Pedersen Music Studio

I began teaching music lessons in Northwest Iowa in 2011. Lessons for me, growing up, were a huge part of my development as a musician and as a person. Having a studio with a student led approach is my goal as an instructor. Students are met where they are and at their level of understanding. No student walks away from lessons feeling like they are “untalented” or should be moving at a faster pace. Learning music is about quality understanding and execution; not how fast a student moves through materials or how many accolades they earn.

One of my favorite parts about teaching in a full-time studio, is how students from the studio can come together to support each other and learn in masterclasses. Watching younger kids be supported by more seasoned musicians help encourage participation & engagement for weekly lessons! Masterclasses are available throughout the school-year. A Masterclass is a one-time learning class students may attend to deepen knowledge on a particular music topic, try out new instruments, or learn to play in an ensemble. 

Music is group activity, and that’s why study after study shows beginning students have more success and stay in lessons longer when they begin in groups. Pedagogically, I believe in the value of group study in building confidence, rhythm, listening skills and cooperation. I am the only studio in the area that offers group labs for piano and guitar. In rural communities, our kids have to participate in multiple activities in order for that activity to even exist, so having inflexible music lessons just doesn’t make sense! Piano and Guitar Labs offer the option to attend any of the four labs during the week-so your child never has to miss a lesson or choose between lessons and another area activity.