Piano
Jack Schieferdecker
In-person
Jack Schieferdecker's passion for music began with guitar, choir, and band, at a very young age. As a teacher, he especially enjoys seeing eager students of all ages get caught up in the same excitement he felt toward music as a child. He holds a B.A. in Music from St. Ambrose University, where he studied with Marian Lee.
I enjoy seeing my students discover connections between their own playing and the music. My teaching philosophy is tailored to the individual's taste, age, and experience level, and includes emphasis on listening, score study, and creative thinking.
violin & viola
BEN LORENTZEN
In-person
Ben Lorentzen is an experienced freelance musician, private instructor, and orchestra director in the North Scott School District. Ben has played viola in the Quad-City Symphony Orchestra since 2007, and is a member of the rock group Jason Carl and The Whole Damn Band; He freelances regularly throughout Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. He studied with Deborah Dakin at Augustana College and Sally Chisholm at the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a Master of Music in Viola Performance. A short work-study job during graduate school as a reading tutor in the Madison Public Schools inspired him to focus on education.
My teaching focuses on reading proficiency, practice strategies, practical/progressive technique, and creativity. I use classical music training as a basis of preparation and a bridge to the varied musical opportunities now available to string players.
Jennifer Pickering
In-person
Jennifer Pickering has over 20 years' experience teaching violin and viola; she also sings, plays clarinet, and guitar. She has played with string quartets, Celtic ensembles, rock bands, and served as principal violist for the Clinton Symphony. Jenni holds a B.A. in English and a B.M. in Viola Performance from Augustana College, and studied with Deborah Dakin.
Music has always had a place in my life, from my earliest memories of singing with my parents while my dad accompanied on guitar. I have come to feel that music is for everyone, and I love to tailor my lessons to the student by exploring and integrating their musical interests into the lesson. It overjoys me to see students from ages 5 to 75 thrive in my studio. I focus on musical development, musical enjoyment, hard work, and laughter as part of a well-rounded life and educational experience.
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cello
Scott Sund
In-person
Scott Sund established his independent cello studio in Davenport in 1994. He plays in the Muscatine Symphony and the String Arts Trio, and was a longtime member of the St. Ambrose Chamber Orchestra.
Playing the cello is a unique journey for every student. I encourage my students to develop their musical skills by focusing on technique and sound production. Creating a solid foundation takes time and patience but it is essential if students are to become free to incorporate their own ideas and emotions in the music they are studying. I encourage students to listen carefully while practicing, and work with them to identify problem areas and solutions.
Hannah Holman
In-person or remote
Hannah Holman is a world-class cellist with vast experience in solo, chamber, orchestral situations, and as a teacher. She joined the Quad-City Symphony in 2001 and became Principal Cellist in 2008; she has also been a member of the New York City Ballet Orchestra since 2012. She is a founding member of three chamber groups — Trio 826, the Beaumont Piano Trio, and Quadrivinium — and played in the Maia Quartet from 2002-11. She has served on the faculties of the University of Iowa, Worcester College (UK), Michigan State University, and Virginia Union University. As a soloist, she has appeared with orchestras throughout the Eastern United States. She holds an M.M in Cello Performance from New England Conservatory, where she studied with Fritz Magg, and a B.M. from Michigan State University.
SUZUKI
Isaak Sund
In-person
Isaak Sund is a certified instructor in the Every Child Can curriculum and in Level 1 Suzuki Training; he taught at the University of Northern Iowa's Suzuki School from 2017-19. He earned a B.M. in String Pedagogy and a M.M. in Viola Performance, where he studied with Julia Bullard.
My greatest joy is to see the spark of connection and the thrill of music in the face of a child; the great hope and passion behind my teaching is the hope of inspiring a lifelong love of music.
composition & Arranging
Gates Thomas
In-person
Photo: Angel Matias
[Gates Thomas bio] Of all the musical professions, the composer's portfolio encompasses the broadest array of skills and styles. Private study of this subject is tailored to the student's interests, goals, and favored modes of working. Instruction in "writing" (creating) music may include coaching in any of these areas:
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Form, harmony, counterpoint, analysis, and repertoire
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Composing/arranging through musical scores
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Composing/arranging through a DAW (digital audio workstation)
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Recording production
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Audio editing and mixdown
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Creating music for film and video
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Conducting, rehearsing, leadership and communication