Minnesota State University, Mankato
If your question is: "who was Mozart, why are so many people still excited about jazz, will country music always talk about God, family, and patriotism, when and how did Rock begin?", or "can I take lessons on trombone, tuba, or euphonium?", then I am the man you talk to.
The music industry is a tough, and very competitive business. Our program is designed to challenge the statsu quo and to thoroughly prepare our students to enter an industry where knowledge is key and relationships are king. The students who do well in our program are smart, resilient, and possess a variety of skills. I am always impressed to see young people with such a keen understanding of the nature of the industry, its changing business models and what it takes to succeed. After 10 years of teaching and almost 20 years in the industry I am excited to say that I enjoy every minute of my job and am proud of all our students and their commitment to excellence.
The best part of the day is when I am with our students. We share a desire for making great music together.
It is a privilege to be a teacher, to work with students who are eager to grow as musicians and scholars! We work together to identify the questions (and the answers!) that will be pivotal in their lives as they articulate goals and shape visions unique to their dreams for a life in music.
Learn by doing. In addition to hands-on class projects, you'll work in a real-world music business environment at the University. You will work with guest artists, learn to produce shows, engage in public relation activities, and explore other exciting Music Industry projects.
My passion in music was inspired by two music educators who nurtured and directed me on the path to an exciting career in performance and education. My goal today is to be that mentor who excites the students to be passionate in music and dream big in whatever path they choose.
I am fascinated by the way that music creates images, emotions, and moods, and enjoy watching my students as they discover that connection. This could be the reason I ended up playing bassoon. To quote rocker Frank Zappa: "The bassoon has a medieval aroma, like the days when everything used to sound like that. Some people crave baseball...I find this unfathomable, but I can easily understand why a person could get excited about playing the bassoon."
After two decades of making a living performing solo, orchestra and chamber music, I decided to give back by becoming a teacher. My students know that when they ask me about how things work in the real world, I've been there and done that!
There's a rumor going around that I sleep with a metronome under my pillow. Maybe I do, maybe I don't. The important part is that I'm passionate (or weird) enough that people believe it.
Whether studying jazz, trumpet, music technology, or brass, the focus for my students is to prepare for Real World situations. Students pursue their musical passions, perform in multiple settings, and have opportunities to work with nationally recognized artists and educators.
Each voice is like a fingerprint, unique and beautiful in its own way. My goal as a teacher is to assist each student in discovering their own distinctive sound and expressing themselves with passion and excitement! I am inspiring a new generation of musicians to speak and sing new languages, listen in creative and critical ways, and learn with enthusiasm. As a Vocologist, the students gain up-to-date information concerning the vocal mechanism and vocal health. My real-world performance experience in the classical, musical theatre, and contemporary genres affords students the opportunity to be more marketable and entrepreneurial performers, musicians, and future educators.
Music makes sporting events exciting and our Maverick Athletic Bands help bring that electric atmosphere to each event we are a part of on campus - Go Mavs!
I enjoy working with my students and helping them grow as musicians. At MSU, we have a wonderful community of piano students who really support each other's progress.
Minnesota State
University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
1-800-722-0544
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Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system and an affirmative action/equal opportunity university.
