Meet our teachers
Brooklynne
Trombone, Euphonium, TubaBrooklynne (she/her) is a Twin Cities bass trombonist and a full-time software engineer. She is drawn to music that stretches the instrument beyond a traditional role, collaborating in projects where the bass trombone shines as support and as a distinct versatile voice. She regularly performs with her trombone quartet The Paper Clips, as well as a variety of other ensembles such as Neoteric Chamber Winds, Heavy Metal Brass Band, ACME Jazz Company, Bill Simenson Orchestra, Explosion Big Band and Grand Symphonic Winds. As a freelance musician, she is active in the local music scene and has performed with Saint Paul Civic Symphony, Exultate, Bloomington Symphony, Brass Lassie, Mankato Symphony, Encore Wind Ensemble, and many other groups in the state.
Brooklynne is an Edwards Instruments Artist.
TristAn
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, and UkuleleTristan (he/they) is a multi-instrumentalist originally from Asheville, North Carolina, with extensive experience as a guitarist, bassist, drummer, songwriter, and recording engineer.
He started playing guitar at the age of 7 years old, and has been picking up a multitude of instruments ever since. In 2021, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a Bachelors of Science in Music Technologies, and from Guilford Technical Community College in 2018 with an AA in Music. He has toured all over the country in a variety of bands, playing guitar, bass, drums, voice, and banjo.
Tristan loves to teach guitar (acoustic and electric), bass guitar, drum kit, and ukulele. He treats every student as an individual and caters to their learning style personally.
Guitar, and Bass Guitar
Piano: BeginnerAddison
I am excited about teaching music to all ages! I specialize in guitar and bass but I also can teach beginner piano and ukulele. My favorite type of music is progressive and experimental, I have 4 cats, and I love biking!
Erik
Drums and PercussionI attended McNally Smith College of Music to study Performance in Percussion. I've taught drums/percussion at several different music schools and privately around the twin cities for 15+ years. I've played at First Avenue, the History Theater, and I've toured around the country playing with various bands throughout my career. I've also traveled to Mexico and Europe to perform. Playing music is the center of my life!
Grayson
Flute, Piccolo: Beginner - Advance
Piano, and Guitar: BeginnerHi, my name is Grayson and I teach flute and piccolo at all levels, beginner piano, and beginner guitar! I recently graduated from the University of Minnesota - Duluth with a Music B.A. During my time there I took multiple education classes. I also have experience teaching outside of music during my time at college. I started the flute in my 6th grade band and have been a part of many ensembles since then, including ones at UMD and playing locally with my friends in Duluth. I listen to all kinds of music and am open to teaching anything from band to orchestra to modern styles!
nils
Bass GuitarBassist, composer and producer Nils Westdal has been an integral part of the Minneapolis music scene since the early 1990’s and has performed everywhere from 1st Avenue to the Montreal Jazz Festival. As a formerly self taught musician, Nils honed his music theory chops through additional schooling at Music Tech Academy and the prestigious Berklee College of Music leading him into a world of elite private bass instruction, an international music career and miles of studio production credits.
NATALIE
Natalie (she/her) is a classically-trained pianist and organist with a background in Music Therapy. She has performed in sacred settings and theatrical productions as an ensemble director, accompanist and soloist. Natalie finds great fulfillment in making music accessible to each and every student, and was recognized as Music Teacher of the Year locally as well as the Steinway Award Winner for Piano Performance at Immaculata University. Natalie teaches through encouragement and compassion, and believes that music is a tool to communicate, regulate, and find meaning in the world around us. She strives to provide each and every student with the tools they need to unlock the joy of music.
Piano
Katrina (she/her) is a multi-instrumentalist whose focus is the clarinet. Trained classically, she earned Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Clarinet Performance from Oberlin Conservatory and Northwestern University, respectively. Katrina’s mission is to connect with people through music. Her performance roster includes: Orkestar Bez Ime, Northwoods Tango, Tangoso, pit orchestras including Minneapolis Musical Theatre and Teatro del Pueblo, as well as subbing with Encore Wind Ensemble and backing Devotchka at First Avenue.
As an instructor, Katrina passionately believes that each student can succeed at music making given the opportunity. She meets each student on their level and offers personalized instruction for musicians who want to build a foundation with solid technique.
Fun facts: Katrina was on Jeopardy! in 2016 and won 2 games. She spins her own yarn and is a self-described crazy cat lady.
Clarinet and SaxophoneKatrina
Will
French Horn, Trumpet, and GuitarWill is a music educator and musician serving the White Bear Lake area and beyond. He directs the music program at a church in Saint Anthony and teaches Beginning, Middle, and High School Band at Liberty Classical Academy, where he also directs the Middle School Jazz Ensemble and Middle School Worship Band.
Will began learning guitar at age seven and started performing with his church’s praise band at age eleven. Since then, his musical experience has expanded to include praise and worship, jazz ensembles, and concert bands. He performs primarily on the French horn and other brass instruments.
Will graduated from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He is passionate about both performing and teaching, and he especially enjoys helping students discover their musical potential, develop their skills, and grow in confidence as musicians.