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
Paul Papenfuss
Primary Instrument
Percussion
Instruments he teaches
Percussion
Experience and Education
“I am a Freshman at BSU pursuing Education degrees in the Vocal and Instrumental Music fields.
I have been a part of music since the 6th grade and have been in love with it ever since. Throughout highschool I played in several community groups including the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra and Staples Motley High Schools production of Oklahoma!”
Family
“I’m originally from Browerville MN where I lived with my parents and my twin brother Eddie.”
Hobbies and Interests
“Obviously, I love to play percussion instruments but I also like to sing in the choir and play tuba.”
Teaching Philosophy
“Technique is key! By learning the basics of our instrument we will be able to further our education and become better musicians.”
Julie Kaiser
Primary Instrument
Voice
Instruments she teaches
Voice
Experience and Education
“I studied vocal performance at BSU from 1981-1984. I have been singing for as long as I can remember. I started serious voice study at age 16 and have continued to study and learn. I have sung in large choral groups and small ensembles as well as extensive solo projects. Although I am new to teaching in this format I have been fortunate to have been an informal tutor and mentor to many singers of all ages. I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge and skills with you!”
Family
“My husband Bill, who is an accomplished guitarist, and I live on the north end of Lake Bemidji, partly in the state park! We share our home with our very old and spoiled calico cat.”
Hobbies and Interests
“I am passionate about music and theater! I am also an aerial fitness fanatic. Loving the circus arts, In my spare time my energy is spent hiking and camping and taking care of home.”
Teaching Philosophy
“I believe that music exists in all of us and that my responsibility and obligation is to help find your own unique voice.
Connection Between learner and teacher is critical to creating the space where learning and progress is made. Mine is not a one size fits all approach, Let’s find and nurture your voice together!”
Dan Will
Primary Instrument
Piano
Instruments he teaches
Piano | Cello | Voice
Experience and Education
“I have a BM in Music Theory/ Composition from Concordia College, Moorhead. I spent three years in the Concordia Choir, also composed and performed various pieces by myself and with others through college and into the present. I’ve been a substitute teacher in ISD 31 for several years, working primarily with music ensembles. I’ve also kept a private voice and piano studio, worked as Music Director for the Paul Bunyan Playhouse’s 2018 Summer Season, and currently work as an accompanist and performance coach at BSU!”
Family
“My Mom, Dad, and two brothers, Jack and James.”
Hobbies and Interests
“Reading (lots of sc-fi!), hanging with friends, songwriting/ jamming, watching anime, playing computer games, and hiking.”
Teaching Philosophy
“Music is an interesting discipline in that it combines the highly technical/ analytical side of the brain with the more emotional/ expressive side; I seek to develop each of these aspects through repetition, technique study, and theory education for the technical zone, coupled with exploratory listening, improvisation practice, and phrasing direction to bolster musical vocabulary and expression. I have found students do the best in an invitational, positive, fun lesson environment, and that is what I seek to create!”
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!"
Mattea Elhard
Primary Instrument
Voice
Instruments she teaches
Piano | Voice
Experience and Education
“While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Bemidji State University, I’ve studied piano under many talented pianists as well as a wide variety of vocal instructors. At Bemidji High School I was a member of almost every music ensemble, I look forward to completing my degree very soon!
I’ve performed choral music at the semi-professional level with the Twin Cities-based choir From Age To Age as well as the Twin Ports Choral Project in Duluth. You’ll see me in the percussion section of the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra from time to time as well as directing the Bemidji Boy Choir and the Sanford Singers. Recently, I performed the role of Ruth in Pirates of Penzance with the Bemidji State University Opera Program and toured Latvia and Lithuania with the Bemidji Choir. In the past, I’ve directed the BSU Women’s Choir, served as the Bemidji Choir Vice President and President of BSU’s chapter of the Collegiate Music Educator’s National Conference, and toured Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. I’m also a grateful recipient of the Ione DeKrey vocal scholarship.”
Family
“My parents reside north of Bemidji, in the woods, where my dad maintains a herd of Scottish Highland cattle (the beautiful long-haired cows with big horns), and my mom cares for our little cat named Two. While there, my sister Terese and I love to spend our time wild foraging, hunting, working, relaxing, and making an absolute mess of the kitchen while cooking extravagant family meals.”
Hobbies and Interests
“I’m interested in cultivating goodness so that our hearts are warmer, our smiles brighter, and love is ever abounding. Spending time creating music or doing virtually anything outdoors is when I’m most alive.”
Teaching Philosophy
“I won’t believe it when I hear people say ‘I don’t/can’t sin’. There is indeed a song within each and every one of us, and sometimes we just have to dive a little deeper within ourselves to find our musical niche. It is our joyous human right to freely and creatively express our songs through singing, playing instruments, body movement, or creating art. I’d love to share what I’ve learned along this process of discovering ‘my song’ and teach beyond technique to help my students develop what if feels like to ‘live your song’. Like this guy stated, ‘The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significant’ – Aristotle.”
Sabbastian Wilson-Webb
Primary Instrument
Electric & Acoustic Guitar
Instruments he teaches
Guitar | Bass Guitar | Ukelele
Experience and Education
“After graduating from Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School, I attended the Musician’s Institute of Hollywood, California where I studied guitar performance including heavy metal styles. I also took a class in extreme vocals. I transferred to Berklee College of Music, where I have a focus in Music Composition for Film, TV, and Video Games. I’ve also studied Professional Mixing Software and Recording Techniques, Music Theory, and Jazz Piano.
I grew up in a musical household where I learned to explore and have fun with music. I studied music theory and songwriting, and began learning guitar and piano. During high school, I sang tenor in the choir, played trombone, alto sax, and flute in band, and performed in many musical theater productions. I played solo gigs throughout high school at local venues, including Bemidji State Park. I’ve also played in several bands including Progressive Metal act Crimson Wynter, and currently acoustic trio dancing Light. Teaching is a new adventure for me, and I’m excited to share my knowledge of music with new learners”
Family
“I live with my parents, Greg and Kiki, who are also performing musicians. It’s nice being able to collaborate so easily living in the same household. I also have several brothers, a sister, and all of their awesome spouses.”
Hobbies and Interests
“I enjoy writing poetry and stories, as well as occasionally delving into the visual arts, whether that be sketching, painting, or creating digital 3D models. From a young age I developed a love for video games and their music. I’ve discovered so many wonderful composers because of games, and it’s likely a big part of where my love for music came from!”
Teaching Philosophy
“Music is an art form that I hope to inspire others to enjoy and have fun with. I have a strong desire to encourage students with a positive and light-hearted attitude. I’m passionate about helping learners to meet their personal goals and feel fulfillment in music, whatever that means for them. Having a love of musical theory, composition, and song writing,I’m also excited to share my knowledge in those are as with interested students. I believe that creating music is a brilliant and fulfilling thing, and one that can bring someone a deeper understanding of music as a whole.