MUSIC MAKES MY WORLD GO ROUND
“If we aren’t laughing while we’re learning, we’re doing something wrong”
A son of a piano teacher, I grew up in a household of non-stop music. Every day was carefully scheduled to share the practicing pianos between my 6 siblings, all finishing before my mom started teaching her lessons in the afternoon. From an early age I loved music and knew it would play a central role in my life!
I started offering piano instruction while I was in high school, teaching siblings, cousins, and neighbors. I completed my musical studies at St. Cloud State University, with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theory and Composition in 2006 and a Master of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy in 2008. I have now been teaching for over 20 years in the St. Cloud and Central Minnesota region.
My teaching philosophy always focuses on meeting each student’s needs with the appropriate blend of music they know and enjoy, opportunities to grow technique, collaboration with other musicians, and of course good humor.
I enjoy composing solo and duet music for the piano, as well as making my own arrangements of pop and rock songs. I encourage musical creativity from my students in the studio, with lessons often involving improvised duets.
I currently live in the country near Holdingford with my lovely wife, mischievous children, energetic dog, and a whole lot of mosquitos.
LESSONS INCLUDE
Music You Love
We will work your favorite tunes into the lessons, so you learn to play the instrument while enjoying the music and soundtracks you love!
Growing Technique
We learn how to focus our muscles, relax stored tension, and use our body in a comfortable, healthy way to make music at the piano.
Collaboration
Music is meant to be played with others! Lessons include duets with Chris, playing with backing tracks, & collaboration with other students.