Private lessons
"Setting my mind on a musical instrument was like falling in love. All the world seemed bright and changed." - W. C. Handy
helen forsythe, banjo / ukulele
Helen Forsythe teaches both clawhammer banjo and Scruggs style bluegrass banjo. She first learned the great art of banjo from lessons at the Homestead Pickin’ Parlor, and has honed those skills through many years of jamming and performing. She has played with a number of different ensembles around the area including The Triplets, the Liberty Orchestra, Cannon River Currents, and as a solo performer of bluegrass, folk, and original music. She also works with other Hot Spot resident organization Art Makers as a song writer and performer in mixed media kids shows.
LAURIE MELTING STEGNER, violin / fiddle & VIOLA
I began playing the violin at age 9 after my Father asked me if I would like to start lessons. In my mind, I had not totally committed to the idea, so was surprised when my parents purchased a violin and scheduled my lessons. But, I went along with the plan, which ended up to be one of the most important aspects of my life. After growing up playing in the Anoka school system, All-State Orchestra and GTCYS, I earned music degrees from Northwestern University (B.M.E.) and DePaul University (M.M.), studying classically at both schools with highly acclaimed teachers. Later, inspired to improvise, I studied jazz violin with Gary Schulte, and now play music of many genres. I love teaching private students at Hot Spot Music in Northfield, and in my spare time I enjoy Sudoku, crossword puzzles, reading, taking regular walks, having coffee with friends, and going to the YMCA.
Since moving to Northfield in 2020, I have found many playing opportunities. Shortly after being here, I was invited to play with Spare Niche. In 2021, I joined the Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra, and from there connected with 2 other players to form Cannon Valley Trio. I also play with the Early Music Ensemble that specializes in music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. And there are the fun and inspiring events and Hot Spot, notably Sunday Jazz Jam and Second Saturday Open Mic.
RiCK SCHULZ, GUITAR
With a guitar passion spanning over 45 years, Rick gravitated to the acoustic guitar in junior high school. He has performed both solo and with a band, learning many genres of music including modern and classic rock, country, blues, and folk. As an instructor for beginning and intermediate to advanced guitar enthusiasts, Rick enjoys a casual but player-specific teaching style at a pace that incorporates each student’s individual musical taste. He also gives insights and guidance on singing and songwriting for budding performers, or those who just want to write, sing, and/or play in an informal setting. Online or personal instruction can be tailored to fit an individual’s situation and their music. Rick also performs live and conducts classes or seminars on developing singer/songwriter techniques. And as a vintage guitar hunter, he is available to provide insights to buying or selling guitars, either individually or as a collection.
During his career as both a civilian and U.S. Navy pilot, Rick instructed students on how to fly complex jet aircraft as well as enjoying time as a baseball coach and teaching the guitar to interested members of the community.
FLETCHER COOLIDGE, TROMBONE (etc.)
Fletch has played trombone for nearly 70 years, starting in 5th grade. He got around to lessons in his late 20s, and spent the next 10 years unlearning/relearning how to play it right. These days, he plays bass trombone, tenor trombone, euphonium, and tenor and bass sackbut – not necessarily in that order. His students have ranged from middle school to adult. On the horn, he’s made almost every mistake possible, so he’s had to learn remedies for all sorts of problems. With a degree in philosophy, he has also learned how to analyze unfamiliar problems. (Besides, philosophy taught him that the only rational way to spend one’s life is making music.)
Fletch has performed with the Utah Symphony, Beloit-Janesville [WI] Symphony, municipal bands, Big Bands, polka bands, brass quintets, and shows too numerous to list. Currently he plays in the Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra, Northfield Municipal Band, Bridge Square Band, 50 North Band, and Maple Street Rag.
Thea Groth, Bassoon
Dr. Thea Groth is a bassoonist, educator, and clinician based in Northfield, MN. Groth is a founding and former member of the Twin Cities based all female woodwind quintet Chione, and the Principal Bassoonist of the Mankato Symphony Orchestra. Groth lectures and leads workshops teaching injury awareness and prevention based on her dissertation, "Musician's Maintenance: A Scientific Approach to Healthy Practice Techniques for Optimal Performance." Groth has performed on stages throughout the United States, Canada, and Brazil and has made numerous freelance appearances with Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Amore Opera, Savannah Philharmonic, Greater Newburgh, Bergen, St. Cloud, and South Dakota Symphony Orchestras. Groth has recorded with The Hartt School Wind Ensemble, and trombone soloist Joseph Alessi of the New York Philharmonic, on Passaggi, released on the Naxos Wind Band Classics label.
Groth has served as faculty at the Festival Eleazar de Carvalho in Fortaleza, Brazil, and now maintains a private teaching studio in Northfield, MN in addition to teaching at Luther College. As a passionate educator, Groth is both a founder and the executive director of Whole Notes, a nonprofit organization committed to breaking through barriers to provide students access to instrumental music instruction, and bringing high-caliber professional music to small communities outside the metropolitan area. Dr. Groth holds both a BM and DMA from the The Hartt School and a MM from The Manhattan School of Music.