It’s wonderful to meet you!

I’m Aubrey (she/they), and I am a lifelong musician and a career educator. I’ve been teaching and performing in the Twin Cities since 2008.

I come from a family of teachers, so teaching is truly in my blood. I’ve been mentoring musicians of all ages ever since my college years, when I began to notice a wonderful ease and joy as I learned to guide students in their musical growth. In my own path as a musician, I’ve always loved the process of learning even more than performing. I love the lessons I learn about my craft - and the lessons I learn about myself - along the way. My relationship with my students reflects this:

Learning music is about the process of self-discovery as much as it is about the process of mastering an instrument.

There’s nothing I love more than facilitating that process!

In 2008, I received a BA in music education and violin performance from Northwestern College in Iowa. Since then, I’ve continued to expand my musical horizons with many trainings and mentorships, including becoming certified in the Suzuki teaching method, and studying an array of styles including fiddle, classical, jazz, pop, improvisation, and even classical sitar.

My performance experience is vast and uniquely varied. Current projects include folk trio Lady Spruce and Quartet Du Nord. Lately, I’ve been immersing myself in piano works by composers like Clara Schumann and Amy Beach - trailblazing women who created incredible treasures in piano repertoire. I love to play intimate shows best: concerts in a backyard or living room, where the music makes everyone feel like a family. Past experience includes 6 seasons with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, and 6 years as a musician the 147th Army Band.

As a teacher, my goal is to uncover the styles of music that inspire each individual student, and build a solid foundation of technical skills to bring that music to life.

I incorporate classical and popular styles, theory, improvisation, history and composition into lessons. I strive for each of my students to be skilled both in reading sheet music and in learning by ear. My students participate in many types of performances, which have included:

• a concert at a local brewery, comprised entirely of original student compositions 

• an annual block party concert featuring student groups, improvised solos, original songs, covers, and performances by local musicians

• “traditional” formal recitals where students perform a piece of music from memory

• a Halloween show, in costume

I am a member of MMTA (Minnesota Music Teachers Association), and many of my students participate in the MMTA state piano, violin and viola contests each year.

Questions about me, my studio, or my teaching methods? I’d love to hear from you!

*photos by Sara Smith