School has taught aspiring musicians for more than 20 years

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When mothers Sue Krebsbach and Carol Sailer began teaching piano lessons out of a small building in St. Paul Park 20 years ago, they never could have guessed what the future held for their hobby.

The K & S Conservatory of Music, located in Woodbury, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, after serving thousands of aspiring musicians of all ages.

Following a request from an adult student to offer flute lessons, Krebsbach and Sailer’s small piano studio expanded to offer private lessons for almost every instrument, voice lessons, and musical theater.

“We had no intention to start a music school,” Sue Krebsbach said. “Thankfully there were many resources we could use along the way to learn how to run a successful business.”

Today, the K&S Conservatory of Music has greatly expanded and about 500 students take classes there each semester. The summer months have about 300 students.

“There is a lot of music happening within our walls,” Krebsbach said.

The school also has a staff of 33 teachers to help these students. All staff members have music degrees or certificates in teaching and many perform in bands and play professionally in the Twin Cities.

“We have a wonderful staff of teachers,’ Krebsbach said, “They relate well with the students.”

K&S offers a large variety of programs for its students, who range from preschoolers to octogenarians. Along with typical private music lessons, the conservatory has a new “School of Jazz” and “School of Rock,” where they hope to offer jam sessions in which students can hang out and try out music on an informal basis.

Krebsbach believes that their proximity to many people helped the school thrive for so many years.

“We introduced a new cultural experience to the area, “ Krebsbach said. “We provided an opportunity for South Suburban people to expand or start their musical experience in a professional atmosphere without having to drive far from home.”

While the K &S Conservatory of Music does not have anything special planned yet to celebrate its 20th anniversary, it will have its second annual Passport to the Arts concert on October 15 at Five Oaks Church. The concert will raise money to help students who cannot afford music lessons.

K&S Conservatory is located at 1976 Wooddale Drive, Suite 1.

For more information go to: www.kandsmusic.org.

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