Music Lessons

Haggerty’s Makes it Fun and Easy to Learn to Play!

Unlock the transformative power of music with our expert-led instrument lessons. Learning to play an instrument offers a plethora of benefits, from reducing stress to enhancing focus and even boosting academic performance. At Haggerty's, our patient and professional musicians are passionate about helping students uncover their musical talents and achieve their goals.

Our instructors bring years of experience in playing, performing, and teaching, catering to both beginners and advanced musicians alike. Whether you're interested in guitar, piano, violin, drums, brass, woodwind, or other stringed instruments, we offer comprehensive lessons tailored to your skill level and musical aspirations.

Choose from a variety of instrument lessons, including:

Guitar
Vocal
Piano and Keyboard
Violin, Viola, and Other Stringed Instruments
Drum
Trombone, Trumpet, and Other Brass Instruments
Flute, Saxophone, and Other Woodwinds

Lessons typically run in 30-minute time slots, with the option for hour-long sessions for more intensive learning. Our competitive pricing starts at $25 per 30-minute lesson, with rates for advanced lessons discussed directly with the instructors.

Scheduling is flexible and arranged directly with your selected teacher. Get started on your musical journey today by contacting one of our experienced instructors below for more details.

Scheduling is done with the teacher selected. Please contact one of our teachers below for details.

Paul Whitcamp

Guitar - Rapid City

260-519-0296

paul.h.witkamp@gmail.com

Paul started learning guitar at the age of 12 at his local music shop in Huntington, IN. He went on to pursue his Bachelor of Music in Music Technology from Ball State University. He began to truly love the art of classical guitar and was awarded the Ball State Classical Guitar Assistantship which allowed him to receive his Master of Music in Performance. From there he moved to Chicago, IL where he began teaching at Merit School of Music and Sherwood Community Music School at Columbia College.

Throughout this entire time Paul performed classical pieces, popular hits, original compositions, and contemporary works as a solo artist, in various ensembles, and rock bands. Paul decided to serve his country and joined the USAF in 2019 and now that his service is over he is delighted to bring his talents and expertise to Haggerty’s and the Rapid City area.

Rick Hamil

Band - Rapid City

rickhamil@gmail.com

Rick Hamil has been a School Band Director in South Dakota for 13 years. He was the band director in Hoven, SD, Martin, SD, and Custer, SD before accepting his is current position as the beginning band director for The Douglas School District in Box Elder.

Rick received his Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Music Education from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI and his Master of Music in Orchestral Trumpet Performance from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. Rick loves to play the trumpet. He maintains a busy performance schedule playing trumpet with the Black Hills Symphony, Black Hills Community Theater, and various small groups and solo performances throughout the Black Hills.

Stephanie Hanson

Piano - Rapid City

sdmusicinstruction@gmail.com

Stephanie Hanson has been playing the piano and studying music since
she was 8 years old. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education,
is a graduate of the LoVetri Institute for Somatic Voicework at
Baldwin Wallace University, and has two piano teaching certificates
from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Stephanie has
studied piano with Dr. Silvana Santinelli and Kathryn Mientka
Farruggia, and studied voice with Erica Northcott.

Stephanie has taught piano lessons for over 20 years, to all ages and
levels, having formerly taught at Rapid City School of Music.

Ms. Hanson has performed as a solo performer in the United States and
Canada, with the Classical piano quartet Cantare, and various other
musical groups in the Black Hills area, as well as Seraphim Theatrical
Entertainment.

Stephanie is a member of the Dakota Choral Union, as well as being the
Secretary on the Board of Directors. She is a member of the Music
Teachers National Association (MTNA), and the National Association of
Singing Teachers (NATS).

Kyle Blessing

Viola, Fiddle, Guitar, Piano, Composition, Sound Recording/Editing - Rapid City

kbless56@gmail.com

Kyle is a professional musician and educator. He records, tours and arranges and records strings for artists in a wide range of styles, from underground rappers to indie rock bands to Grammy-winning pop producers. He teaches many students weekly, ranging in ability from beginner to advanced. His versatility, experience, and formal training ensure a fun and engaging learning experience, catered towards what YOU want to learn.

Kyle's students receive top notch training in instrumental technique, note reading, and theory. Students interested in writing/recording/producing will also have the opportunity to write and record a song or instrumental piece with Kyle, and learn all his best tips and tricks along the way!

Curtis Peacock

Violin - Rapid City

605-348-3405

Having studied piano and solfege at the age of 5 years, Curtis started playing the violin in his fourth grade school orchestra. He was also first chair of his middle school and high school orchestras! He was also first chair at UTEP and the University of Colorado, where he studied violin with Abraham Chavez and Oswald Lehnert.

He earned a Bachelor's in Music and Bachelor's in Music Education degrees followed by a Master in Music for Violin, enrollment in a D.M.A., and an appointment to the University of Colorado Faculty.

Curtis Taught Violin at Casper College in Wyoming for thirty years. He has been featured Violin Soloist with symphonies in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nebraska, and North Dakota. He has recorded for BIDDULPH records in London, England.

Thomas White

Cello - Rapid City

tomnello07@gmail.com

Thomas has been playing the cello for 20 years. He received early instruction from Michael Ronstadt that gave him a strong foundation in classical technique. A computer scientist by training, he has relied on the cello as a source of creative expression, and he has always been a dedicated student of the cello even while pursuing other academic and professional paths.

Since coming to Rapid City, he has been playing with the School of Mines Community Orchestra. With Thomas you can expect a structured approach that will develop a solid foundation in the cello that emphasizes proper form, musical expresssion, and building the technical skills necessary for success.

Rachel Smithley

Piano, Guitar, Trumpet - Rapid City

rachelsmithley5@gmail.com

Rachel Smithley began studying piano at the age of six and quickly developed a lifelong passion for music. In middle school, she added guitar to her repertoire, and by high school she was playing trumpet, performing in community orchestras, jazz bands, and later in her college symphony orchestra.

Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and combines her background in teaching with her love for music to create engaging, supportive lessons for students of all ages. She strives to help each student build confidence, develop their musical skills, and discover their own expressive voice.

For Rachel, music is not only a form of art but also a source of connection and healing. She believes everyone can benefit from the joy and creativity that music brings and looks forward to sharing that experience with her students.

Jodie Bunish

Piano - Rapid City

651 263-2748

gizmomj243@gmail.com

With six years of experience as a dedicated instructor at the Minnesota School of Music, this music lover has a passion for getting students started on the exciting path of learning and loving music.

Jodie began playing piano at 6 years old and gradually added more instruments as her love for music grew.

Rooted in a strong educational background, Jodie is a firm believer in making music accessible and engaging for everyone, especially children. She tailors her teaching to be developmentally appropriate, ensuring that lessons resonate with young learners and foster a lifelong appreciation for the art form.

Jodie's own musical journey has been rich and varied. As a versatile musician, She has enjoyed her time as part of numerous bands and groups, contributing as a keyboardist, guitar player, and vocalist. She even brings a touch of folk charm with a little experience playing the mandolin. This broad, hands-on performance background provides students with a teacher who understands the joy of collaborative music-making and the practical skills needed to thrive in any musical setting.