"Aaron was my violin teacher for 4+ years and I couldn't possibly think or speak more highly of him. Aaron not only helped me grow as a violinist, but he also supported me as a whole individual in all of my goals and endeavors. I am forever grateful for getting to work with such a talented musician and incredible person! I can't recommend Aaron enough if you are looking for a violin teacher."
Maria Landherr, St. Olaf College Bachelor of Arts, Biology 2022, University of Minnesota Medical School MS2
"In the depths of the pandemic in 2020, my daughter’s freshman year in high school, we went for a walk and she told me she had decided she wanted to be a professional musician. She had been playing Suzuki violin since she was four years old with our family’s teacher, Beatrice Blanc, at MacPhail. We all play violin. For me, music has been a way to have a balanced life, not a career ambition. I didn’t know the way forward to help Celine. Beatrice had noticed that Celine was enjoying experimenting on her sister’s viola and encouraged her to go farther with it. She connected us to Aaron and urged him to take her on as a viola student. Celine began studying with Aaron on viola in September 2022.
I watched as he mentored her with precision and care, always positive and encouraging. She flourished under his guidance. At the end of each lesson it seemed so much learning had happened. I felt incredible gratitude that she was receiving such nuanced attention always in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Aaron knows how to build up young people in a way that is truly transformative. By September 2023, Celine was ready to prepare for the fall conservatory audition season. He helped her navigate several competitions and conservatory applications. She won the Grand Prize at the Mary West Competition and was a finalist for the GTCYS concerto competition. Celine is thrilled to be enrolling at the New England Conservatory in fall 2024. I could hardly have conceived that any of this would have been possible on our walk four years ago. We are truly grateful for the time, expertise and consistent, gentle motivation and guidance that Aaron has provided. He is the real deal. A true gem."
Dr. Jeannine Cavender-Bares (Parent of Violist Celine Bares, New England Conservatory, class of 2028)
Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Director of Harvard University Herbaria
Harvard University
"I highly recommend Aaron Janse to students seeking a supportive and experienced mentor to help them improve as musicians.
As an experienced educator, I recognize Aaron's traits as a masterful and devoted teacher. Aaron is not only knowledgeable but also inspiring. Lessons and recitals with Aaron instill skill, confidence, and passion for music in his students. Aaron is patient and attentive to each student’s unique needs, finding an ideal balance of challenge and progress to keep students engaged and motivated.
Aaron is unwaveringly committed to all his students. His studio recitals present an opportunity to enjoy beautiful music and supportive camaraderie among the studio students. There are few things more conducive to students’ growth than having the chance to get on stage to share music they have worked so hard on with friends and family.
By joining Aaron's studio, students not only gain a supportive mentor but also become part of a community that is ready to help them reach their full potential. Aaron's dedication and pride in his students' long-term success is remarkable. He provides personalized guidance, tailored practice routines, and numerous performance opportunities to showcase their talents."
Lynn Swanson, Stillwater High School Chemistry Faculty, and parent of Grace Weitzel, Violinist at Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University Class of 2027.
"Working with Aaron was the most formative experience of my high school years. He helped me grow so much as a musician and enabled me to access so much more than correct notes and technique. Aaron is compassionate and welcoming and always made me feel comfortable and supported. I was so lucky to have him as a teacher and mentor."
- Adeline Balfour - Cornell University, Class of 2021 (Viola)
"Aaron began teaching my daughter Sarah when she was in 7th grade. He became a force of good in her life. Sarah was an intense child and Aaron taught her to breathe. He inspired her to practice violin but more importantly taught her that grit and hard work mattered more.
As a parent who knew nothing about music and in fact never went to the symphony other than during a school field trip, I needed someone who would guide me as a parent of a young musician. Aaron helped me understand the musical community in the twin cities. He helped us find GTCYS. In high school, he helped Sarah choose competitions to compete in and whether she accomplished her goals or not, Aaron was there to help her with managing her musical successes and disappointments.
During Sarah's senior year, Aaron helped her prepare a violin piece for a music portfolio as she applied to colleges. Once she was accepted to Cornell University, he prepared her for auditioning for their orchestra. She was thrilled to be selected to play in the Symphony Orchestra.
Over this past summer, Aaron made room in his schedule to help Sarah audition again. Sarah was chosen as the Concertmaster of the Cornell Symphony Orchestra as a sophomore. One of the comments she received after her audition was that it was so nice to see a musician who knew how to breath as they played.
Aaron is a gifted teacher. He is kind, thoughtful, inspiring and a genuinely good human being. Your child will be fortunate to study in his studio. We know he changed the trajectory of Sarah's life"
- Laurel Edinburgh, Minneapolis
"My son started taking violin lessons from Aaron at the age of 14. It was obvious to me from the start that despite his own busy music career Aaron was an extremely passionate, dedicated and mindful teacher. With patience and encouragement, he consistently challenged my son to become a better violinist, both technically and artistically. It was under Aaron’s skilled instruction that my son matured into a college level musician who still contacts Aaron when he is home to request another lesson!"
- Angela Parsons, Saint Paul
“Aaron is a fantastic teacher and mentor. Under his instruction, he was able to organize and raise the level of my playing immensely in a short time. With his help, I was able to get a spot in one of the best music schools in the country and begin my pursuit of a career in music with solid footing.”
- Mark Hatlestad, Indiana University: Jacobs School of Music (B.M. 2015, M.M. 2017 - Viola)
"I started taking lessons from Aaron when I was 15. Prior to that, I had been in a Suzuki studio. After learning how accomplished of a player he was, I was a bit intimidated to take lessons with him. However, from my first lesson, Aaron’s friendly and encouraging teaching style put me at ease. It’s very clear that he’s a dedicated teacher. After taking lessons with Aaron, I became more enthusiastic about playing the violin and started wanting to major in music, something I hadn’t been considering before studying with him. It is because of Aaron that I was able to successfully audition at several music schools and even received a scholarship at my top choice, where I am studying now. Lessons with Aaron were always the highlight of my week. I am looking forward to being able to take more lessons with him during college break times, and I’m so thankful to be able to look to him for mentorship on an ongoing basis."
- Anna Luebke - UW Madison, Music Performance Major (Violin), Class of 2021
"Compassionate yet demanding, Aaron was an incredible teacher for my son in middle school through high school. Aaron’s approach was so positive as he encouraged my son to be the best musician he could be. I sat through several lessons and was so buoyed by the experience that I even contemplated taking lessons from Aaron myself!
Aaron is an inspiring mentor and staunch supporter of his students; he is an absolutely fantastic teacher."
S. Lodge - Minneapolis
"Ever since I started taking lessons from Aaron at the beginning of high school, I have always respected and enjoyed Aaron’s enthusiasm for music and teaching. Although I am three years in to college, his advice still resonates with me to this day. His work with me through high school has prepared me for my college studies in music more than I could have expected. I am grateful to him for all the success and fun that I have in my college ensemble and solo work. I still love to catch up with Aaron for a few lessons whenever I am home. They always make the difference when I return to school."
- Nathan Parsons, Luther College undergraduate (Violin)
"Aaron was perfect match for my highly driven daughter. With compassion and exceptional standards he took her from pretty good to All State 1st chair second violin. She is now completing a double major in math and music performance. Aaron rocks classical!!"
- Scott Yarosh, Saint Paul