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 $30 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.
Paul Witkamp
Guitar - Rapid City
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.
Rachel Smithley
Piano, Guitar, Trumpet - Rapid City
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
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.
Thomas White
Cello - Rapid City
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.
Kyle Blessing
Viola, Fiddle, Guitar, Piano, Composition, Sound Recording/Editing - Rapid City
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!
Wes Wooley
Guitar - Rapid City
My journey playing guitar began at the age of six. We travelled quite a bit growing up and I was fortunate enough to receive guitar lessons wherever we lived. This proved to be the foundation of my love for music.
The guitar is a fun instrument, and there is nothing like being able to play your favorite songs – whether it’s a new hit on the radio, or an old classic!
Bluegrass, Country, Rock and a bit of Folk music make up my playlists, and I would enjoy sharing everything that I have learned to help you enjoy becoming the guitar player you wish to be.
If you have always wanted to play the guitar, there is no better time than now!
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).
Jamie St. Clair-Linde
Violin - Rapid City
chstclajam@gmail.com
Jamie was born and raised here in Rapid City. She began playing the violin at the age of four with the Black Hills Suzuki School. Her passion for music grew over the years, becoming a self-taught composer and personal instructor at 14 years old. She has enjoyed playing with the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra, Black Hills Playhouse, Black Hills Community Theater, and many other local groups.
She strongly believes that music is a gift, and the joy of creating it should be experienced by everyone. Whether you're picking up a violin for the first time, or ready to learn advanced repertoire, she looks forward to helping you reach your musical goals.
Full List
Paul Witkamp - Guitar
paul.h.witkamp@gmail.com
Kathleen Beutler - Piano
605-391-7004
Kyle Blessing - Viola, Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Music Theory/Composition, Recording/Editing
631-575-9749
Alex Massa - Trumpet & Music Theory
Jamie St. Clair-Linde - Violin
chstclajam@gmail.com
Mary Temple - Banjo
605-645-2394
Stephanie Hanson - Piano
Thomas White - Cello
Rachel Smithley - Piano, Guitar & Trumpet
Jodie Bunish - Piano
Wes Wooley - Guitar