Valerie Westlund
Primary Instrument
Cello | Piano | Violin
Instruments they teach
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 they teach
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 they teach
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 they teach
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 they teach
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 they teach
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 they teach
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!”
Carolyn Towler 
Primary Instrument
Piano | Trumpet
Instruments they teach
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 they teach
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 they teach
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 they teach
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 they teach
Piano | Voice
Experience and Education
“I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bemidji State University where I studied piano under Margaret Maxwell and Dr. Stephen Carlson and received vocal instruction from Dr. Cory Renbarger, Dr. Jennifer Olson, Dr. Fulton Gallagher, and Dr. Jennifer Swanson. Directed by both Dr. P. Bradley Logan and Dr. Dwight Jilek, I sang both alto and soprano in the Bemidji Choir and Chamber Singers which gave me the opportunity to act as Madrigal Dinner Queen in 2010. I’ve toured abroad with the Bemidji Choir, singing in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Latvia, and Lithuania. During my education at BSU I was a percussionist in the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Pep Band, and I sang with the Blue Ice Jazz Band. I appeared on stage as a lounge singer in “Twelfth Night” and Ruth in “Pirates of Penzance.” I’m also a grateful recipient of the Ione DeKrey vocal scholarship.
I’ve performed choral music at the semi-professional level with the Twin Cities-based choir From Age To Age, directed by Dr. Peter Durow and Andrew Miller, M.M. Dr. Bret Amundson directs the Twin Ports Choral Project in Duluth, in which I also had the wonderful opportunity to sing. Today, you’ll see me in the percussion section of the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, and directing the Bemidji-based volunteer choir Sanford and Friends Singers.
In the past, I’ve directed the Bemidji Boy Choir, BSU Women’s Choir, served as the Bemidji Choir Vice President and was President of BSU’s chapter of the Collegiate Music Educators National Conference. I’ve been a member of the American Choral Directors Association and am a current member of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association”
Family
“My parents reside north of Bemidji, in the woods and on a creek, where my dad maintains a herd of Scottish Highland cattle - the beautiful long-haired cows with big horns. While there, my sister Terese and I love to spend time hunting, gathering, working and relaxing”
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, volunteering in the community, or doing virtually anything outdoors is when I’m most alive.”
Teaching Philosophy
“I teach beyond technique to develop the whole musician. Cognitive development through the discipline of musical performance enhances students attention control, critical thinking, memory and planning skills. My students are encouraged to think for themselves as I guide them along their personal journey through the world of music.”
Dan Will
Primary Instrument
Piano
Instruments they teach
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!”
Owen Dailey
Primary Instrument
Piano| Sax
Instruments they teach
Flute | Bass | Guitar | Piano | Sax
Experience and Education
“I taught lessons in high school and played in many different ensembles. I am currently a student at BSU."
Family
“My parents Mike and Steph Dailey teach Band! I also have two younger siblings Dawson and Jenna.”
Hobbies and Interests
“I enjoy playing chess and video games.”
Teaching Philosophy
“I hope to teach students the joys of playing music!”
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