Learning
Welcome to our Lakeside Studio! We offer a variety of opportunities for all ages to participate in Music & Arts.
MUSIC LESSONS
The Lakeside Music Studio offers lesson packages throughout the course of the year, in Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French horn, Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium, and Tuba. Kindergarten to Adults can register. It’s never too late to learn an instrument.
Upcoming Lesson Registration and Information:
Winter Session 2
This session will begin the week of February 17th and go through the week of March 17th, with a total of 5 lessons (including one make-up lesson if a lesson is missed). Lesson times will be scheduled with the teacher directly, based on Student/Teacher availability. Cost is $210 (after processing fees) *Families with more than one student can register with a discount code. Please email Leah Toppen at leahtoppen@sollc.org for more information.
(Registration link coming soon!)
See the music lesson calendar.
Questions? Ask Leah Toppen at leahtoppen@sollc.org
Voice lessons will not be offered during this session. However, voice students are encouraged to participate in one of the singing ensembles offered at SOLLC to further their skills.
The Lakeside Studio offers private music lessons in Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Bari Saxophone, Trumpet, French horn, Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium, Tuba.
The Lakeside Studio is a program that has been in the making for years. In a few words, it is a safe and welcoming learning environment focused on Music and the Arts, that leans into our church values of Open Hearts, Open Minds, and an Open Table.
Our hope is to build a program that can stand the test of time through the support of our church community, offering programs and opportunities to all ages based on our love for Music and the Arts.
OUR TEACHERS
Christopher Anderson :
Chris has been a private music instructor for over 16 years. He graduated with a Bachelor of science degree in music Industry at Minnesota State University, Mankato where he was involved with the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Mavericks, Pep Band, and Pit Orchestras for their Department of Theatre. During his college career, Mr. Chris got to perform with Bobby Shew, Denis BiBlasio (Maynard Ferguson’s baritone saxophonist), and was an intern as a Sound Technician at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis. Currently, he is the Sound Technician for the band called The Stand Ups, a cover band that plays classic rock hits and soul R&B classics with a unique sound. Mr. Chris lives in Shakopee with his wife, two daughters, and Golden Doodle/Australian Shepard, Max. When he is not teaching, he enjoys spending time with the family at the cabin, being a dance dad, watching sports (especially the Vikings), and listening to jazz music.
Bonnie Hallettt:
Bonnie has been a private music teacher for over 50 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in music and art at Moorhead State University and received a Masters in Music and Art at San Diego State University. During her teaching career, she has taught grades 1, 5-8 in Music, Art, English, and Reading. Miss Bonnie has played violin in country and bluegrass bands as well as the Greater Grand Forks Symphony. She headed up a bluegrass band called Prairiegrass, that played the greater metro area for a number of years as well as playing in Minnesota Bluegrass Association festivals. Miss Bonnie lives in Prior Lake and enjoys visiting her four grandchildren, driving to lakes and state parks, and singing in the SOLLC choir.
Peter Sands:
Peter is a Minnesota-based musician best known as a member of the nationally recognized and critically acclaimed indie-rock band the Honeydogs. Having played in bands since the early 1980’s, his first national exposure was with the band Tangletown, which featured the nephew of Bob Dylan and was managed by ex-Prince drummer Bobby Z. Originally learning music on the trumpet in the 6th grade, it was his mother’s piano in the house that kept calling. His musical career developed over the years into an in demand local studio session player. He is well versed in several musical styles including rock, pop, jazz, blues, and gospel. To date, Peter has over 150 recording credits and was recognized in 2005 with the MN Best Keyboardist award. Peter has been a part of the SOLLC music team since 2014. Although taking a short hiatus in 2019, he loves the sense of community and overall message of the church. Outside of SOLLC, Peter currently plays with the band “Turn Turn Turn”and performs annually in the long running “Rock & Roll Christmas Spectacular” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. He is an avid collector of vintage keyboards and can often be found tinkering in his small home recording studio. In his downtime, Peter enjoys lake life in Minnetonka with his wife Dori, teenage daughter Lula, and Cookie the cat!
Leah Toppen:
Leah has 11+ years of experience teaching and directing K-12 classroom music and band in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College and received a Master of Arts in Education from Hamline University. Miss Leah has performed trumpet with the Marshfield Symphony Orchestra, Winona Brass Band, Winona Community Band, Prior Lake Windjammers, and is currently a member of the Delano Community Band. She is also a member of a brass quintet, PentaSonix, who performs around the metro area. Miss Leah has also been performing piano and organ for congregations in Wisconsin and Minnesota for 20+ years and enjoys accompanying local choirs and soloists. Currently, she is the organist, accompanist, and festival music director at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church. Miss Leah lives in Mound with her husband and Bernese Mountain Dog, Lambeau. When she is not teaching or performing, she enjoys going to Minnesota United and Timberwolves games, hikes, paddle boards, and enjoys, playing reading, sewing, and knitting.