Valerie Westlund
Primary Instrument
Cello | Piano | Violin
Instruments she teaches
Cello | Piano | Violin
Experience and Education
“I have been playing piano since I was 4, violin since I was 6, and cello since I was 10. I have had a handful of violin and cello students over the past 4 years.
I am beginning my 3rd year at BSU, where I am majoring in Biology I have a high school diploma.”
Family
“Currently I am living with my parents, two younger siblings, and our family dog.”
Hobbies and Interests
“I enjoy being outside, running, biking, fishing, and I also enjoy reading, cooking, and playing music.”
Teaching Philosophy
“Music should be fun! I think that if a little bit of work is put in everyday you will be able to achieve your dreams and goals and play any instrument that you want, starting from a strong foundation built on music theory is very important. My goal is to help students create confidence, and truly enjoy making music.”
Caleb Erickson
Primary Instrument
Guitar
Instruments he teaches
Bass Guitar | Guitar | Chess
Experience and Education
“My education is improving each day. For those seeking a more “customary” answer, I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Life and music, in my opinion, are two words describing a singular process. The harmony we cultivate within our lives is infused with the music we play. That being said, my music is the byproduct of a lifelong quest for creative self-expression wedded to a particular discipline – in this context, guitar, base guitar, and chess. I’ve been teaching here since 2005.”
Family
“(My Family) is loving, supportive, and charismatic. If you care more about what they do, consider the following: my dad is an ex-professional hockey player turned businessman, my mom is a doctor, my eldest and youngest brother are businessmen and my other younger brother is a cell biologist. I’m the eccentric visionary with delusions of grandeur…”
Hobbies and Interests
“Philosophy, Science, Music, Art, Meditating, Nature, Reading, Writing, Chess, Yoga, Positive Psychology, exercising, playing with adorable animals, and doing anything that’s life-enhancing.”
Teaching Philosophy
“Music should be fun… period! My goal is to make this instrument so mind-numbingly enjoyable that it requires no effort whatsoever to invest the necessary time for gaining mastery – you should play because you “want” to, not because you “have” to. I’ve studied jazz, blues, rock, funk, country, folk, metal, ragtime, pop, lap, reggae, punk, polka, classical and countless other styles. Whatever direction you want to take, I will do my best to get you there – this is your journey… I’m merely a guide.”
Annalise Aakhus
Primary Instrument
Voice
Instruments he teaches
Voice
Experience and Education
“Hello! I have been teaching voice for 11 years and have taken voice lessons that entire time, as well! I love and live to teach classical vocal music.
I am a Junior at BSU. My focus is Music education with an emphasis on voice”
Family
“I live in the woods, just a bit North of here, with my love, Mitchell, and our cat, Ronin, and all the deer and crows we feed!”
Hobbies and Interests
“I love to build my life around healthy opera voice, so, I love to practice, jog, meditate, compose, perform and be at home.”
Teaching Philosophy
“We were all created to be musical, we just have to learn to allow.
Each student is different and my goal is to work with them to maximize natural and exqusite technique!
I LOVE to sing and we work hard to strengthen head voice and falsetto to create our strongest voice possible.”
Rolf Lund
Primary Instrument
Guitar
Instruments he teaches
Guitar | Ukelele | Banjo
Experience and Education
“Rockdrumming, church praise band guitar, living room piano. I have taught guitar and music theory at home in Ramsey, MN. Now I live in Bemidji.
Concordia College, Moorhead; Art, Art History, German Gesamthochschule, Kassel, Germany; Danwoody Inst.”
Family
“My wife Lisa, a mandolin player. My son Anders, a trumpet player.”
Hobbies and Interests
“Outdoor activities, hiking, canoeing, biking, beer brewing.”
Teaching Philosophy
“The basics of music theory are very important, but so is having fun. I expect students to listen and to learn, but want them to stay comfortable as much as possible. Making music for yourself is a gift.”
John Konecne
Primary Instrument
Saxophone
Instruments he teaches
Saxophone | Flute | Clarinet | Trumpet | Piano
Experience and Education
“I have a BA in Music Performance with an emphasis in jazz studies from BSU.”
Family
“Wife Jeannie, daughter Ada, son Oliver ”
Hobbies and Interests
“I enjoy music, tennis, hockey, and spending time at home with my family.”
Teaching Philosophy
“Teaching music is not my main purpose, I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.” -Shinichi Suzuki
Amanda Kastner
Primary Instrument
Piano
Instruments she teaches
Piano | Violin
Experience and Education
“I’ve played for many church and community events as part of a string trio or
harp/violin duo, and I currently play in the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra. I have
spent some time tutoring overseas, which included giving piano and violin
lessons.
I was able to take many years of private music lessons throughout my teens and
early twenties.”
Family
“I came from a large and musical family and am happy to have siblings and lots
of nieces and nephews living nearby.”
Hobbies and Interests
“I enjoy reading, drawing and art, and spending time in the beautiful MN
outdoors!”
Teaching Philosophy
“I believe that music education is of life-long benefit. My aim is to help students
develop enjoyment, competence, and confidence in their playing.”
Carolyn Towler 
Primary Instrument
Piano | Trumpet
Instruments she teaches
Piano
Experience and Education
“(I have)Five years teaching private piano lessons. Taught classroom music three years in Bemidji and Ponemah as a long-term sub. Subbed in the schools in this area for eight years, worked with children for 30+ years.
(I have a)B.A. in General Music from Gustavus Adolphus College, Elementary Teaching Licensure Gr. 1-6 from Augsburg”
Family
“My husband and three step daughters who all live in Bemidji..”
Hobbies and Interests
“Gardening, Water coloring, Bird Watching, Cross Country Skiing, Dogs!”
Teaching Philosophy
“Teach the basics as each student explores the piano as a valuable instrument. Approach the student as an individual learner working at his or her own pace.”
Eric Sundeen
Primary Instrument
Percussion
Instruments he teaches
Percussion
Experience and Education
“I have been blessed to play in the Madison Scouts & MN Brass Drum & Bugle Corps. I have played in CRASH, a visual percussion ensemble since 1997. I have played music in 35 states, England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, 2x in Russia & Cuba.
(I have a) Bachelor of Music from St. Cloud State University”
Family
“Wife Sarah & 2 boys, Nolan & Sullivan.”
Hobbies and Interests
“Drums, Hockey”
Teaching Philosophy
“Music is for everyone. Those who practice can achieve great things. Learn the basics & build a solid foundation.”
Steve Radley
Primary Instrument
Trombone
Instruments he teaches
Trombone | Trumpet |Tuba Baritone | French Horn
Experience and Education
“Bass Trombonist in Summer Community Band. I’ve enjoyed 6 years of playing with Bemidji Symphony Orchestra. I’ve taught brass players from beginning to High School level lessons. (I have a) B.A. Trombone Performance BSU”
Family
“We are originally from Southern MN. I live in Bemidji, my Mom and Dad live in Luverne, MN, two sisters – Kristen & Melissa live in Sioux Falls. I have two nieces and one nephew"
Hobbies and Interests
“Listening to new music, biking, board games, bread baking, concerts”
Teaching Philosophy
“Listen, Warm-up, Practice, Repeat… Do this for 20 minutes a day and you’re set.”
Jessica Westlund
Primary Instrument
Piano | Violin
Instruments she teaches
Piano | Violin | Viola
Experience and Education
“I have 14+ years experience teaching children. 6+ years teaching private piano & violin lessons. 5 years as the administrator of a large home-school coop. I have played in church and helped with music camps
I am currently working on Business Management Degree. I began teaching at Headwaters in January of 2016”
Family
“My husband, Craig, of 22 years and 3 children: Valerie, Elizabeth, & Matthew."
Hobbies and Interests
“I enjoy playing games reading, listening to music, my family and being outside."
Teaching Philosophy
“I begin with a lot of basics & theory. I enjoy establishing the new musicians in their note reading & theory knowledge. I keep it fun in class as I build their knowledge each day. Seeing my students grow & enjoy their music is my favorite!"