
A few of the artists that he has performed with include Wayne Newton, Melissa Manchester, Nestor Torres, Judy Carmichael, Sugar Blue, Roddie Romero, Joel Mason, Paul Baker, Ian Finkel, Jeff Trachta, and Lovena Fox. Currently residing in the Twin Cities, the “Craig Hill Presents:” concert series features local musicians and interdisciplinary artists with a focus on improvisation. A solo performance-art video series has been released focusing on characters and first-take improvisations.
Through private and group instruction, Craig has been teaching early childhood education, found/body percussion, university audition preparation, and jazz/improvisation. As an assistant band director and percussion specialist, Craig taught at John Horn High School, Berry Middle School, and Terry Middle School in Dallas, Texas. In addition to managing all aspects of percussion instruction, Craig also team-taught in the orchestral, wind, jazz, marching, choral, and new music departments.
Craig received the Master of Music degree in Percussion Performance from Youngstown State University in 2005 while working as a graduate assistant. Completing the Bachelor of Music in Education from Youngstown State University in 2003, he is licensed to teach in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Craig has experience with each age group from pre-K through Doctor of Musical Arts candidates in individual, ensemble, and lecture hall formats. Your interests and needs are at the core of your lesson design. Current students are exploring early childhood education through music, introduction to guitar / percussion / drumkit, building / repairing percussion and string instruments, and diagnostics for professional/amateur level performers. Whether you are preparing for a performance, indulging in history/literature/theory, reviewing conducting/composition skills, or playing for fun, we can build a lesson plan for you.
Daniel H., (he/him) Voice and Piano Teacher
Daniel grew up playing classical piano and won many piano competitions through MMTA. At the age of 17, he joined the Army Band as a piano player and singer. While in the band, he has performed everything from Jazz to Rock. He has performed at many high profile events such as Twins games, US Embassies, and even opening for Chicago. He graduated from Belmont University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Songwriting. Daniel has been teaching piano and voice since 2018. His approach is to start by teaching the student a wide range of skills, gauge the interest of the student, and then guide that student in the direction they wish to take. He will teach piano and/or voice to any student of any skill level.
Danny C. (he/him), Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Electronic Music Composition Teacher
Danny is an accomplished guitarist and music producer with a passion for both performance and education. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Audio Production from the Art Institute of Colorado in 2015, he immersed himself in Denver’s vibrant music scene, performing with bands such as Wabakinoset and Schema Things. His work with these groups has resulted in an extensive collection of live recordings that showcase his versatility and talent.
Danny has also ventured into solo projects, releasing two full-length electronic music albums that highlight his innovative approach to sound production. His guitar style is characterized by a focus on improvisation and the joy of creative expression, which he brings into his teaching.
As a music educator, Danny is dedicated to helping his students build confidence and explore their own creativity. He finds great fulfillment in guiding them to master their instruments, enabling them to compose and record their own music. Danny’s teaching philosophy is rooted in fostering a fun and inspiring environment where students can truly thrive.
David S., (he / him), Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Electronic Music Composition Teacher
David has taught music for nearly 25 years, and works with students of any age or ability level. He holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education from North Dakota State University, where he studied piano with Andrew Froelich, and has taught both in classrooms and in private studios.
He is the winner of several songwriting awards, including the prestigious Kerrville (TX) New Folk Award, and was recently awarded a top-5 place for film scoring by the Indie Gathering International Film Festival. He also has many years’ experience in theater as both a Musical Director and show/rehearsal accompanist.
In addition to teaching, he tours throughout the US and Canada. In his spare time he enjoys being in the north woods, visiting the Great Lakes, or watching football on TV.
Emilia P. (she/her), Voice and Piano Teacher
Emilia is a 2024 graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. While at SFCM, she studied both classical voice and musical theater, receiving her BM in Vocal Performance. She is thrilled to be back home in the Twin Cities, and is joining the Minnesota Opera Chorus starting this fall. At just 20 years old, she made her professional debut with the Ohio Light Opera performing Edith (Pirates of Penzance) and covering the role of Kathie (The Student Prince). Since then, has performed two world premiere roles: Alex in Meow and Forever, and Lyra in The Disappearance of Ava Morgan. Emilia loves contemporary opera, and seeks innovative ways to keep classical music relevant in today’s world. Some other favorite roles she’s performed include: Giannetta (L’elisir d’amore), Cupid (Orpheus in the Underworld), and Jo March (Little Women). Along with singing, Emilia studies both classical piano and cello. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Undergraduate Scholar Award from The Presser Foundation
During her time at SFCM, Emilia discovered a passion for not only performing, but teaching as well. As an educator, she strives to help students find their voice—both in music-making and as individuals. Her lesson space is a judgment free zone, and her students will always feel safe and supported. Emilia has an older sister who is a professional opera singer, and her mother has been an educator for as long as she can remember. She understands the importance of musical education at any age and appreciates the significant role family plays in the music-making process.
Eunhye H., (she / her) Voice and Piano Teacher
Eunhye continues to establish herself as a talented singing actor, recitalist, choral conductor and a creative educator. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, she began her singing career at an early age and made her opera debut in her native Korea in 2014, recommended by her university’s faculty, as Annina in a professional production of La traviata. She earned her bachelor’s of music degree in music education at Konkuk University, moved to the United States and earned her master's degree in voice performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and is currently attending a doctoral program in voice performance and a secondary area in choral conducting at the University of Minnesota.
Eunhye has revealed her presence on various stages, including three solo recitals and operas in the United States. She also attended rehearsals and the production of opera as a chorus director and expanded her musical capabilities as the choral conductor. Based on her educational background, Eunhye has been recognized for her abilities as an educator in Korea and the United States.
Genevieve A., (she / her) Voice, Piano and Musical Adventures Teacher
Genevieve was born and raised in Minnesota, where she fell in love with performing early on. She has a passion for singing classical, opera, jazz, pop, and musical theatre. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Voice Performance from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where she studied under James Doing. During her undergraduate, she sang with the UW Madrigals choir, was a section leader for the UW Women's Choir, and participated in various university operas. She also performed with local Madison professional theater company Four Seasons. In Minnesota, she has sung in many choirs (including the Minnesota All State Women's Choir and the Minnesota Opera Chorus) and has performed with many local theater companies as well as MN Fringe Festival shows. Currently, she enjoys singing with the Basilica of Saint Mary Cathedral Choir. She is passionate about cultivating a love of music in the younger generation. In her free time, you can catch Genevieve in her garden, hiking, attending rock concerts with her husband, and enjoying copious baby snuggles.
Jacob J. (he/him) Violin Teacher
Jacob “Jake” has been studying violin since he was 3 years old. He has a passion for classical violin and fiddle music and also enjoys playing guitar, mandolin, banjo, and more.
Jacob graduated Hamline University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance, studying with Dr. Yali You and Ginna Watson. He served as the Concertmaster of the Hamline University Orchestra and was involved in numerous ensembles.
Jacob loves playing contempory music and recently recorded violin, acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, and harmonica on High Water, an album by Irene's Entropy, a rock band from Rockford, Illinois. Jacob also plays with groups based out of Minneapolis including Greg Volker, the Matt Arthur Contraption, and Woodzen.
Jacob is excited to share his love of music at Brighter Minds Music!
Jeff S. (he / him), Voice and Piano Teacher
Jeff is thrilled to join the Brighter Minds Music family as a vocal coach & piano instructor! Originally hailing from Wilmington, Delaware, Jeff has been singing since before he could remember. His love for music began at home, as most musician’s love for music does. His mother recognized his knack for music and immediately put him into Kindermusik & early piano lessons.
As he entered middle school that love for music transitioned to a love for musical theater & there was hardly a time that you would not find him in a production at any time of the year. This love for theater and music transferred into high-school where he participated in the theater programs, chorale programs, wind ensemble as a mallet player, & marching band as a member of the drum-line.
He knew that music is what he wanted to do with his life, & continued his music studies into college at Berklee College of Music in the vocal performance program. He then went on to finish his degree at McNally Smith College of Music with a bachelors in Vocal Performance.
During college he began singing for the Minnesota Music Hall Of Fame band, “Free and Easy.” “Free and Easy” is a 10 piece corporate horn band that has been prevalent in the Twin Cities since the 70’s. He still holds this position today, & can be seen regularly performing around the Twin Cities & the surrounding areas. He has also started his own project, the “Jeff Gavin Band.” Most recently he had taken his career to new waters as a singer for Carnival Cruise Lines. Due to the cruise industry shutting down, he is back in the area and ready to help you train your voice!
Lessons with Jeff will be fun, engaging, & full of awesome custom exercises that help you get to where you want to be. He will work on establishing a repertoire of songs for you that you truly enjoy and want to sing and play, all while bringing out the best in you as a musician and a performer.
Jonah E. (he/him)- Bass, Guitar, and Piano Teacher
Jonah grew up in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, and has been playing piano since age 9, and guitar and bass since age 11. He started teaching and gigging at age 16, and has experience with a variety of styles, from classical, to jazz, to rock, to funk. He has a bachelor's degree in music from Macalester College, and has been performing and recording in Minnesota since 2018. He aims to teach students to fulfill their personal musical goals, and expand their horizons to new genres of music and styles of playing.
Lachlan F. (he / him) - Piano, Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Bass and Electronic Music Composition Teacher
Lachlan is a devoted pedagogue and musician with over 20 years’ experience in music education. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in music from the Boston Conservatory and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Texas. His music education began at 4 years old when he was recognized as being able to play anything he heard by ear. Over the years Lachlan has learned to play several instruments and is fluent in several genres of music, including Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Musicals, Country, and Devotional Music.
Lachlan’s early music career was as a recording engineer and music producer in Seattle, Washington during the 1990’s music scene. He holds diplomas in Audio Engineering, MIDI Technology, and Sound Design from Shoreline College in Seattle, Washington. In the early 2000’s he worked on Broadway in Boston’s Theater district as a sound Engineer for shows such as Chicago, Sunday in the Park with George, and West Side Story.
His first international recognition came in 2005 for his compositional work ‘Medley Tipico,” commissioned by the New England Conservatory Youth Philharmonic. In the same year he won the Roger Session’s Memorial Award in Composition. Following that year, he was invited to study at the famed Fontainebleau Conservatoire de Musique, in France. He is a student of Osvaldo Golijov, Larry Thomas Bell, Donald Grantham, and Russell Pinkston. Lachlan has recently relocated to Minneapolis with his wife, Dawn, and is excited to be teaching for Brighter Minds Music.
Lauren B. (she/her)- Voice and Piano Teacher
Lauren began taking piano lessons at age 5, being drawn to pursuing music from a young age. Throughout her K-12 education, Lauren took every opportunity to participate in school, community, and honors ensembles as both a vocalist in choirs, and a clarinetist in instrumental ensembles. In high school Lauren began to work as a collaborative pianist in addition to her studies in solo piano repertoire.
Lauren continued her musical studies at the University of Minnesota, receiving a BM in Vocal Music Education. During her time pursuing her degree, Lauren pursued experiences teaching voice and piano, cultivating a further love and knowledge of vocal and piano pedagogy. Lauren is presently entering her second year as a classroom educator, residing in the Twin Cities metro area.
Lauren is so incredibly delighted to begin teaching piano and voice lessons at Brighter Minds Music. She believes that learning music should be joyful and fun at any age and ability level. She is dedicated to finding an approach to the student’s instrument of choice that is best suited for their individual learning styles. Lauren is so excited to help guide her students in joyful engagement of music that speaks to her students and their musical interests.
Leslie B. (she/her) - Piano, Singing and Musical Adventures Teacher
Leslie graduated from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelors in Music Therapy. During her time at UWEC she found a love for piano accompaniment. Whether it be a theater, solo artist, or student education; being contracted as the accompanist opened many doors of experience for Leslie. Because of this experience, another door opened into the world of adaptive music. There are many people that have the opinion that music is not available to them because of a variety of physical or mental conditions. This is simply not true. Leslie firmly believes that all things are possible with music! As a result, she is routinely called upon to serve as a performance coach to individuals with adaptive needs. For the last 20 years she has been coaching, teaching, training, and providing accompaniment to choral groups, theater troupes, and solo artists.
When not performing you can find Leslie with headphones on either practicing, working on her long neglected You Tube channel, indulging her hobby of researching various tidbits of Music History, and of course teaching piano and voice with Brighter Minds Music.
Matt B. (he / him) - Piano Teacher
Matt has performed across the United States in a variety of venues and festivals including The Bay View Jazz Fest, Chicago’s Park West Theatre, Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art, Milwaukee’s Jazz Estate and historic Pfister Hotel, the Museum of Wisconsin Art, The Trout Museum of Art, The Fox Valley Performing Arts Center, and Lawrence University’s improvised music festival Improvisationalu.
He has had the honor of performing with many great improvisers including John Christensen, Devin Drobka, José Encarnación, Jonathan Greenstein, Christopher Porterfield, Hal Rammel, Dane Richeson, and Chris Weller. As an interpreter, Matt has also premiered new compositions by Patrick Marschke, John Mayrose, JP Merz, Chris Misch-Bloxdorf, and David Werfelmann.
Matt received a Bachelor of Music degree with a self-designed major in contemporary improvisation at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. His mentors include Tim Albright, Bill Carrothers, Patty Darling, José Encarnación, Michael Mizrahi, Anthony Padilla, and Matt Turner.
As an educator, Matt teaches both classical and jazz piano lessons to beginners and advanced students of all ages. He has given workshops or performances at Drake University, Interlochen Center for the Arts, University Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Middleton High School in Middleton, WI, Appleton Public Montessori, Clovis Grove Elementary School in Menasha, WI, Nicolet Elementary School in Menasha, WI, and Wilson Elementary School in Neenah, WI. He has also had the opportunity to intern at the New York Jazz Academy in New York City helping teach jazz piano lessons, jazz theory courses, and coach small ensembles.
Michael W. (he / him) - Guitar Teacher
Michael is an accomplished classical and contemporary guitar player. He has played for more than 20 years and studied classical guitar at the University of St. Thomas, where he studied with Dr. Christopher Kachian.
His musical experience combines both formal classical training and performances, along with many years writing and performing with acoustic and alternative rock bands. He truly understands and loves helping students quickly begin playing the type of music they want to play, without sacrificing the key musical concepts and techniques that will ensure they learn to play properly.
When not practicing one of his many beloved guitars, Michael can be found bicycling, gardening, traveling (when time allows) and developing historical skits with his cat Lucky.
Nate M. (he / him), Guitar and Drum Teacher
Nate has been playing various instruments since 1999. After graduating high school in 2010, he did what most think they have to do before knowing what they want to do and enrolled at Saginaw Valley State University to become a History teacher. Although after only a year and a half, Nate decided it best to take a collegiate break to pursue a more focused life in music. After three years of performing throughout his home state of Michigan, grabbing accolades like “Review Magazines Best New Artist of 2012” award (Killer Kong), and winning multiple Battle of The Bands to the make cash needed to fund traveling to bigger shows, he decided to take his career to the next level by enrolling at a new school. In a city with a real music scene.
In the fall of 2013 Nate enrolled at, the now defunct, McNally Smith College of Music. By the summer of 2016 he was graduated with a Bachelors degree in Music Business, and immediately shifted into working in radio promotions and licensing with Tinderbox Music in Uptown, Minneapolis. During that time he stayed active amongst the scene, filling as a drummer for local acts like The Coax, and opening for national acts like Night Moves. Working to help open a new St.Paul chapter for Sofar Sounds, and continued to volunteer at every Minneapolis Sofar Sounds event working with acts such as Dan Rodriguez, Haley Bonar, Night Moves, and a magnificent plethora of smaller and equally impressive local acts.
Today he can be found behind the kit performing with Steve Miller Lite, and occasionally caught playing solo as Sister Electric (Kid Michigan). Coming out of the darkest periods of 2019 was the realization to return to what he’d set out to do all those years ago when first enrolling in College back a decade ago in 2010. With both an intimate knowledge of music as well as its uglier half, the business side, Nate is well positioned and intellectually equipped to speak on not only the theory necessary behind becoming a great musician but the business knowledge needed to protected yourself in what is one of the craziest and most rewarding industries in the nation.
Nathaniel R. (he/him), Piano, Voice, Electronic Music Composition Teacher
Nathaniel is a native of Minnesota and has been playing piano since he could reach the keys. He performed in various recitals and talent shows through high school, regularly winning statewide competitions through the Minnesota Music Teachers Association. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, he continued his music studies in the graduate program of the University of Minnesota School of Music. As a composer, his orchestra pice, Reflections for Orchestra, was played by the Minnesota Orchestra and performed by the University of Minnesota Symphony Orchestra. Nathaniel spent four years as a classroom music teacher at Pan American Christian Academy in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He has over 20 years of experience teaching private lessons in piano, voice and composition to all ages. Nathaniel also enjoys fairy gardening and board game development.
Peter D., (he/him), Piano Teacher
Peter lives with his wife and daughter in Apple Valley. He enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, and teaching piano.
He attended St Olaf College for music theory and composition, then Concordia St Paul for teaching licensure. He has performed piano at Axel's Bonfire Grill, Tickles, Treasure Island Casino, the Brass Rail and the MSP airport. He's also served as the accompanist at Cottage Grove United Church of Christ.
Peter has taught general music, band, and choir at Public and Private schools in Faribault, Cannon Falls, Vermillion, and Minneapolis. Now I'd love to teach you! What would you like to play? Let's make music!
Ryan T. (he/him), Voice, Piano and Drum Teacher
Ryan is a local composer, pianist, singer, and drummer. He’s been playing piano since he was 8, singing since he could make noise, and composing and drumming for about 6 years. He graduated with a degree in Music composition from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2021 and did some Graduate work in composition at Belmont University. In his studies he sang with several choral ensembles, student recitals, operas, and musicals. He played piano and drums with several small groups. He also composed and rehearsed two of his own full length recitals. He has a passion for performing, making new music, and sharing his joy of music with other people.
He is able to teach almost any style of singing, piano, and drumming. He has taught with several different studios and has loved helping people find joy and passion in music. Come on in and find your love for music!!
Samantha W. (she/her), Violin Teacher
Samantha’s connection with music began with her family who instilled the love for music in her from a young age. Her earliest memories of music making were with her great aunties, singing old country and broadway songs while they played the piano or electric organ. She has been playing the violin for 13 years and has been in a multitude of ensembles including her school orchestra, chamber orchestra, and pit orchestra. She was also in the SEC Honors Orchestra her junior and senior year of high school.
Samantha graduated from Wartburg College in 2023 with her Bachelor’s of Music degree, majoring in Music Therapy. During her college years she was involved in the Wartburg College Community Symphony and Kammerstreicher, even being a member of the Kammerstreicher leadership council. She will be starting her music therapy internship at Apple Valley Village in the winter and is looking forward to starting a new musical chapter in her life.
Shane Z., (he / him), Guitar, Bass and Ukulele Teacher
Shane is a professional guitarist based in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area and has been playing in bands and writing music for more than 15 years. With a degree in Guitar Performance from the former McNally Smith College of Music, Shane is well versed in several styles of music, including blues, metal, rock, funk, classical and RnB.
All age ranges and abilities are welcome as long as you have a desire to learn and improve your abilities! It is preferred that you have your own instrument as that makes practicing the things that are covered in the lessons much easier, and you will progress a lot faster as a result!
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