Joanne Andrus is a truly wonderful music teacher. We cannot recommend her highly enough! Over the last seven years, she has taught our kids orchestra, violin and voice. Joanne is friendly, encouraging and challenging in a way that is perfectly suited to kids learning music, whether just starting out or already well on their way. And she customizes her teaching in ways that keep her students engaged and help each individual for specific situations. She has helped our kids to learn their parts for school choirs and orchestras, and to successfully audition for leading roles in school musicals, and to earn and defend first chair in orchestra. And she's even given a few singing lessons to my wife and me, too. Joanne really is well-rounded, and the perfect package for teaching music. Our family can sing her praises all day. In fact, if you want to speak directly to someone who has only known Joanne through her teaching (no prior relationship), ask her for my number and I would be happy to answer any questions. We really do think the world of Joanne and feel so grateful for the huge positive impact she's had for our family.
Chad S. , father of 2 talented daughters and community actor
Joanne changes lives! Her broad skills related to voice and several instruments make her an ideal teacher for anyone interested in music. Beyond her amazing talents, she has valued experience as a mother of 6 wonderful kids and a zillion hours serving kids in various schools in her community. Joanne knows music! But she also is fun, motivational, empathetic, affordable, and effective. She is able to encourage all abilities and ages while maintaining understanding and compassion for students’ unique characters. I have 4 kids who were blessed with Joanne’s lasting influence. Because of the confidence and skills she gave them, they have had amazing opportunities that they would have never considered without her. Each of them still speak of her with gratitude and love. We are so grateful that she shares her talents.
Debbie R. , mother of 4 children who took piano and/or voice lessons for multiple years
My daugher had the great fortune of having Mrs. Andrus begin a new orchestra program at her elementary school, Oak Hollow. From the very beginning both of us were drawn in by her great enthusiasm and love of music and children. My daughter decided she wanted to learn how to play the cello in the orchestra, and for two years Mrs. Andrus coached her and the other orchestra players as they learned not only how to make a good sound with their instruments, but to love making music together! Mrs. Andrus has an amazing talent for helping the children feel like they are important, and passing on her great love of music. Her enthusiasm is very contagious! After 2 years in this wonderful orchestra, my daughter decided to continue her studies with a great private teacher, and now has the lofty goal of playing in the Orchestra at Temple Square some day. I have no doubt that it was because of the wonderful encouragement and first-rate teaching of Mrs. Andrus! Thank you so much for all you do to enrich our school music programs and our whole community! (This student is now going to college in cello performance!)
Melinda B. , orchestra parent
Joanne is an incredible music teacher who has taught my girls singing at different points in their lives. MiniMusic is a great way to introduce the basics of music to young children. I feel it has helped them immensely as now they can accompany for church groups on the piano. MiniMusic gave them a solid foundation of music.
They have also taken summer group singing lessons. My girls had a great time as Joanne helped them gain confidence in performing. To this day, they remember and use some of the techniques taught by Joanne Andrus.
Joanne is not only incredibly talented musically but also has a gift for working with children.
Kelli C. , mother of 3 daughters who are all former students for multiple years
My daughter played in her elementary school orchestra with Joanne, then also took private viola lessons from Joanne for 4 years. She just loves her. Joanne is a great instructor who is patient, sensitive, and a great motivator. I think the fact that Karlie is still playing after 5 years speaks volumes for Joanne. She is awesome!
Jenifer S., mother of a viola and orchestra student