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Brittney
Blair (Nashwauk, MN)
“I
have taken lessons with Craig LiaBraaten for about 7 years. I've had
the
opportunity
to record 2 CDs and I am going to be starting my third one soon.
On
May 7th, 2006, I had the great experience of singing the National
Anthem
for
the Minnesota Twins. I have also competed in Twin Ports Idol and Iron
Range Idol.
Other
performances include, Hibbing Historical Society, Guardian Angels
Nursing home,
Christmas
concerts, Security State Bank, street dances, school talent shows.
What
I enjoy so much about lessons is the fact that Mr. Craig gets me and
his
other students so excited about learning music.
I
feel that I couldn't be this good of a singer without his help.
My
favorite thing is the performances. I love them! They have also made
me
a more confident person.”
Jenna
Massingill (Keewatin, MN)
“Craig
LiaBraaten has been my piano teacher for 5 years. Playing my piano
has
not only taught me discipline but it also helped me in my school
studies. It sharpens
your
mind in your concentration and focusing on your work because that is
what piano
playing
is about.
My
love of piano playing and the teaching of Mr. Craig has helped me
grow
musically,
for I also play the Flute, Trumpet, and Piano. I love music and
playing music.
I
strongly recommend Mr. Craig as a teacher because he's smart and
funny
and
is great with kids who have the love of music.”
Cassie
Wenberg (Hibbing, MN)
“I
have been taking lessons with Craig LiaBraaten for about 2 years. I
have
won
a lot of awards like in 2004 I won 1st prize beginner voice, grand
prize (Tie)-voice
bronze
award.
This
year I won “Iron Range Idol”!!!!!! and “Born To The
Stage”!!!!!! I have
participated
in a lot of the performances almost all of them since 2004!
What
I like most about my lessons is that I get to learn more things about
music
and how my voice has developed since I have started music lessons!
I
also like how Mr. Craig is always funny, and how he makes learning
music
really
fun! I love my music lessons and can't wait for my next one and the
one's after that!”
Megan
Moyer (Mountain Iron, MN)
“I
am 11 years old. I have been taking voice lessons with Craig
LiaBraaten
for
just over a year now. In that time I have been invited to sing
publicly six times, not
including
two performance recitals. I received Third Place in Intermediate
Voice in
July
2006, and was Fifth Place in 2006 "Iron Range Idol".
I
always look forward to going to lessons because Mr. Craig is always
finding
new music for me to try. He always encourages me to do my best, and
shows
me
ways to keep improving.”
Heidi
King (Keewatin, MN)
"I have
been taking lessons with Craig LiaBraaten for almost 7 years. I have
won many
awards including 15 trophies, 2 CD demos,and many other recognitions. I
have
participated
in 6 recitals, performances at my school, and a local "Tribute to
Grandparents" day.
I love taking lessons.
Craig makes it so fun! He lets you learn the
songs YOU want
to and makes learning music fun. Learning the play the piano was one of
the best decisions
that I have made, and choosing Craig as my teacher was also another."
Lisa & Frank Vidas -
Parents (Eveleth, MN)
"Thanks for all your hard work with Megan. She
really enjoys singing, and Frank and I
appreciate the effort and all the events you put on for your students!
Thanks Craig!
Signed - Lisa Vidas
Helen & Randy Shackelton - Parents - Emily Shackelton - Voice &
Piano Student (Biwabik, MN)
Emily
Shackelton sang "Colors of the Wind" from Pocohontas on Garrison
Keillor's
world famous "Prairie
Home Companion" at the tender age of 10. To everyone's delight,
especially her fans from
northern Minnesota and the Iron Range here, Emily captured the
Grand Prize on that
awards show, winning from a field of adults and professional musicians,
vocalists, bands, and
music ensembles invited to participate by Mr. Keillor from all over the
United States.
Emily studied voice with Craig LiaBraaten for seven (7) years, and
piano and songwriting
for several years in the
LiaBraaten Teaching Studios Virginia, MN & Hibbing locations. Emily
is currently studying for
her music degree at Berkley, will soon be married, and then head off
to Nashville, Tennessee,
where she has accepted a prestigious music appointment.
"Mr. Craig -
We wanted to take a moment & thank you for
all the hard work you have done for Emily
and our family over the past six (6) years.
You are the best music teacher, and we wanted
to let you know how much we appreciate
everything you have done - like the CD demo recording scholarships and
other awards, and
your help with Emily's appearance on Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home
Companion - and the
many hours you have put in!
Thanks again for everything!"
Signed - Helen, Randy & Emily Shackelton
Dale and Nancy Davidson -
Parents - Dustin Davidson - Piano and Music Composition Student,
(Hibbing, MN)
"Dear Craig,
It is said that 'it takes a Village to raise a
child', and you have been a big part of the
'Village' that has helped to raise Dustin. I have also heard it said
that teenagers need an adult, other than their parents, to depend on,
and you have been one of those
adults for
Dustin. And again I read that a child needs many 'assets' to become a
well-rounded
adult, and you have definitely been one of those assets for Dustin.
Words could not possibly thank you enough for
all the many things you have done for
Dustin. The confidence you have helped Dustin obtain, for the wonderful
experiences you have made available to him - - such as the CDs and
music performances - -
for the fantastic
piano lessons that he has enjoyed so much - - for being such a good
role
model - - and most
of all, the friendship you have extended to him.
We want you to know that we truly appreciate
and thank you for all you have done for
Dustin and the community of Hibbing. We wish you the best in all you
do, and let it be known that in your lifetime, you have made a
difference.
Thank you and sincerely,"
Signed - Dale & Nancy Davidson, Hibbing, MN
Michele Packa (Iron, MN)
"Craig, thank you so much for the music
scholarship and expensive gift of classical
music library! I really appreciate everything that you do for me - -
you are a very
special person!!
In the seven (7) years that I've been taking
piano lessons from your studio, the thing
that has changed my playing the most, is that you taught me to play
from my
heart. I'll
never forget the things you've said about how you can play all the
right notes, and
push
all the right buttons, but if it's not from your heart - - it's
nothing.
You've helped to give me confidence, and
you've always inspired me to be the best
that I can be - - God bless you for your faithfulness!
In Him,"
Signed - Michele Packa
Frank and Angela Debelak - Kindermusik Parents
(Hibbing, MN)
"Hi Craig & Leah! Just wanted you to know how
happy we are with your Kindermusik
classes! We recommend them to everyone we know, and if any potential
clients would like
someone to contact, feel free to pass along our info!
Our 3 year old, Miriam,
delights in the singing, dancing, games, and interaction at
Kindermusik each week, and in between time loves the shakers, music,
piano music,
stories, and everything else that came with the At Home Materials.
We've seen Miriam
develop so much since beginning Kindermusik - she loves to tinker away
at the piano, but
instead of it sounding like 'banging', it actually has a beautiful
melody all of her own! It's
like she's a budding Mozart! :-) Miriam looks forward to Kindermusik
every week and gets
so excited when we're ready to go!
Frank
IV, who's 9 months old now, seems very advanced musically as well,
since beginning Kindermusik at 6 months! He 'dances' bopping up and
down to music
whenever he hears it, and seems to have great rhythm! He loves class,
too, and I know
he's thinking 'Ooooo that looks like so much fun, I can't wait to learn
to walk!'
Angela's
degree in Psychology reminds us that our children are benefiting much
more
than the obvious music ways - we love the chart you had on the wall
detailing how
Kindermusik touches every part of the child's brain - emotional,
social, physical, language,
music, etc.
Bravo
for educating parents!
We
appreciate Kindermusik so much because of the supportive family
atmosphere - we
love to go, too, and our children have no anxiety about us leaving and
can just enjoy
learning! Yeah!!!
Thank
you so much for all you put into Kindermusik - your reputation for
excellence is
evident! We'll be annual Kindermusik-goers until our youngest is 7! :-)
Thank you!!!!
Signed
- Frank and Angela Debelak
Tisha Shepersky (Anchorage,
Alaska, formerly Chisholm, MN)
"Craig - you are the most talented person I've
ever met! You were truly given a great gift.
Thank you so much for taking your time to share you gift with others!
Even though I chose
not to further my education in music, I know that it will always be a
big part of my life.
Leah, you are such a great person! You'd do
anything just to make someone else's life a
little easier!"
Signed - Tisha Shepersky
Constance Jones - CEO / President, Virginia Are Chamber of Commerce
(Virginia, MN) -
student & mentor music performance reference
"Craig & Leah & Students,
Thanks so much for doing such a fine job of
entertaining area families this past
weekend.
Your special touch was very much appreciated!
Warm Regards, Constance Jones
P.S. We will be having a wrap-up &
planning for next year soon.
Any recommendations you have are
appreciated for improving this event!"
Signed - Constance Jones
Helen Sedey - adult [senior citizen] piano student of Craig LiaBraaten,
Fayal Township (Eveleth, MN)
"Memo to: Craig
Thank you for the blank tapes.
Thank you again for coming to my rescue at the
time of the 'flood'.
Thank you for recording my 33 1/3 records onto
tapes. I have been spending time
listening.
Thank you for all of the kind, thoughtful
things you do for me throughout the years. I do
appreciate everything.
Thank you for always encouraging me and
believing I can 'reach higher' as a musician.
Thanks to you, I have 'listened to my heart;
followed my dreams; reached for the stars'!"
Signed - Helen Sedey, Fayal Township, Eveleth, MN
Helen
Sedey, adult [senior citizen] piano student of Craig LiaBraaten,
Fayal Township (Eveleth, MN)
"Craig, thank you for printing larger in my
piano workbook. I can now read it easier.
I don't want to miss any of the lucid
instructions.
Also, thank you for the encouragement and your
patience."
Signed - Helen Sedey, Fayal Township, Eveleth, MN
Nona Lendacky - Adult Music Student (Hibbing, MN)
Nona, adult voice and
songwriting student of Craig LiaBraaten, presented a plaque and
framed picture to Craig
LiaBraaten with this inscription in 2004 after she recorded her first
vocal demo scholarship of
her own original songs:
"Craig LiaBraaten is a Teacher...dedicated to
excellence.
Encourager, good-humored, talented, musically
superb, precise.
Helping & challenging each student to
fulfill their musical goals while blessing others
as they do so.
Living life with gusto, flair and appreciation!
Reminding us of life, preciousness; our
privilege to enjoy it, and our response to
encourage others as we journey through.
We appreciate your message, your method, and
you!
With gratitute and esteem, your student and
friend,"
Signed - Nona Lendacky 2004
Pieter
Bekker - Parent (Hibbing, MN)
"When
my wife and I decided to give our 7 year old daughter music lessons,
we
were concerned she was too young. Mr. Craig assured us she was not
and we
went ahead.
Kaitlyn
has taken both piano and vocal lessons, and is a budding musician at
her
current
age of 9. Mr. Craig's innovative lesson approach assures us that she
remains
excited, challenged
and interested.
And
besides that, Kaitlyn LOVES Mr. Craig!"
Tina
Powers - Parent (Cook, MN)
“I HIGHLY recommend Hibbing School of
Music/LiaBraaten Teaching Studio.
My
daughter, Maddy, has been taking lessons for 6 months. She looks
forward to each lesson and
hasn't missed one yet. Leah has been great, scheduling with
flexibility when
needed.
It is well worth the drive for us, and we
live in the Cook area. I have seen positive
changes
in my daughter, aside from improvement in her singing, breathing, and
stage presence.
She
has become more responsible, has gained self-confidence, and no
longer has
"jitters" speaking
or singing for a crowd. She now sets goals for herself.
Craig has
a great balance when he teaches. He is very professional,
encouraging,
and
always makes learning fun. He has provided lots of opportunities for
his students
to perform in
the community.
I am impressed with how the students were so
supportive of each-other at their
recitals and
performances. They show good sportsmanship!
As a parent, I
encourage you to get your children enrolled in the Hibbing School of
Music.”
Lynn
Stish - Parent (Hibbing, MN)
“My
daughter, Jordan Stish, age 8, began taking voice lessons from 'Mr.
Craig' last
year
at the age of 7. Mr. Craig's gentle, positive teaching style has
helped Jordan
develop
into a poised, confident, young performer.
He
has helped enhance her music appreciation through his extra credit
“Name
That Tune” game at the end of each lesson. He has motivated her to
not
only continue voice lessons, but to begin piano lessons, too.
Mr.
Craig is a true inspiration to Jordan and a professional music
educator. He has
given
Jordan the opportunity to perform at various venues including the
local mall,
nursing
homes, local parks, parades and on the Memorial Building's “Little
Theater”
stage.
Her
self confidence has increased because of these performing
opportunities, and
I
have seen this carry over into other aspects of her life including
church, school,
and
social situations.
We
highly recommend Mr. Craig LiaBraaten for a music teacher / coach.”
DaNeil Sirjord - Parent
(Hibbing, MN)
"My daughter, KeKe, is 10 years old and has been
taking piano lessons from Mr. Craig
since she was in the 1st grade.
Mr. Craig's approach with her is always
positive. He makes lessons fun and approaches
her learning utilizing a variety of methods. He works with her to
set personal goals and
takes her lead in terms of choosing songs that are appropriate for her
level.
I would highly recommend Mr. Craig as a piano
instructor.
KeKe looks forward to lessons each week and she
enjoys her practice time!
As an educator, I know that children who are active in the arts do
better in school.
Music is a powerful tool that helps the brain develop.
Mr. Craig has helped KeKe develop a love of music
that will stay with her for life.
Thank you, Mr. Craig!"
Kathryn
Feroe – Parent, Adult Music Student (Superior, WI)
“Craig
LiaBraaten is a talented musician as well as an enthusiastic, quality
teacher.
Not only does he provide his students with a solid
learning experience, but he also has a
wide
venue of performance opportunities. After all, experience is how one
really learns.
This
sets him apart from any other voice teacher in the Northland.
We
are more than satisfied with our adult daughter's [Heidi Feroe's]
transformation
under his guidance.”
Jamie
McDougall – Parent, Adult Music Student (Hibbing, MN)
“As
a long time pianist and choir singer, I hoped to improve my music
ability with voice
lessons.
A 'mature adult,' I know I am doing this just to fulfill a dream.
After
the first two lessons, I sang for my adult children.... and they were
impressed with
my
nearly immediate improvement! Craig's knowledge, fun-loving attitude
and support
make every lesson
a celebration.
I'm
having a blast!”
Lynette
Wollenetz – Adult Music Student (Superior, WI)
“Craig
LiaBraaten is not only an exceptional teacher, but also a World-Class
musician.
More
importantly, he and his wife are people of integrity.
It
took me years to get the courage to find a teacher, because I thought
I was being silly
wanting
to sing. But Craig made me feel comfortable & he has brought
tremendous joy
into my
life thru music.
I
consider myself very fortunate to have Craig as my instructor.”
Jim Skipper, husband of Angie Skipper, Craig's
adult voice student - Lake Vermilion, MN
"Craig and Leah, Thanks for the well wishes and
prayers.
You have helped Angie meet a goal that she never
would have thought possible. Her
CD demo recording was a great gift and inspiration to her. Thank you.
We look forward to performing music together in
Florida and later in Minnesota.
Both Angie and I wish you continued good health and
a happy holiday season.
I hope to get the time myself to take lessons from
you. Thanks!"
Angie Skipper - Adult Voice Student (Tower, MN)
"Craig & Leah, thank you so much for awarding me
a CD Demo Scholarship. I am excited
to continue with voice lessons and to also continue to grow in
confidence and ability. You
both have been helpful & encouraging to me."
Signed
- Angie Skipper, Mountain Iron, MN
Tim Johnson - husband of Kari Johnson, Craig's
adult voice student - Cook, MN
"Just wanted to pass on a thank you for your vocal
teaching services.
Kari, my wife, has been able to utilize and enjoy
her vocal gifts a lot more following
the sessions she spent with Craig. This has been a very important part
of her life as music
is the one thing in life that she REALLY enjoys.
She has continued using the practice tapes
several times a week, is part of a 'praise
team' at our church each Sunday, has a solo in the Christmas Pageant
this Sunday, and
has performed at one wedding so far.
THANK YOU! I wish she had worked with you
sooner!
We wish you a Blessed Holiday Season."
Signed - Tim & Kari Johnson, Cook, MN
Jamie MacDougall, adult voice student and
parent of a voice a piano student - Hibbing, MN
"Dear Mr. Craig,
You are like the Pied Piper of Hamlin with all those
beautiful kids on the stage. It is obvious they all love you, and I
know my little Kaitlyn does. She was thrilled
with her
CD last night, and when I put it in my purse to take it home, she
reminded me to be sure
to give it back to her. Cute! She is so proud she is learning both
voice and piano.
God wants those who have been given great gifts to
do much. I love watching you do
that. You have been given the obviously great gift of music and the
less
obvious gifts of
humor and teaching and a kind a generous soul. Your
rapport with the kids is a
wonderful gift, as well. I hope you know that you are lifting
them up and helping
them get their
voices. What a job!
Leah with the 'smiling voice' is a treasure. I am
constantly amazed at her juggling ability.
She is lovely, charming, efficient, delightful. What a great job she is
doing!
We all need kind words and 'attaboys' now and then.
You have given me many kind words and I thank you. Please accept these
kind words and be aware that I am
proud to
know you. I am sure glad that I got up the nerve to take voice lessons.
Great
decision!
On another subject; do you think that Nona might let
me sing her song? It is really beautiful."
Floyd & Bonnie Cole, Bigfork, MN - parents
of award-winning voice student and recording
artist, Andrea Cole
"God bless those who give of themselves. May He reward you for being so
kind.
Thanks once more for a wonderful concert. Hope your long trip home was
good.
The CD you gave for free at lunch time was so
appreciated by the lady who received it. She lost her husband in
February. She lives at Pine Tree Villa, where I
volunteer two
mornings a week. She called to say 'What a wonderful gift'.
You are such giving people & we are so thankful
for all you have done for Andrea &
Jacob & so many others.
One day you will have a great reward. In God's love,"
Signed - Floyd
&
Bonnie Cole, Bigfork, MN
Linda, Miles & Matthew Matta - benefit
concert attendees for performances by two students of mentor Craig
LiaBraaten, Andrea Cole and Jacob Rahier in Bigfork, MN
"Craig,
We enjoyed you benefit concert at Bigfork,
especially the piano piece
with '32 notes per
second' and the 'Name That Tune' selection of several songs you
played that we were
supposed to guess.
Andrea & Jacob have improved so much
in their singing, thanks to
your wonderful teaching."
Signed
- Linda, Miles
& Matthew Matta, Effie, MN
Janet Kiesel, Pam Dixon and Becky Edstrom, 2002
Alzheimer's Memory Walk Committee,
Fairview Regional Health Services, Hibbing, MN - student & mentor
music performance reference
"Dear Craig and Leah,
We would like to extend our gratitude to you and
your students. The music and talent
was wonderful! We truly appreciate your time and the enthusiasm you
shared
with us
during our 2002 Alzheimer's Memory Walk. Great job - thank you! :-)
We thank you and hope to see you next year! (June
18th, 2003). Sincerely,"
Signed
- 2002 Alzheimer's Memory Walk Committee Members, Janet Kiesel, Pam
Dixon,
and Becky Edstrom,
Fairview Regional Health Services, Hibbing, MN
Kathrun Sislo, Guardian
Angels Health & Rehabilitation Center, Hibbing, MN - student
&
mentor music performance reference
"Dear Craig, Leah and Students,
Thank you for the wonderful musical program for our
Christmas Tea. I realize how
so much time and effort went into putting this program together for us.
What a
joyful
time we had. I have had many compliments on the wonderful talents
shared with us.
Your music studio is truly an impressive addition to
this community that enriches
the lives of the students and those who are fortunate to be able to
listen to them.
We hope that you enjoyed your time with us and hope
you will visit us again in the
near future. Thank you for enriching the holidays for all at Guardian
Angels. May you
have a joyful holiday season.:
Signed
- Kathryn Sislo, Guardian Angels Nursing Home, Hibbing, MN
Guardian Angels Nursing Home, Hibbing, MN -
student & mentor music performance reference
"Craig, Leah & Students,
Wishing you a day as warm as your heart...as welcome
as your thoughtfulness...as
appreciated as your kindness. Thanks you to all who helped in providing
the sonderful
music program. We enjoyed it so much."
Signed
- Residents & Staff, Guardian Angels Nursing Home, Hibbing, MN
Carol Cicmil, Security State Bank, Hibbing, MN - mentor
& student music performance reference
"Craig, your concert at Security State Bank last
Friday was delightful and gave
everyone an enjoyable afternoon. This poem, 'The Star Polisher' by Leah
Becks, is
YOU,
Craig! Your student, Nicole, showed it! Thanks!"
Signed - Carole Cicmil,
Security State Bank, Hibbing, MN
Quoting here is the masterful poem Carol sent, "The
Star Polisher" by Leah Becks:
"THE STAR POLISHER" - by Leah Becks
My job is to take the stars in, and shine them and
buff them, and then send them out into the sky.
I have a great job in the universe of occupations.
What do I do? I'm a "star polisher."
It's a very important job. If you want to know how
important, just go out at night and look at the stars twinkling and
sparkling.
You see, I'm a teacher. The stars are the children
in my class. My job is to take them in - in whatever shape they
come - and shine and buff them and them send them out to take their
places as bright little twinkling beacons in the sky.
They come into my room in all shapes and sizes.
Sometimes they're bent, tarnished, dirty, crinkly, and broken.
Some stars are cuddly, soft, and sweet. Some stars are prickly and
thorny.
As I buff, polish, train, and teach my little stars,
I tell them that the world cannot do without them. I tell them they
can do anything they set their minds to do. I tell them they can be the
brightest, shiniest stars in the sky, and the world
will be a better place because of them.
Each night as I look at the sky, I'm reminded of my
very important job and awesome responsibility. I go and get
my soft buffing cloth and my bottle of polish in preparation for
tomorrow and for my class of little stars."
Thank
you & kudos, Leah Becks, for writing this inspiring verse! What a
fitting analogy!
Ross & Karen Emerson, father &
mother of the bride, Courtney Emerson
"Dear Craig & Leah,
Thank you for the wonderful job you did singing
& playing at Courtney's wedding. The
young man [Jacob Rahier of Bigfork, MN] who sang the second song was
outstanding. He
should have a promising career ahead with that voice!
The enormous effort you made to make
Courtney's day perfect was greatly
appreciated.
The dance was a blast & people were out there dancing from the
first note on.
Craig, you are in my prayers daily. God Bless
you."
Signed
- Ross &
Karen Emerson, father & mother of the bride, Courtney Emerson
Sandy Holcomb, Co-Chair, American Cancer Society
Relay for Life, Hibbing, MN
"Dear Craig LiaBraaten and your talented voice &
piano students,
Thank you on behalf of the American Cancer Society
for being a corporate sponsor for
this years Relay for Life. Because of you and your students, this years
music was fantastic.
Thank you for helping to make our event a big success.
We do appreciate all you do for us. Sincerely,"
Signed
- Sandy Holcomb, Co-Chair, American Cancer Society Relay for Life,
Hibbing, MN
Tina and Jim Powers, Angora, MN - Parents
"Craig, words cannot express how appreciative we
were last week when you took
the time at the end of your work day to zap Maddy's music onto a CD.
You are
very
dedicated in your work and it shows through all of your voice &
piano students.
Madeline has learned so much from you in the past
four months. She is now much
more self-confident when she sings or speaks in front of a large crowd.
She looks forward to each weekly lesson. You do a
wonderful job teaching, and
you know how to make learning fun.
Thank you once again."
Signed
- Tina and Jim Powers, Angora, MN
Rev. Mark Palmer - Senior
Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church (Hibbing, MN)
"Craig LiaBraaten became my daughter Emily's piano
teacher, which has provided
her with great opportunity to expand her
abilities under his superb tutelage.
Clearly, the greater Hibbing area is also blessed to
have a businessman / musician of his caliber in our community. His
efforts have not only provided a work place for numerous
individuals
over the years, but the quality and high end musical training and
oversight that
few small communities can boast of.
I have wondered at times how a man who is head and
shoulders above the norm in his musical field is in Hibbing, Minnesota
when he could easily thrive in any metropolitan area.
I am thankful to
God and appreciative of the blessings that come to our greater
community through his multiple talents and abilities."
Lynn & Darin Stish - Parents (Hibbing, MN)
"Dear Mr. Craig & Miss Leah -
Thanks so very much for all that you have given (and
continue to give) to the young
musicians and singers of the Hibbing area. Your generosity, support for
the community,
positive guidance & love of music is very much appreciated by so
many.
On a personal level, you have been such a positive
influence and role model for our
daughter, Jordan, and our niece, KeKe. They have both benefitted so
much because of
your teaching, guidance and support. We truly appreciate all that you
do.
Please keep up the excellent tradition that you've
established in our area. As our town
continues to grow, I'm positive your industry will flourish. If we can
ever be of any help,
don't hesitate to call. Sincerely,"
Signed
- Lynn & Darin Stish, Hibbing, MN
Catherine
McBride and Dr. Russell Bergum, DO (Virginia, MN)
"We feel that the Kindermusik program offered by
Living Water Music is an excellent
opportunity for establishing an early and solid foundation for learning
and musical
development. The program centers around logical musical activities each
with a specific
developmental objective including recognition of high versus low notes,
rhythm patterns,
social interaction, listening and movement. We see benefits beyond
simple musical
appreciation including balance, concentration and the ability to stop
an activity on time.
The class structure is an excellent realm for
building our child's confidence in
participation as well as socialization in seeing other children learn
together. We
are happy
with the class length and transition among activities to stimulate,
focus and
hold our
child's attention.
Craig LiaBraaten presents the Kindermusik in an
amusing and safe environment. His
comfortable approach is clearly based on a solid foundation of musical
expertise. He
explains the logical and developmental process behind each activity
which not only
teaches the parents about musical development, but also provides an
unambiguous
structure that may be followed outside the class to increase the depth
of learning.
Our daughter Sylvie began her music study with Craig
at 6 months of age and we are so
happy with her development and enjoyment that we see no end to our
association with
Living Water Music and Kindermusik with Craig and Leah LiaBraaten.
Many thanks for a strong, smart and worthwhile
class."
Amber Emerson (Hibbing, MN)
"My son Cooper who started Kindermusik at 2 1/2
years old, looks forward to his "music
class with Mr. Craig & Leah" all week. His listening skills &
following directions have improved so much.
Craig & Leah are amazing with each child,
showing individual attention to each. They
are very impressive & dedicated to making Kindermusik special for
the entire family.
My daughter Macie is 15 months old and attends the
"Village" class. She also loves
her time there. I see such a big difference in the way she really
listens to the music now.
I know she can feel the rhythm in it.
Since enrolling my children in Kindermusik, they
sing & hum most of the day, smiling
and enjoying music. It has not only been a wonderful experience for
them, but I have truly
enjoyed listening & watching them grow with these classes.
Yes, definitely, I recommend 'Hibbing School of
Music presents Kindermusik' to others.
I will be back each year!"
Amber Emerson
rated the following items a "perfect 10" in our Kindermusik customer
survey: Professionalism,
Customer Service, Quality of your instructor (Craig LiaBraaten),
Quality of in-class
demonstrations and in-class music selections, and Overall Value
of the Program.
Randy S. Peterlin - Parent
(Hibbing, MN)
"Craig & Leah,
Hope you had a wonderful holiday season. I had a
great time at the recital. Sean really
enjoys his voice and piano lessons with you."
Signed - Randy S.
Peterlin, Hibbing, MN
Margie Veschell - Parent
(Side Lake, MN)
"Dear Craig,
Thank you very much for teaching Brittany and Drew
voice and piano lessons. They have
really learned a lot from you, and I'm happy with the progress they
made with learning to
read music, too.
They enjoy having your for a teacher.
As I told Leah, Britt must have told me at least 3-4
times - - 'I had a VERY good lesson'
last week - - and she was absolutely BEAMING.
God bless you and Leah!
Sincerely,"
Signed
- Margie Veschell
Ed Hulin - Grandparent & Tuition Sponsor (West Palm Beach, FL)
"Dear Craig,
Grandma and Grandpa are indeed very pleased
and happy that Granddaughter Molly
and Grandson Gus are making good progress in their musical training
with you.
They have mentioned they are very pleased with
their teacher [Craig LiaBraaten], and
results indicate that she is receiving very good instructions.
We thank you and we are very confident that
under your guidance they will continue to
be good students.
We wish you a very successful recital.
Sincerely,"
Signed - Grandpa Ed Hulin
Eunice Kosta - Grandparent & Tuition Sponsor (Zim, MN)
"Mr. LiaBraaten,
The singing was wonderful at your recital
yesterday. I especially enjoyed my
granddaughter Rachel Eastman singing.
You are doing a GREAT job. Music is a
wonderful thing. Sincerely,"
Signed - Eunice Kosta "Grandma"
Isaac Niebeling (Hibbing, MN)
"Dear Mr. LiaBraaten,
Thank you very much for the scholarship. I
think if I try even harder, I can do even
better!
Thanks again!
Your student,
Isaac Niebeling"
Chuck and Pam Soderling - Parents (Gilbert, MN)
"Dear Craig,
Thank you for your encouragement to our boys
[Tom, Mike & Luke], and, of course,
for the excellent musical training you are providing. We appreciate
your input in our
boys' lives."
Signed - Chuck & Pam Soderling
Chris and Janice Kunze - Parents (Keewatin, MN)
"Thank you both for the time and effort you
gave to Danny and Anna. We are very
grateful for the many years of piano lessons that Danny enjoyed and
also for the time Anna
had - - even though her time was short, she was very blessed.
Enjoy the goodies - - just a small token of
our gratitude to both of you."
Signed - Janice Kunze
The Kunze children each gave Mr. Craig a beautiful, artistic drawing at
their last lesson with
the following inscriptions written in their own handwriting:
"I'm really going to miss you! Sincerely, Danny Kunze
"I'll miss you! I'm really sad
that I can't take lessons from you any more. But you'll
always be my favorite piano teacher. I'm going to really miss you." Love, Anna Kunze
Kristine & Jessica Michaels (Side Lake, MN)
"Craig ~
Thank you for taking the time to make the CD
so we could sing for our cousin's wedding.
We all appreciate the hard work that you put
into everything you do, especially on such
short notice.
Thanks again!!
Signed - Kristine & Jessica Michaels
Kim &
Craig Giermann - Parents (Chisholm, MN)
"Thank you for such a positive experience - -
Alexandra's voice lessons & recital. Alex loves it and our whole
family enjoys it. We like learning and listening to
the talent
that comes through your studio.
The recital was a nice event. The extras like the
picture you printed yourself of every
student, the prizes, Dilly Bars, etc. were appreciated. Thanks again,"
Signed
- Kim & Craig Giermann, Chisholm, MN
Grandparents of Jordan
Stish (Hibbing, MN)
"Kudos and thank you to Craig and Leah
LiaBraaten of the Hibbing School of Music /
Living Water Music Studio for their dedication to their young music
students. We recently
(08-22-07) had the privilege of watching the 28th Annual LiaBraaten
Studio Awards Recital
at the Little Theater in the Memorial Building (Hibbing, MN) and we
were blown away.
The talented piano students and vocalists performed with such poise and
grace, they were
amazing to watch. It is evident that the student performers love what
they do and enjoy
performing. Thank you for your leadership, guidance and dedication to
their music
education. Thank you also for showcasing your students to the public.
We were pleased
to be invited to this awesome recital / concert."
Signed and
submitted to the Hibbing Daily Tribune "Kudos" Column on 08-25-07 by
"proud
grandparents"
Lee & Beth Aultman -
Parents (Eveleth, MN, formerly Buhl, MN & Britt, MN)
"Craig & Leah,
Thank you, or as they say in Germany - - 'Donkey
Chain'! [donkey cartoon]
Thank you so much for everything you both do - - all
the long hours you put in to do
things 'right' and to make the kids feel special. We are so thankful to
have
you teach
Brittany & Vanessa, and also very grateful (beyond the proper words
actually) that
you offered to help us move. That was obviously a sacrificial offer. We
really appreciate
both
of you. Thanks again!
Love from"
Signed
- Lee, Beth, Vanessa, Brittany Aultman
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