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.
I really enjoy working with students over the semesters as they move along and grow as musicians. In my Theory, Aural Skills, and Composition courses, students take their natural talents and build from those, mastering all kinds of music skills they will need in their music careers. In our department they can feed their passion for music and be successful.
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.”
Students come to me looking for my real-world perspective, and for help developing their career possibilities. It's all about finding the perfect match between the student's business talents and today's marketplace opportunities.
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.
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.
