Madeleine Folkerts, M.M.
PERFORMER
EDUCATOR
COLLABORATIVE PIANIST
Location: Missoula, Montana
Madeleine Folkerts is a Missoula-based performer and educator. She is Adjunct Instructor of Horn at the University of Montana, the Principal Horn in Bozeman Symphony, and a former member of the Chinook Winds, in Great Falls. She also frequently performs with other orchestras around the state. She has worked as the collaborative pianist for the University of Montana Chamber Chorale and University Choir for the past two years. She has private horn and piano students throughout the state and works in the public schools, both as a horn instructor and collaborative pianist.
She moved to Montana after completing two degrees in performance and psychology/neuroscience at St. Olaf College. Madeleine has performed as a member of the Big Sky Festival Orchestra and the National Repertory Orchestra, as well as in other festival ensembles. She has been a featured soloist with the Bozeman Symphony and Great Falls Symphony, as well as the St. Olaf Band and Orchestra and University of Montana Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Originally from Port Orchard, WA she enjoys being back in the mountains, taking advantage of everything Montana has to offer on foot, bike, skis, and from the rock wall as much as she can.
Private Lessons
I offer both in-person and virtual lessons, serving students both in Missoula and around the state. If you’re curious about lessons, I offer one free half-hour lesson to prospective students, no strings attached. Give it a try! All ages and levels of experience are welcome.
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Starting lessons as soon as your student receives their horn is the best way to ensure they learn correct habits right away. As a professional horn player, I have the experience and insight to guide them to success.
Most students begin with 30-minute lessons, moving to 45-minute or hour-long lessons as they advance. Chat with me to figure out the best lesson length for your student!
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I teach students ranging from beginner to late intermediate, starting as young as three years old. However, it’s never too late to learn an instrument, and I enjoy working with adults of all ages as well. If you’re looking to give your student a head start on their musical education, or pick up a new skill yourself, piano lessons are a great way to go.
Most students begin with 30-minute lessons, moving to 45-minute or hour-long lessons as they advance. Chat with me to figure out the best lesson length for you or your student!
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30-minutes: $40
45-minutes: $50
1 hour: $60
Private Lessons FAQs
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Just as most students who participate in sports won’t go on to be professional athletes, most students who take lessons won’t go on to be professional musicians. However, just as in sports and academic classes, your student will learn many important lessons about discipline, perseverance, struggle, and success, all while gaining creative skills. Many studies show that students who are involved in music have a higher likelihood for success later in life, and it’s no coincidence that many doctors, lawyers, and professionals in other competitive fields have a musical background.
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While band directors offer as much individualized instruction for students as they can, there are many benefits to seeking a more personalized approach. One-on-one time with a professional who is experienced at the instrument they are teaching helps the student grow and learn much more quickly and opens the doors to many more opportunities outside of the classroom.
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For students taking half hour lessons, I recommend at least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week. This amount should increase proportionally to the lesson time.
Practice time depends on many factors, the biggest of which is how quickly the student wants to progress. I’m a big advocate for the “work smarter, not harder” approach. In my lesson notes I aim to give my students specific goals and items to practice to help them practice efficiently.
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I was in piano lessons starting from age 3, and began horn lessons consistently when I was in 10th grade. I certainly didn’t want to be in lessons for many of those years, but I am so grateful to my parents for not letting me quit.
I find it extremely important to maintain a high level of performance on instruments that I teach so I can be a good example for my students. I am an active performer on both horn and piano in Missoula and around the state.
As a teacher, I strive to meet each student where they’re at. I recognize that every student has a different learning style and pace, and that each student has different goals. My first and foremost goal is to help my students achieve their highest potential.
Collaborative Pianist
Have a performance coming up? I would love to work with you! Please reach out to me with details about your event and a PDF of the piano part.
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Up to $100 total
Includes two 30-minute rehearsals or lessons.
Extra rehearsals or lessons are $30 per 30-minute increment.
$20 discount if music is provided by October 1 (fall semester) or March 1 (spring semester).
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Up to $200 total
Includes up to four 30-minute rehearsals or lessons.
Extra rehearsals or lessons are $30 per 30-minute increment.
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Up to $325 total
Includes up to three 60-minute rehearsals or lessons.
Extra rehearsals or lessons are $30 per 30-minute increment.
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$60 total
Includes one 30-minute rehearsal.
Extra rehearsals are $30.