Private Music Instruction

St. Olaf College

One of the many highlights during my studies at St. Olaf College was receiving the award of Departmental Distinction in Music, given to me by the music faculty for instrumental performance. I was also happy to achieve significant success in the Department of Education, experiencing an especially profound connection with my Educational Psychology courses. When I graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education, I knew that teaching music would be my life's work.

Career

St. Olaf College

Professional Musician

Public School Band Director (Grades 5-12)

Private Lesson Teacher

Multi-Instrument Recitalist

Adult Community Band Conductor

Instrumental Performance Clinician

Teaching Philosophies

Students are best able to learn when they are liked, validated and treated with kindness.

By playing the same type of instrument as the student at lessons, the teacher becomes an understanding teammate and can effectively teach through empathy and good example.

The difficulty level of the lesson material must be carefully monitored to fit each individual so that he or she can achieve mastery and then retain the skills necessary for the next level.

Through counting and foot-tapping, the science of rhythm becomes internalized, and the student has control over the most challenging aspect of music-reading.

Clarity and patience are essential.

As I celebrate 41 years of teaching music, I need to say...I'm really diggin' this gig!

Magnuson Music Studios

Private Music Instruction

St. Olaf College

St. Olaf College

St. Olaf College

Career

St. Olaf College

St. Olaf College

Teaching Philosophies