1. What is your teaching philosophy or style?

Music is a beautiful art and should be fun! It also teaches discipline, dedication, and focus. My goal is to make the lessons fun and focused on your personal goals. ​Music lessons are a great way to learn HOW to learn. Breaking down big tasks, building a sense of confidence in your achievements, and including creativity in your life add to the quality of life.

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2. What are your rates for lessons?

Please fill out the contact form for current rates.

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3. How long are lessons, and how often do they occur?

I offer 30 and 60 minute lessons that are usually once a week. For more serious students, I offer twice weekly lessons. These are most helpful before a competition, audition, or for the serious student.

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4. What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

If you must cancel, please give me as much warning as possible. Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance will be offered a makeup lesson if there is a time available. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice, missed, or forgotten lessons will not be made up. Please respect my time by not scheduling doctor, dentist, hair, etc. appointments during your scheduled lesson time. And PLEASE be fever and vomit-free for 24 hours before coming to your lesson.

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5. What materials or books will I need?​

Beginner flutists in band: we will use your band books to help you feel successful in your class. I will give you solos and duets as your level progresses.​

For more advanced flutists:  I like the Patricia George series (Flute 101, 102, etc.) and various solo/duet books. 

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For piano students, we'll start on method books: Alfred's Premier Piano Course for kids, Alfred 2-in-1 for Adult Beginners, Bastien series, etc. We'll add solo books to these when you're ready.  Please always bring a pencil and a notebook for notes. 

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6. What age or skill levels do you teach?​

I have experience teaching age 4-84. Every stage of life is a new opportunity to bring joy to your life with music. 

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7. What kind of music do you teach?

​I teach whatever my students want to play. I'm classically-trained, but have also worked on pop and jazz. 

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8. Do you offer online or in-person lessons?

In-person lessons will be at Family of God Lutheran Church (4097 Martin Rd., Duluth, MN 55803). ​

Online persons will be... online. :)

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9. What qualifications or experience do you have?

I've been teaching privately since 1997, helping students to improve their musical skills and achieve their goals. ​

I have a Masters in Flute Performance and a Bachelor or Arts in Music. I have performed in various ensembles in Ames/Des Moines, Kansas City,  Minneapolis, and Duluth.

I'm currently the Music Director at Family of God Lutheran Church, and in my past roles have directed a flute choir and played in a contemporary band. 

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11. Do you offer performance opportunities or recitals?​

We will do an outreach concert in early December and a recital in late April for those who are interested. I do not force my students to perform.

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12. What’s the best age to start lessons?

When you feel the calling to study music, that is best age for you. However, kids younger than 4-5 years old may have a hard time sitting still and would do better in a general music class. There are always exceptions, but that have been my experiences. 

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13. What should I bring to my first lesson?

Flutists, please bring:

• flute (you'd be surprised at how many forget this)

• notebook for assignments and notes

•  pencil

• music you’re working on or would like to work on

•  flashcards if assigned

•  Optional: a Breathbuilder, flute stand, water, tuner/metronome (Korgs are my favorites.)

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Pianists, please bring:

• Books  you are working on

• notebook for assignments and notes

• pencil 

• flashcards if assigned

•  Optional: water, tuner/metronome (I like Korgs, but if you are not planning to play a wind/string instrument, you do not need a Tuner/Metrnome combo. A simple metronome will work.)