Melodic Milestones Engages Piano Students Of All Ages

This piece is sponsored by Ananda Arvig, founder and owner of Melodic Milestones.

Ananda Arvig, a local piano teacher with over 20 years of experience, recently opened up Melodic Milestones in Rosemount. The studio offers individualized music lessons for learners of all ages.

Patch had a chance to talk with Arvig about her career experiences, her community involvement, and upcoming projects.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Arvig: I have lived in Rosemount for six years now! I love that the community supports small
businesses and still has the “small town” feel. It is astonishing to witness the growth and I
anticipate that it will be a positive change. While Melodic Milestones is a brand new company, I have taught in the Rosemount and Eagan areas since 2004. I was previously out in Maryland and Washington D.C. where I co-ran a music studio. I also taught private in-home piano lessons. It was hard to leave my students but due to certain life changes I relocated back to Minnesota. With opening a new studio in Rosemount, I plan to be here for a long time!

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Arvig: I started piano lessons at age 9 and my parents thought I would not stick with it. I HAD to take lessons because my older brother did. Surprisingly, it stuck, and I studied classical piano until
my college years. After college I chose to work for a local piano company and started teaching
lessons. I also participated at Eagan High School in their Drumline that took state and national
championships. It was an amazing and musically challenging experience that taught me team
work/building and discipline in a different area of music. I appreciated the support and education
from some of the best band directors in the area. I was very fortunate!

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Arvig: Music lessons for all ages!

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Arvig: Marketing and networking is always challenging with a new company. I like to expose the company and volunteer or attend local events throughout the south metro area. Some events included Eagan Artfest, Leprechaun Days in Rosemount and the Twin Cities Outlet Art and Music festival. It seems like marketing would be easy in these times but there are so many more avenues that people use than in the past, and this is such a highly populated area.

The southeast suburbs of Minneapolis/ St. Paul have flourished since growing up here in the 80’s
and that growth is inevitable. My niche market is fairly broad because I am providing
lessons to all ages of students. Yet it can still be a challenge to reach individuals within that market.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Arvig: I enjoy watching a student who is just learning music have something “click”. The smile that comes from the joys of music. And being part of a music community that works together; whether it is through the school districts, small/large music organizations or independent music teachers. I also appreciate connecting with and supporting other small and local businesses.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Arvig: I thrive to tailor my piano and music lessons to fit each individual student’s needs. By this, I am able to learn what someone wants to accomplish in their music journey. I offer and recommend a complimentary consultation before I start any lessons (or at their first lesson) and then am able to form a curriculum that fits an individual’s needs (which may include networking to find the desired music teacher or meet other musical needs).

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Arvig: It comes from Beethoven: “To play wrong notes is insignificant but to play without passion is inexcusable.” This has been my Facebook background profile picture for over ten
years. It is okay to play wrong notes, make mistakes, practice something 100 times over, but to
leave out the passion and emotion when playing music is inexcusable because you are not fully
playing music, you are only reciting what someone has composed.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about? If so, what details can you share and what makes it so exciting?

Arvig: I am starting to form small groups that provide instruction to a diverse range of students. This could be a group of early age beginners, people with special sensory adaptations that desire
different learning styles, or a group of friends that want to learn a new skill together. Previously
working in Special Education, I learned how music can touch different lives and witnessed how
beneficial music therapy can be in a school. I continue to network with the local communities to enhance learning for all students!

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community? If so, tell us about them.

Arvig: Yes! I will be attending Leprechaun days in Rosemount and hosting the 145th Street Festival in Rosemount as well. I also participate in volunteering for local community events such as Eagan’s Marketfest Pop Standards Social Club on August 3rd. I will have a vendor booth at Art Spark! hosted by the city of Eagan.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Arvig: [Readers can] contact Melodic Milestones by phone at: 651-410-3381 or by visiting Melodic Milestones – Piano Lessons | Rosemount Minnesota to inquire about music lessons and services.