Welcome!  Chickadee Music Studio was opened in the fall of 2013 and has grown steadily ever since.  Private lessons are taught using a combination of Suzuki and Traditional teaching methods and are generally thirty minutes in length.  Students of all ages are welcome.  Technique and music theory, including note reading, are taught at each lesson.  New classes are continually being developed and added to the diverse repertoire of opportunities available at Chickadee Music Studio.

Instructor Information

Kristin Gontea received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Violin Performance from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.  While in Stevens Point, Kristin received training in the Suzuki Method at the American Suzuki Institute.  Kristin moved to the Rochester area in 2013 and currently teaches violin, viola and cello (Suzuki and Traditional lessons), piano (Traditional and Group lessons) and more (preschool, etc.) at her studio, Chickadee Music Studio.  A patient, positive and fun-loving teacher, Kristin strives to provide music students of all ages with the opportunity to participate in and appreciate music in all its forms and to promote life-long musical learning.  In addition to her growing music studio, Kristin keeps busy with a small craft business called Fiddle & Frog, and also as a Compassionate Entrepreneur with Trades of Hope.  She lives in Racine, MN with her husband, three kiddos and lots of critters on their hobby farm, Sunflower Farm.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe anyone can learn to play a musical instrument, regardless of age or experience.

I believe that the study of a musical instrument should be enjoyable.

I believe that each person's musical journey will be different.

I believe that music lessons should be made accessible to everyone.

I believe that studying music can and should be a life-long endeavor.

I believe that music, in any form, is worthwhile and important to a culture and its people.