Conner Gorby

Clarinet, Saxophone, Upright Bass, Bass Guitar

Check out Conner’s Profile!

How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching since 2022.

 

Which Opus Music Academy locations do you work? Do you have your own studio? If so, where is it located? Do you offer in-home lessons?

I teach at all Opus Music academy locations. I also offer in home lessons.

 

What instruments do you teach? Anything else you teach?

I teach Clarinet, saxophone, electric bass, and Upright Bass.

 

What is your studio story? How did you get to where you are now?

I began taking Students during my undergrad in Abilene, TX. When I moved to Arlington, TX, I taught lessons through Guitar Center. I then took a few years off, until my spouse and I moved up here to the Minneapolis area.

 

What is one thing you think you do really well as a teacher?

Something that I believe that I do well is letting students set the pace of their learning. I want to make sure that each student is able to attain their goals and a huge part of that is making sure that they are getting to learn at a pace that ensures they get what they need.

 

What is one thing you really struggle with as a teacher?

Something I struggle with as a teacher is that I tend to have a very monotone voice, so my excitement for them nailing a piece they have been working on or finally getting through a tough scale may not come through. I am working on that everyday.

 

What do you do to retain your students?

I like to make sure that students are getting to focus on the things they want to learn. We may spend time working on techniques or diminished seventh chords, but I will also make sure to spend time in the lesson going over something that they are excited about.

 

Share a funny music story:

I once had a student show up three hours early to lesson because they had taken a nap. When they woke up they freaked out because they thought they had slept through their lesson so they rushed to the guitar center studio and walked into the room and sat down before they realized what time it was.

 

What is your niche? What sets you apart from other teachers?

Throughout my music career, I have played music in many genres. I believe that makes me adaptable to whatever a student would want to learn.

 

What is your favorite band, artist, or composer? Why?

Right now my favorite group to listen to is Polyphia. I like them because they combine elements of classical music with heavy metal.

 

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I am an avid Disc golf player and try to go play when I get the chance.

 

Let’s say you’re having coffee with a brand-new teacher.  What’s one piece of advice you wish you would have known when you started?

I think something that they should know is that the students you are taking on are for the most part more excited to be there than they let on. The students have enjoyed playing music so much that they or their parents sought someone out who can help them reach their goals.

 

Let’s say you’re visiting with a teacher who is feeling burned out. What advice would you give to them to give life to their studio?

I would tell them to take a step back and think about why they were teaching in the first place, and to look at how happy their students get when they achieve one of their goals.

 

What do you do to inspire your students?

I do my best to spin everything in a positive way. If they are having trouble learning something, I will give them new ways to practice.

 

What is your craziest idea? What is something you would do if money, time, and space weren’t an issue?

If none of that were an issue, I would start a society where anyone and everyone could come chill and have a good time together and not have to worry about things happening outside. It would probably meet once a week and just be a safe space for all.

 

If you weren’t a music instructor, what else would you do with your life?

If I weren’t a music instructor or in music in general, I would be a veterinarian. I have always loved animals and would enjoy taking care of them.

 

Want to learn more about Conner? Email us to find out more and to set up a free trial lesson!