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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Mikey Marget
Cello They play with various local bands in genres including country, jazz, punk, and indie. |
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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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Willow Waters
Brass Willow’s teaching philosophy centers on a student-focused approach rooted in deep listening, encouraging students to ask questions and take an active role in shaping their musical journey. Lessons can explore repertoire, technique, music theory, songwriting, composition, improvisation, music history, goal-setting, and effective practice habits. |
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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.