Karen Miller

Hi! I'm Karen Miller, a wife, a mom of five, a grandma of 4, piano teacher, gardener and quilting enthusiast!

I have been teaching piano lessons to students of all ages for 30 years. I have a BA in Liturgical Music from The College of St Benedict in St Joseph, Minnesota. Over the years I have served in Campus Ministry, Parish Music Ministry and have been an independent music educator at a Community Center and a Cultural Art Center for Children in California and in my private studio in Minnesota. I am currently serving as organist and pianist at Epiphany Parish in Mason City and teaching piano at the Surf Ballroom Music Enrichment Center in Clear Lake.

It is my goal to inspire, challenge and most of all teach students of all ages and stages to have fun as they learn the joy of making music.

Please contact me if you have questions or would like to inquire about openings.

karenmiller@houseofnote.org www.houseofnote.org

Nic Johnson

Hello! My name is Nic Johnson. I have been playing guitar for over 30 years and teaching for over 15 years. I teach in many different ways depending on the age & goals of the student. I teach all ages from 10 years old and up. I believe that teaching to have fun while learning is essential. I was born and raised in North Iowa however spent most of my adult life in Omaha, Nebraska as a full time musician. I have written, recorded, and performed in most of The United States. I have been featured on an album with Peter Frampton, Eric Johnson, & The Spin Doctors. I have also performed with many artists including The Counting Crows & Robin Trower.

I can teach guitar, mandolin, ukulele, bass, music theory, and music history!

Nicjohnson72@gmail.com

Abby Kraft

Hi! I'm Abby Kraft, an English teacher at Clear Lake Community School District. I have been playing piano for 15 years. I grew up in Renwick, IA and took piano with a local church pianist for 11 years while growing up. After taking piano for so long, I knew I wanted to share my love for music with others.

As a teacher, my goals are to help students fall in love with music and piano rather than making it a chore. I want students to enjoy the process and grow into strong musicians through passion.

I have been working with Karen Miller for the past year. She has been an amazing asset as a beginning piano teacher, and she provided me with the basis I needed to take on my own students!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to check for any openings!

abigail.m.kraft@gmail.com

Hanna Ferguson

Hi, my name is Hanna Ferguson! I will be a senior at Waldorf University this fall. I am working towards a double major in Music Education and Vocal Performance with an Endorsement in Theatre.

I love to be involved with the community. I grew up being a part of the church and have helped build a new church family in the Des Moines Area. While there, I helped with the praise team and sound board.

My goal is to help as many people as possible to understand and love music of all forms. I teach all ages from 10 years old and up.

hanna.lessons@gmail.com (319) 290-0273

Jennifer Kennicker

Hello! My name is Jennifer Kennicker, and I am offering voice lessons at the Surf Ballroom Music Enrichment Center this summer! I have a Music Education and Music Therapy degree from Wartburg College - and I am the current middle school vocal teacher at Clear Lake. I’m excited to offer voice lessons to all ages!

Heidi

Hi, I'm Heidi! I love music and I love to teach.

Keeping in mind the goals of my students, I temper each lesson so that they are both challenged and encouraged to improve their playing ability. This method builds beautiful musicians and strong character, as self-confidence blossoms.
I have been playing violin since I was 5 years old and have been teaching for nearly 30 years. I have numerous Suzuki Teaching Certificates and have participated in many fiddle workshops.

At Western Oregon University, I was concertmaster of the orchestra. I received my Bachelor of Music from Western Oregon University in 2002 cum laude. Since then, I have had the opportunity to become the Associate Artistic Director of the Siskiyou Violins. I have been able to take students to Carnegie Hall, NY, on two different occasions.

In 2022 I was finally able to realize my long-held dream of moving to the country. I relocated outside of Mason City, Iowa and set up a studio and that's where I am today. Currently, I'm working on getting my first violin book published! Come on out and learn some music with me!

heidiviolinlessons@gmail.com www.heidi-violin-lessons.com

Nikki Foss

Hi there! My name is Nikki Foss. I am the Education Coordinator at the Surf Ballroom & Museum. I am thankful to be able to connect students of all ages and people from all walks of life to meaningful learning opportunities through music & history.

I have been teaching piano at the Surf Ballroom Music Enrichment Center for two years. I believe that music itself is a great teacher, and instils lessons that help us excel in so many other areas of life, as well as how to be more confident, patient, and express ourselves creatively! In my studio I strive to teach students: 1.) There are no wrong notes 2.) To not be afraid to try something new 3.) Play from your heart!

education@surfballroom.com