About Katherine

My greatest love is teaching music although I also enjoy performing and composing. My music philosophy is that when I am no longer in my student’s lives teaching weekly lessons, music still is. My students have gone on to become music educators, professional musicians and composers.

Many enjoy music as a favorite pastime in their adult life. I believe in being part of the community that surrounds the students. As shown here are two examples of students when they first started and now that they are older. Some still study but I also get the joy of knowing about their lives when they are no longer studying with me.

I teach all ages and genres and most instruments as well as coach vocal. On occasion a group of my students will form a band and perform concerts.

My first piano teacher inspired me to compose music and I learned to write and record under her tutelage. An early accomplishment was winning 1st place in the National Music Teachers Association composition contest.

I student taught with Mrs. Yackel when I was fourteen and started my own studio when I was fifteen. Many of my students are interested in recording their original compositions which we do in my home music studio. The vocalists in particular have excelled in their composition skills by learning to play piano. It gives them a way to accompany themselves and another medium to compose with. I am involved with the local chapter of the Music Teachers Association. Seminars, conferences and quarterly meetings with colleagues enlighten us as to updated methods of teaching and innovative ideas to help inspire our students.

Recitals are part of the music learning process and students are encouraged to perform for their families and friends. These performances are a wonderful opportunity to show their accomplishments and share the beauty of music.

Education

BS Music Education and Piano Performance, University of Minnesota

MM Music Education and Piano Performance, College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati

Kindermusik Certificate of License

Experience

Band and Choral Director Cleveland Public School in Minnesota. K-12 Vocal and 5-12 Instrumental. Implemented Madrigal Singers, Choreographed Dance, and Marching Band. Entered students in National Music Teachers Association Contests for the first time. Introduced the inaugural Band Day, a music festival featuring a parade and food, where several surrounding school bands got together and performed for the student bodies and relatives.

Eden Prairie Elementary Band Director. Three schools with concert and jazz bands. Conducted concerts for the community and pep rallies during school hours.

Eden Prairie Community Band Director. Recruited to get a balanced band sound. Held weekly rehearsals and performed at various venues several times a year.

Keyboardist, Woodwind and Brass player for touring band Ruthless.

Private Music Instructor. Travel to homes to teach all ages, all instruments and vocal coaching, all genres.