I am proud and honored to have become a faculty member at The MacPhail Center For Music in Minneapolis. The MacPhail School was founded in 1907 by William S. MacPhail, a violinist and original member of the Minneapolis Symphony (Now the Minnesota Orchestra). I’m not sure that William isn’t turning over in his grave knowing that they hired a fiddler like me to teach at his name sake but, it does speak volumes about the direction this school has taken in it’s 100 plus years of it’s existence. When the school was founded by William it’s primary focus was training young classical violinists. Now it has everything from Suzuki programs to African drumming, Jazz programs to mandolin (That’s me) to everything in between. It has become the premiere music school in the greater twin cities area. Here are a few little known historical tid bits from MacPhail. Lawrence Welk graduated from MacPhail in 1927. I think that’s totally awesome. Also, a young Minnesota native from Nordeast Minneapolis took violin and piano lessons back in the 1960’s. That was back when the MacPhail school became part of the University of Minnesota. This young lad did not graduate however and, after a few months found that classical training was to vexing and decided to do it the old fashioned fun way. Teach himself! That young fellow was me. When I became a father I sent my daughter to MacPhail to study violin in their Suzuki program. So not only do I have a history with MacPhail but now I’m back to help others make their own history as well.
Now, I’m no stranger to teaching, having started at The West Bank School Of Music in the mid 1970’s. I taught mandolin, fiddle, and guitar and tried to impart whatever musical knowledge I could muster (at the ripe old age of 22) to my students. I taught there for a few years then decided to focus my energy on performing and being a recording studio musician. I still taught at the occasional music camp nationally, and had a few individuals that I gave private lessons to over the years but because of my touring schedule could not dedicate myself to teaching. Well, 35 years later, with thousands of gigs and recording sessions under my belt, I can still say I love to perform and record but, when you hit the age of 55 you start thinking about those twilight years looming in the distance. New thoughts of “leaving a legacy behind” and “leaving the world a better place” start creeping into your thoughts. I now realize that when I first picked up my Dad’s mandolin around the age of 3 that music was going to be my best friend all of my days. The act of learning how to express who you are on your chosen instrument is a life long struggle and ultimately the most satisfying thing you could do for yourself and consequently for those around you. I truly believe this with all my heart. So at this point in my life I can think of nothing better then to share my musical knowledge and experience with others who are struggling with their own journeys of self-expression through music. Nothing tickles me more then to see that light bulb go on above my student’s head.
All ages. All levels. I would love to work with you.
Yours in music, Peter Ostroushko
I am proud and honored to have become a faculty member at The MacPhail Center For Music in Minneapolis. The MacPhail School was founded in 1907 by William S. MacPhail, a violinist and original member of the Minneapolis Symphony (Now the Minnesota Orchestra). I’m not sure that William isn’t turning over in his grave knowing that they hired a fiddler like me to teach at his name sake but, it does speak volumes about the direction this school has taken in it’s 100 plus years of it’s existence. When the school was founded by William it’s primary focus was training young classical violinists. Now it has everything from Suzuki programs to African drumming, Jazz programs to mandolin (That’s me) to everything in between. It has become the premiere music school in the greater twin cities area. Here are a few little known historical tid bits from MacPhail. Lawrence Welk graduated from MacPhail in 1927. I think that’s totally awesome. Also, a young Minnesota native from Nordeast Minneapolis took violin and piano lessons back in the 1960’s. That was back when the MacPhail school became part of the University of Minnesota. This young lad did not graduate however and, after a few months found that classical training was to vexing and decided to do it the old fashioned fun way. Teach himself! That young fellow was me. When I became a father I sent my daughter to MacPhail to study violin in their Suzuki program. So not only do I have a history with MacPhail but now I’m back to help others make their own history as well.