Riverside School of Music exists to equip people to use their gifts to glorify God, by training and equipping people in the arts, developing their skills and abilities, so that they will be prepared, when given the opportunity, to contribute in worship. Riverside School of Music is unique in that our teachers are Fully Devoted Followers of Jesus Christ and strive to honor Him with their lives. We currently offer lessons in guitar, piano & drums.
Weekly lessons run from September through May with breaks for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
Tuition/Costs
Individual teachers have set their own tuition rates. Tuition is to be paid at the first lesson of the month for the entire month. Students are responsible for the cost of their books and materials.
Our Instructors
Piano
Brenda Andrews
Email:
Brenda has been playing piano since a young age and has been involved in church music for many years. She has given lessons to a variety of ages and skill levels and enjoys encouraging people to use their musical talent for the Lord. Lesson days and times are flexible. Please contact her directly and arrange the best time.
Guitar
Blake welhouse
Blake has been playing for over 15 years. He started serving on a worship team when he was 12 and has played in many venues (festivals, farmer’s markets). He has been teaching guitar for 3 years and directed multiple music groups. While Blake enjoys teaching students songs, he is passionate about helping them create healthy habits that will grow them as musicians.
Adam Schnell
Phone: 515-208-7987
Adam Schnell has been playing guitar from a young age, learning from various music schools as well as self-taught. He enjoys a wide variety of music genres and enjoys working with students to find what they enjoy in music. He started playing with his church after coming to youth group and becoming a Christian and soon learned the joy of playing with others for a purpose. He teaches beginner and intermediate guitar and various learning goals.
David Neese
Phone: 612-810-0185
When David was 12, everyone in his family had to learn an instrument: He chose guitar. Taking formal lessons for 2 years, and intermittently during high school, He accompanied his HS choir, and played acoustic in a cover band & at coffee shops for 3 years in college. Once a career kept him busy He played for enjoyment, continuing lessons to improve his knowledge & learn new skills. Moving to St. Cloud in 1992, He began playing in the worship team at church; in 2019 He came to Riverside & started playing here. David enjoys teaching, coaching youth soccer & football, volunteers in Cub Scouts, and taught surgical residents, and designed curricula for hospitals. David looks forward to helping students learn to play guitar.
Drums
Daren Storey
Phone: 612-710-2415
Daren has found himself in almost every musical situation possible. Rock bands, jazz bands, orchestra, and country, concert band, marching band and pep band. Daren majored in music education while at NDSU. He has played in many venues ranging from large-scale rock concerts to small ensemble coffee shop jazz groups—and even done some studio work. He will teach drumming for any style of music. Lesson times can vary depending on the best time for both student and instructor. Please contact him directly and arrange the best time.
recitals
All students have the opportunity and are strongly encouraged to participate in our recitals.
Registration
Students are responsible for a $10 registration fee paid annually to Riverside Church. Registration covers recital costs, and facility usage including room upkeep and piano tuning. Registration must be completed on this form PRIOR to the first lesson.