Teachers
Meet the musicians behind The Music Lab.
Our instructors are active performers, recording artists, and experienced teachers. Each brings a distinct musical background, teaching style, and perspective, so you can find the right fit.
Not sure who to choose? Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll recommend a teacher.
Instruments we teach:
Piano • Strings • Guitar • Bass • Ukulele • Voice • Brass • Woodwinds • Percussion • Songwriting
Our instructors are active performers, recording artists, and experienced teachers. Each brings a distinct musical background, teaching style, and perspective, so you can find the right fit.
Not sure who to choose? Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll recommend a teacher.
Instruments we teach:
Piano • Strings • Guitar • Bass • Ukulele • Voice • Brass • Woodwinds • Percussion • Songwriting
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Josie Just
Co-founder, Owner Piano Co-founder of Music Lab and professional pianist with lifelong training Focus on strong fundamentals, musicality, and performance |
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Lauren Asheim
Voice, Ukulele, Guitar, Trumpet, Piano Performer with 25+ years across jazz, classical, and experimental styles Focus on vocal range, expression, and finding your natural voice |
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Anna Dolde
Alto Saxophone, Composition, Voice, Flute, Bass Clarinet Jazz-focused multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Focus on improvisation, fundamentals, and expressive playing |
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Leo Dreis
Piano Performer and bandleader specializing in jazz, blues, and modern styles. Focus on improvisation, groove, and musical exploration |
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Beth Barber Doty
Piano Piano instructor with 20+ years of teaching experience in the Twin Cities Focus on strong fundamentals and matching music to each student’s level and interests |
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Tasha Baron
Piano, Trombone, Flute Multi-instrumentalist with jazz, classical, and contemporary performance experience Focus on improvisation, theory, and playing by ear |
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Molly Brandt
Piano Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with 10+ years teaching Flexible, student-driven lessons across styles and instruments |
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Dr. Erica Burton
Viola, Violin Professional violist with national touring and recording experience Focus on classical technique and contemporary performance |
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Christina Christensen
Piano Classically trained pianist and vocalist with 10+ years of teaching experience Focus on technique, creativity, and independent musicianship |
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Liz Draper
Bass (Upright & Electric), Piano | Office Manager Touring bassist with 20+ years of teaching and international performance experience Focus on jazz, improvisation, and versatile musicianship |
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Jonathan Edington
Drums, Piano, Guitar, Voice Public school music teacher, teaching modern band since 2010 Focus on jamming, improvisation, and band-style learning |
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Joe Finstrom
Cello, Upright Bass, Electric Bass Low-strings specialist with classical training and audio production background Focus on fundamentals, tone, and creative exploration |
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Paul Fonfara
Clarinet, Saxophone, Guitar Touring musician and composer with 20+ years teaching experience Focus on ear training, improvisation, and musical understanding |
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Shannon Frid-Rubin
Violin Violinist with national touring and recording experience in the indie music scene Focus on fundamentals, performance, and building confidence on stage |
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Dean Harrington
Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele Guitar teacher with 25+ years of experience, working with ages 7 to adult Focus on all levels, from beginner to advanced, with lessons tailored to each student’s interests |
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Chris Hepola
Piano, Drums Composer and multi-instrumentalist with international performance experience Focus on creativity, collaboration, and real-world musicianship |
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Franco Holder
Piano Pianist and music director with 30+ years of teaching experience Focus on classical, jazz, and student-directed learning |
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Brian Just
Guitar, Songwriting Songwriter featured on TV and radio, including Shameless and Fantasy Island Focus on songwriting, performance, and practical guitar skills |
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Scott Keever
Guitar, Piano, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Composition Award-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist with 10+ years teaching Specializes in neurodivergent learners and personalized approaches |
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J Lenz
Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele, Brass Touring multi-instrumentalist with 20+ years of teaching experience Focus on practical skills, songwriting, and student-driven lessons |
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Andrea Leonard
Voice, Violin, Guitar Singer-songwriter and performer with multi-genre vocal training Focus on technique, performance, and style-specific singing |
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Tony Potts
Voice, Piano Performer and instructor with a focus on vocal technique and musical expression Focus on building confidence, control, and style across genres |
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Olivia Quintanilla
Cello, Violin Cellist and composer blending classical training with modern styles Focus on creativity, improvisation, and accessible string playing |
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Jake Rowan
Guitar, Bass, Mandolin and Ukelele Multi-instrumentalist with a focus on versatile, real-world playing Focus on rhythm, musicality, and building skills across styles |
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Jen Scott
Ukulele, Guitar, Piano, Songwriting Performer and teaching artist with 25+ years in music and improv theater Focus on creativity, expression, and student-driven learning |
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Bill Simenson
Trumpet, Jazz Theory & Composition Veteran jazz trumpeter and bandleader with 40+ years experience Focus on jazz performance, theory, and composition |
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Melodie Smith
Piano Experienced instructor focused on building strong fundamentals and musical confidence Focus on technique, expression, and steady, student-paced progress |
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Mary Traxler (They/She)
Piano Classically trained pianist with a flexible, creative teaching approach Focus on technique, expression, and adapting to different learning styles |
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Dr. Joan Wallace
Piano Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance with international teaching experience Focus on classical technique, pedagogy, and advanced piano study |
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Alex Young
Drums, Percussion Touring and session drummer with 20+ years of experience across pop, indie, and hip-hop |
Ready to find your teacher? Request your first lesson.