OUR MISSION:
To enthusiastically teach music to children to create a positive musical legacy that enriches family life and builds a solid foundation for generations.
THe History of Farmhouse
Farmhouse Music Studio began its journey in 2014 as an independent piano studio nestled near Loretto, MN. Housed in a 150-year-old farmhouse, complete with hand-hewn timbers and a fieldstone foundation, it became a haven for musical exploration. Despite its small size, the farmhouse was filled with sounds of various instruments – piano, drums, cello, accordion, guitars, ukuleles, and whatever else Sonja's family could lay their hands on.
The studio's name, "Farmhouse Music Studio," was a deliberate choice aimed at guiding students from nearby suburbs to envision the unique setting awaiting them for their first lesson. Though only a stone's throw away from the suburbs, the studio's rustic charm lent it an air of remoteness. As students attended their piano lessons, they often found themselves surrounded by the lively antics of chickens, goats, geese, cats, and dogs that roamed the farm.
In a bold move in 2020, Sonja relocated the studio to a commercial space in Long Lake, MN. Despite leaving behind the rustic charm of the farmhouse, the new location proved to be a fertile ground for growth. Within just three years, Farmhouse Music Studio burgeoned to accommodate over 125 piano, voice, and guitar students and a team of talented teachers.
Sonja didn’t stop there. She had an idea for another location, this time in the south metro. She was attracted to the vibrant community, its schools, businesses, and very active arts scene in Lakeville, MN. In the fall of 2023, Farmhouse Music Studio opened a second location there. Both the Long Lake and Lakeville studios are thriving and attracting incredibly talented piano teachers, who share Sonja’s vision for providing every student-young or old- with the opportunity to learn piano.
Through its evolution, from farmhouse to commercial space, the studio remained steadfast in its commitment to nurturing musical talent and fostering a love for music in students of all ages.
Meet the Staff
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Sonja Graham is a seasoned music educator and performer with over two decades of piano coaching experience. With a K-12 Music Education Degree, she has taught piano and voice to students of all ages, and serves as a judge for piano exams and competitions for the MN Music Teachers Association (MMTA).
During her years as a professional performer, Sonja has applied her talents as a keyboardist, singer, and dancer, having opened for several Grammy-winning artists. She has also been a high school choir director and show choir clinician, guiding young talents in music and performance.
Passionate about music's transformative power, Sonja instills discipline, preparation, and confidence in her students, fostering a deep love and appreciation for piano.
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Welcome to Farmhouse Music! Amanda is an instructor with a bachelor's degree in Music Education, distributed by Luther College in Decorah (IA). She has taken piano lessons for twenty years and voice lessons for twelve years, and she finds immense enjoyment in utilizing those skills to write her own songs. When she isn't at the studio, Amanda can often be found writing books or playing video games with friends.
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Jim has decades of experience helping students learn the building blocks of music and unlock the joy of playing the piano. He gigs regularly as a freelance accompanist for musical theater, choir concerts, worship services, and even as a restaurant pianist.
Although his work requires him to play a broad range of musical genres and styles, his heart is happiest when playing pop, rock, and jazz.
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Mellisa began piano at just 3 years of age. She is passionate about teaching piano. "My goal as your teacher is to nurture a genuine love for music.”
Mellisa specializes in music theory, composition, curriculum production, and online piano lessons. She has a Master of Arts degree in piano pedagogy and bachelor of arts in Music Education and liturgical music and a minor in flute performance and Bible. Mellisa is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music.
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Piano Teacher - Allegro Program
Now Hiring for our NEW lakeville location!!
Careers at FMS
Do you want to collaborate and be inspired by amazing teachers?
Are you joyful and passionate about teaching music and helping others grow?
If the answer is “yes”, then FMS may be right for you!
Read below for teaching opportunities.
Do you have a passion for giving a lifelong gift of music to young people?
Do you like freedom and flexibility with your teaching and your schedule?
Are you tired of traditional ways of teaching & want an innovative environment?
Do you have 2 or more days available to teach in the afternoons and evenings?
Available Job Positions
Piano Instructor - Beginners
Teachers may also teach other levels.
Teaching Assistant - Lakeville
Assist students and lead teacher
Workshop/Specialty Class Piano Instructor
The sky is the limit! What piano skills can you teach that are beyond the method books? Songwriting? Playing by Ear? Jazz? Ensembles? We would love to hear the ideas you have!
Workshops are primarily 5-day courses presented in the summer, but could also apply to weekends and school holidays.
