TEACHERS

BEN ABRAHAMSON:
Guitar, Ukulele - Ben is an experienced guitarist and composer who has performed extensively throughout the Twin Cities and beyond since age 13. His passion for flamenco guitar drove him to Taller de Musics School of Music in Barcelona, Spain, where he studied under guitarist Juan Ramon Caro. Ben graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Music from Macalester College. He counts among his mentors flamenco guitarist Michael Hauser, jazz educator Joan Griffith, and music iconoclast Gary Lee Joyner. Ben enjoys sharing his love for music and the guitar with students of any level and age. www.myspace.com/abrahamsonguitar
HEATHER MAY ANDERSON:
Flute, Beginning Piano & Guitar Heather holds a Bachelor of Music Degree for Music Therapy from the University of Iowa. Much of her work experience has been with people of varied developmental and learning challenges. Her specialty is developing adaptive, one on one lessons. She is especially good with younger children and those with special needs.
BRIAN BARNES:
Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele, Banjo- Brian Barnes has a diverse musical biography spanning more than 30 years. He's taught a variety of instruments, classes and workshops since 1992. Brian has a BA in Cultural Musicology from the University of Minnesota. Brian teaches beginners and advanced, young and old and loves to connect with students and their desire to create music. He's toured Japan, most of Europe, Canada and the U.S. as a Bluegrass musician; performed Country music at concerts and festivals in eastern Europe; traditional Irish in America and Ireland; blues in Hungary; Swing and French music at Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing; American Swing and Latin music in Vienna. As a core musician on a nationally broadcast radio program, he worked with famous performers such as Garrison Keillor, Minnie Pearl, Rose Maddox and Johnny Gimbel. As a musician and orchestra director for the nationally renowned Etnic Dance Theatre, he performed Russian, Serbian, Croatian and Bulgarian Music on traditional instruments.
TODD BURRELL:
Piano - Todd is a highly accomplished piano player who has performed and recorded with local legends Prince & Alexander O'Neil. Todd currently performs with the popular local bands, High & Mighty and the BKS Vine. Todd is a seasoned and easy going instructor comfortable with young beginners and more advanced students. Todd is is especially good teacher for students who want to learn jazz improvisation techniques and jazz/pop "comping" from a chord chart.
STACY HALTER CANINO:
Voice, Piano, Ukulele, Beginning Drums & Guitar -Stacy holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, and is a licensed K-12 Vocal and General Music Teacher. She also holds a Master of Music Education degree from the University of St. Thomas, with a concentration in Orff Schulwerk. Also known as the "Orff approach," this intensive training prepares and inspires passionate music teachers like Stacy to teach young children through movement, creativity, and joyful music making experiences. For the past four years Stacy has also been band coaching with She Rock She Rock, and has recently been given the honor of becoming the Camp Coordinator for the Girls' Rock and Roll Retreat!
JORDAN CARLSON:
Drums, Beginning Piano, Applied Theory - Jordan has been playing professionally in the Twin Cities since the age of 16. He has a degree in music from the University of St. Thomas, and for the last 10 years has been an active teacher. Besides playing rock, r & b, jazz and country, he has had the opportunity to branch out and play styles from around the world that are not typically heard in Minnesota. These include reggae, dancehall, and soca from the Caribbean and Rai, Kwasa Kwasa, and Soukous from Africa. His teaching style is based on integrating the student’s musical interests into the lessons to make the learning process more fun.
JENNY CASE:
Guitar, Bass, Piano - Jenny Case is a Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter skilled in many instruments including bass, guitar, keys and vocals. She has played professionally around the Twin Cities and surrounding midwestern regions since 1991 in many rock/alternative/experimental/variety bands and in many shows and productions. She's been teaching private guitar, bass, vocal, piano, songwriting and recording lessons for the past 17 years, as well as coaching group classes and instructing at rock music day camps . A professionally trained vocalist, you can hear her voice on radio and tv commercials for Wisconsin Dells and Treasure Island Casino. She currently is a founding member of the non-profit organization, She Rock She Rock, and co-hosts an all-female jam every other month at Java Jack's in South Minneapolis. She is a staff songwriter for the Songs of Love Foundation, a member of the ICS songwriting club Bulletlodge, and is the founder of MN's first rock camp for girls; Girls Rock N Roll Retreat!
BENJI CONKLIN:
Piano, Guitar, Bass,Trumpet, Trombone -Benji is a multi-instrumentalist, music producer and artist specializing in piano, guitar, bass, contrabass, and brass instruments. He has earned a BA degree in music from the University of Minnesota and has taught music for over 10 years in the Twin Cities. In addition to teaching, Benji performs with various ensembles throughout the Midwest and produces and mixes music for recording artists, film, and theater in a variety of genres. Using this diverse background, Benji’s teaching method taps into students’ musical interests and passions and creates a motivating and exciting curriculum unique to each student.
JON ELCONIN:
Piano, Guitar, Bass -Jon was first drawn to music by the intensity of punk rock, and since then has been playing in bands and writing songs in many different styles. He is a graduate of Perpich Arts High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in music from the University of Minnesota. As a teacher, Jon lets the student guide the direction of the lessons while encouraging memorization and playing by ear. Jon currently performs solo, with a rock band, and in a jazz duo. His original music is at soundcloud.com/jonelconin
ANGELA FOX:
Piano, Voice -Angela works as a singer/actor/dancer with such theater companies as The Jungle, Bloomington Civic Theater, and The Cromulent Shakespeare Company. She is also a published composer with Alliance Publications INC. In addition to performing, her passion is sharing her love of music with others! She was the musical director (Adult Choir, Youth Choir, Children's Choir) at River Hills United Methodist Church and has been teaching piano and voice in the twin cities area since 2000. Her bubbly personality and teaching philosophy of learning through encouragement makes her perfect for the young beginner.
HAILEY JACOBSON:
Guitar, Voice & Songwriting -Hailey Jacobsen is a Minneapolis based singer/songwriter who specializes in guitar, voice & songwriting instruction. She has been playing guitar for 10 years and has performed in many rock, alternative and pop bands throughout the Midwest for the past 8 years. Hailey has taught private lessons and also group lessons for the past 5+ years through the non-profit organization, She Rock She Rock. She believes that playing music & writing songs are the most powerful forms of expression and no two lesson plans should be the same as no two students are the same!
MAURICE JACOX:
Flute, Saxophone, Clarinet, Voice, Beginning Piano - Maurice started acting and playing music professionally at age 15. He has worked with musicians such as Bonnie Raitt and Willie Murphy and performed at the Guthrie, Dudley Riggs and much more. His list of musical experiences is endless! He won the MN Music Award for Best Jazz Musician and named best male vocalist by the City Pages in 2004. Maurice is an active and diverse performer who you might find as part of a funk and soul horn section, singing and fronting numerous dance bands, to taking on the lead role of his critically acclaimed Nat King Cole Tribute show. Overall, Maurice is an R & B, jazzy kind of performer that screams "SOUL!"
TOM JOHNSON:
Guitar, Dobro, Lap Steel, Pedal Steel, Bottleneck Slide, Banjo, Mandolin, Bass Guitar & Ukulele -Tom is a multi-instrumentalist who teaches, performs, arranges and composes in a diverse field of genres like: rock, jazz, hip-hop, classical, bluegrass, blues and country. Johnson started performing and teaching lessons when he was 17 years old. He has shared stages all over the world with acts such as: Bob Dylan, Dessa, Kid Rock, Buddy Guy, Bob Marley's Wailers, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Trampled by Turtles. He received his B.M. at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where upon completion of the degree was hired on as faculty for jazz guitar. Johnson is currently at work on his M.M. in guitar pedagogy at the University of St. Thomas.
KRISTI MACKAY:
Piano, Voice, Guitar & Flute -Kristi is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Collaborative Studies in Dance and Music. As a songwriter/band member, she has toured nationally and had several songs placed on TV. She is also the music director for Northeast Community Lutheran Church, where she performs and directs a variety of musical styles. Kristi is great with all ages from young children to adults and loves helping her students achieve their goals by making music fun!
KARA LAUDON:
Voice, Guitar & Ukulele -Kara was born and raised in Minnesota. She picked up guitar at age thirteen and fell in love with playing, singing, and writing songs. Kara participated in her high school concert band as a percussionist and also sang in choir. After graduating high school, Kara decided to fully pursue her dreams in music by attending McNally Smith College of Music earning a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Kara has performed at venues including The Fine Line, The Cedar Cultural Center, 7th St Entry, and Hell’s Kitchen. Working with and teaching youth is one of her greatest passions and Kara loves to share her musical gifts awith children, teens and adults interested in improving their voice and learning guitar or ukulele.
BRAD MCLEMORE:
Guitar, Music Theory, Songwriting -Brad is a transplanted guitaris/teacher/songwriter from Dallas, Texas. He spent many years touring with various bands and even made a couple of appearances on “The Tonight Show” and “Austin City Limits” with Texas recording artist Sara Hickman. With a degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, Brad is excellent at teaching a wide range of styles including rock, blues, folk, jazz, classical guitar, theory, songwriting and improvisation. Brad is great with kids or adults and will develop lessons specific to each student and style!
MIKE MICHEL:
Guitar, Bass, Pop/Rock Composition, Improvisation, Audition Preparation, Music Business -Mike is a Minnesota Music Academy award winning guitarist/composer dedicated to empowering the emerging and re-emerging adult and teen musician. His passions are helping students develop their own voice on their instrument, balancing tradition and exploration, and simplifying the overwhelming world of music theory by using pop and rock music as the guide. Mike also has an extensive background writing music for T.V. and radio and loves to help students with all styles of songwriting. Mike has toured and recorded with many Minnesota notables (see link below for full bio) and teaches all styles of rock, funk, folk, blues, & metal. Mike also founded Rock Camp For Dads, Rock For A Cause, and curates the Modern Guitar Festival. www.mikemichelmusic.com
MATT NOVACHIS:
Drums, Beginning piano, Guitar and Ableton Live -Matt has been playing music professionally and teaching private lessons for over 15 years. His teaching approach is based on the idea that every student has unique needs and motivation for learning their chosen instrument. Matt's goal is to inspire a love of learning through music and make playing an instrument as fun as playing a video game. Matt creates weekly goals and indiviualized lesson plans to guide and inspire students through the challenges that are inherent in learning any musical instrument.
JONATHAN REAOCH:
Suzuki Violin -Jonathan Reaoch has a contagious passion for violin. In every lesson (regardless of the student's age or current skill level) he offers inspiration and expert guidance, empowering students to discover new depths of their own musical artistry and self-expression. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Wheaton College in Illinois and has extensive teacher-training in both Suzuki and traditional methods. As a performer, Jonathan has experience in a wide range of styles, including classical, pop, folk and jazz. Along with teaching violin lessons at LHHM, Jonathan also directs a Suzuki violin school - the Twin Cities String Academy. If interested, LHHM students may inquire about joining group violin lessons with the Twin Cities String Academy. Jonathan welcomes new beginners as young as three years old.
TIM SCULLY:
Guitar -When the Beatles landed in the US, Tim Scully was already playing folk guitar and soon had a rock group in Iowa. Since then he has played in several rock bands and acoustic groups, performed on A Prairie Home Companion in the late '70s and had a career as a video producer and professor of communication and journalism at the University of St. Thomas. A longtime guitar teacher, he has a B.A. in music theory and composition and currently plays electric and acoustic guitars with the band Chime (chimetheband.com). His specialties are teaching rock and blues improvisation as well as acoustic folk and blues styles. He enjoys teaching all ages and most styles of music, but particularly loves working with boomers and others who love 60s and 70s music.
PHILIP SHOREY:
Piano, Accordion, Singing Saw - Philip Shorey has many eclectic musical talents. Besides his gift for piano and accordian music, he also plays the saw; a skill his grandpa taught him. He has performed at the Bedlam Theater on the West Bank and other venues around the world. He most recently traveled the world performing music and a marionette show on the streets of struggling cities throughout eastern Europe. Philip is a thorough yet patient teacher and is especially good with young students. Philip also offers small group classes for 4 and 5 year olds where kids are introduced to various instruments, singing and musical games.
CHARLIE SMITH:
Piano, Guitar, Vocal Coaching -Charlie has played piano since age six and is a dedicated performer and teacher of all styles of music. He holds a B.A. in music from Grinnell College where he studied jazz, Latin, gospel and classical performance and composition and he traveled to study music in Italy. He has taught students of all ages around the Twin Cities for three years. His teaching focuses on technique, theory and creativity and he believes the best learning happens while having fun. Charlie is a self-taught music producer and he regularly gigs around town. He is the keyboardist in psychedelic electronic group UMAMI and he plays jazz and pop piano with vocalist Lucy Michelle.
ELIZABETH WHIPPLE:
Violin, Viola -Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Music degree in classical violin performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Though she is classically trained, she also enjoys playing fiddle, blues, and jazz. She has won numerous competition titles in the Twin Cities for her playing. For the past 12 years she has taught privately and has extensive experience of Suzuki, other traditional, and nontraditional teaching methods. She loves the challenge of discovering a unique lesson plan for each individual student that enables them to blossom technically and musically with their instrument.
EVAN WILSON:
Piano, Voice -Evan is thrilled to be teaching at The House of Music! Evan is a graduate of Arizona State University's Lyric Opera Theatre and has been teaching privately for the past ten years. While he specializes in musical theatre voice (including belt voice, mix voice, and legit), Evan also teaches beginning classical piano, jazz piano, jazz voice, classical voice, and pop/rock. Evan performs regularly throughout the twin cities at The Duluth Playhouse, Yellowtree Theatre, and Theater Latte Da.
SARAH WOLBERT:
Violin, Fiddle -Sarah has been playing violin since the age of four, both solo and with groups, performing everything from JS Bach to Lady Gaga. Her training in the Suzuki method, classical performance, and various regional and popular styles of fiddling allows her to blend a custom teaching method for each student. Her youth symphony had the distinguished honor of playing in Carnegie Hall and touring England and France. Since moving to Minnesota, she has been expanding her experience with jug band music, hip-hop, blues, and ethnic music. Having taught children and adults, Sarah will creatively develop a lesson plan to help students accomplish individual goals.