SAXOPHONE CAMP
July 17th — 18th
9:00 AM — 3:00 PM
$180 for both days
or
$90 for single day
Ages: 11 - 18
The K&S Saxophone Camp is a two-day event led by Chris Dickhaus and Emily Brewer. Student participants will have the opportunity to take private lessons, view masterclasses/performances, and perform in a chamber and/or large ensemble setting. Though aimed to students in grades 6-12, all ability levels are welcome. Please bring your saxophone and all equipment (mouthpiece, reeds, music you’d like to work on, etc.).
The summer is always a great time to get better at the saxophone! The K&S Saxophone Camp is determined to provide quality instruction while also emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and team building.
HANNAH BAAKER
TEACHES
Group Piano
Music Theory
AGES
3 – 17
CURRENT OPENINGS
coming soon
WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY TEACHING STYLE
Patient
Individualized
Creative
Collaborative
Holistic
Hannah has had many years of experience teaching young children and working with learners with diverse needs, including neurodiverse students and students with learning disabilities. She believes student-led learning is the most effective way to work together.
Hannah provides both private and group lessons and has extensive experience with lab-style teaching, where several students are learning at their own pace at the same time.
A typical lesson with Hannah starts with asking the student about their day and setting intentions for the lesson with the student. Hannah believes that each student comes into the lesson with various mental loads from their life, so she works with them to individualize each week to their own capacity and goals.
After that, Hannah's lessons vary from student to student! A general guide would be working in the lesson book, then the theory book, and then supplemental music. Hannah uses goals and challenges to help her students be motivated to reach their achievements.
Hannah also provides preschool music classes that focus on an introduction to musical concepts through piano playing. Her preschool classes set up our youngest students to understand and recognize musical elements once they are ready for private lessons.
In her spare time, Hannah enjoys photography, graphic design, and leading worship at her church. She enjoys traveling, nature, and photographing every adventure with her wife, Sara.
MARY GUSTAFSON
NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
TEACHES
Suzuki Piano
AGES
4 – Adult
EDUCATION
BA in Piano and Music Education from the University of St. Catherine
NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY TEACHING STYLE
Personalized
Encouraging
Committed to healthy playing
Mary teaches using the Suzuki method, which prioritizes learning by listening, parents as partners in the teaching process, and cumulative review. Because students learn by listening, they learn to quickly and easily memorize their music and gain confidence sharing their music with others.
Early in their first year of study, they begin traditional music reading alongside their Suzuki study. They become versatile musicians who are dedicated and disciplined.
Having parents involved in their lessons and daily practice helps them value piano practice as a special time with Mom or Dad. Her adult and older students enjoy learning to improvise and play from chord charts, as well as traditional piano.
Lesson time includes getting rewards for listening to their Suzuki recordings, playing scales and transposing, learning a new piece by ear, refining their review pieces, and playing from their Faber reading books.
Throughout the year, students participate in practice games, music sharing (performance) prizes, summer reading program prizes, and the statewide Suzuki recital and award program.
Mary loves improvising at the piano and singing, riding her bike, reading, and relaxing with her family.
Mary is not accepting new students currently. Stay tuned for more information regarding Suzuki piano lessons.
ALEX RITCHIE
TEACHES
Voice
Audition Preparation
AGES
10 – Adult
EDUCATION
Master of Music, Voice (University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music & Dance)
Bachelor of Arts, Music (Harding University)
CURRENT OPENINGS
Mondays
No Availability
Sundays
No Availability
WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY TEACHING STYLE
Thoughtful
Encouraging
Conversational
Friendly
What sets Alex apart from other teachers is he brings his experience to serve each student's personal goals. He evaluates the student's current knowledge and skills and will devote energy to help each student achieve progress and develop confidence in their musicianship.
Alex begins each lesson by processing the prior week and discussing goals for the lesson. He spends the first half of the lesson becoming embodied with the student through stretches, breathing, and vocal exercises. The second half is devoted to refining repertoire and style.
In his spare time, Alex likes hiking, cooking, biking, and playing board games with his family.
KARIN VALDIZAN
CURRENT OPENINGS
Tuesdays
3:00pm - 7:00pm
TEACHES
Violin
Viola
AGES
5 – Adult
EDUCATION
MM in Violin Performance, The University of Texas
BA in Music and German, Luther College
CURRENT OPENINGS
Tuesdays
3:00pm - 7:00pm
WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY TEACHING STYLE
Thorough
Accommodating
Patient
Encouraging
Karin takes great care to treat each student as the unique person that they are. Karin meets the student where they are at and helps to tailor the experience based on the goals of the student and family while using excellent resources in a variety of mediums. Learning the instrument should be a doorway to exploring and inspiring love of music as a lifelong journey.
Good technique and knowledge of fundamentals are part of every lesson. Both reading music and playing by ear are valuable skills each musician should develop. Using varied materials and games help with not taking ourselves too seriously and making learning fun! Students learn scales and technical repertoire to give them the appropriate skills to play whatever style or genre their hearts desire.
Karin plays in a vintage rock band (www.royshow.com) among other freelance playing and enjoys activities with her family and traveling when possible. She is currently in the process of learning Hardanger fiddle, the traditional Norwegian folk violin.