Molly Brandt

Piano

Personal History:
My name is Molly Brandt and I am an experienced music educator and performer with over a
decade of teaching private music lessons to hundreds of kids and adults of all ages and skill
levels since 2013. As classical pianist for the past 20+ years, also proficient in guitar, ukulele,
and voice, I am now an active live and recorded singer-songwriter and performer in diverse
genres including Americana, country, rock, pop, blues, roots, and more, performing original
music with my band across the Twin Cities, the Midwest, and the U.S. I also hold a Bachelor of
Music degree from Drake University, with studies in music history, theory, business, world music,
choral music, piano performance, vocal performance, conducting, and jazz combo performance.
I currently teach piano, ukulele, guitar, voice, and songwriting to many wonderful students!

Teaching Philosophy:
I believe every student is unique, with their own goals, interests, abilities, and time constraints.
My teaching is personalized to meet each student's individual needs, with a strong emphasis on
making music learning fun, empowering, and enriching. I collaborate closely with students and
their families to ensure that:
● Lessons are enjoyable and engaging
● Students feel confident and supported in their home practice
● Progress happens at a pace that aligns with each student’s goals and learning style
Whether a student is pursuing classical training or exploring non-classical genres, I offer flexible
paths. Classical students often use method books like Piano Adventures, while non-classical
students can choose whether or not to learn standard notation. I recognize that staff notation is
just one of many valid approaches to music education.
While practice is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged. Students who establish regular practice
routines tend to get more out of lessons and develop a stronger connection with their
instrument. For younger students, parental involvement is key in building those early habits,
which can eventually grow into self-motivation. I view music education as a vital and integrated
part of a student’s overall development.
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Areas of Instruction:
Piano (Beginner to Early Advanced)
Instruction in both classical and non-classical styles. Areas of focus include:
● Music Theory: Piano geography, intervals, chord and melody construction, harmony vs.
melody, accompaniment techniques, all chord qualities and notations, interpreting chord
charts and lead sheets, major/minor/blues/pentatonic scales, ear training, music
notation, and sight reading.
● Technique: Finger strength and dexterity, wrist and arm motion, posture, and comfortable
playing habits.
● Performance Skills: Monthly recital opportunities, memorization strategies, mental
preparation, and ensemble/band performance experience.
Guitar (Beginner)
● Covers basic strumming, chord shapes, finger picking, intro to music theory, and
essential scales (major, blues, pentatonic).
Ukulele (Beginner)
● Includes basic strumming, finger picking, essential scales, note identification, chord
shapes, and foundational music theory.
Songwriting (Beginner)
● Introduction to songwriting fundamentals for students interested in composing their own
music
● Helping more intermediate songwriters with additional methods of songwriting, finding
inspiration, creating demos, making chord charts, and collaboration with others