Jose James: Saxophones & Percussion

Born in Panamá, moved to the United States in 1976 to broaden his musical knowledge. He studied at the University of Minnesota and has since performed with UB40, Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Chapman, Rubén Blades, Paul Williams, Doc Severinsen, Clarke Terry, Lorie Line, Alexander O'Neal, Prince, Syl Johnson, Bernard Allison and many, many more.   In 1994, José was voted the best brass/reed artist by the Minnesota Music Academy, a Legend, as a former member of the R&B band Willie & The Bees according to the book "Music Legends" by Martin Keller and in 2008 was inducted into the Minnesota Hall of Fame as a member of the Band Ipso Facto by Governor Tom Pawlenty.  José is also an accomplished writer, producer, vocalist, recording artist and an ireporter for WNED International YouTube Channel on the world wide web.

Connie Olsen: Vocal

Connie started singing with many local bands by the age of 17.  She studied at the Grove School of Music in L.A. in the 1980's and performed with many top name musicians from such acts as Brian Setzer Orchestra and Manhatten Transfer, Prince, and Madonna.  Connie has countless radio and television credits to her 'vocal' name, and she has been an in-demand clinician at schools around the country, including the Manhatten School of Music.  Connie is an accomplished vocalist in many styles of music including pop, jazz, r&b, and rock, and has a unique style of vocal instruction that will greatly benefit any vocal student.  We are happy to have Connie on our teaching staff.

Jeff King: Reed Instruments

Jeff has been teaching private saxophone and clarinet students of all ages since 1987. Jeff has also taught for Century College and is a substitute teacher at Saint Mark's School. As a performer, Jeff runs his own group, the Jeff King Quintet, and he plays with a variety of local groups and shows including Metro Jam and The Kurt Jorgensen Band and a Nat King Cole tribute show.  Over the years Jeff has also done recording work with Katy Thomasberg, The Slim Hippos, Bobby E, Bozo Allegro and numerous radio jingles. Jeff is also the sax player for "Rumblings," one of the frequently returning productions of The Minnesota Dance Theater.

Joe Buscher: Percussion

Joe teaches Drum set, snare drum, and mallets and welcomes all levels and all ages.   Joe has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Illinois State University, where he played snare drum in the marching band and all other percussion instruments in concert band, and was a certified graduate of Music Tech in 1995 focusing on drum set.  Joe has been teaching privately since 1996 and has played with many bands in a variety of musical styles.

Jeff Olsen: Brass Instruments

Jeff's main instrument is trumpet, but teaches all brass instruments at Groth Music.  Jeff has a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Arts Degree in music from the  University of St Thomas, has his K-12 teaching license, has taught privately since 1991, and is a part-time faculty member at Normandale Community College in Bloomington.  Jeff also did undergraduate study at the University of Minnesota and Berklee College of Music.  Jeff is also a part time adjunct at Minnesota State – Mankato, in the education department. 

Eric Dollerschell-Petry:  Woodwinds and Brass

Eric has a Bachelor of Music Education: K-12 Instrumental Music and Classroom Music from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  He has taught 7 years of band in several districts in Minnesota.  He is currently the Principal Director for the Minnesota Freedom Band and Freedom Jazz! Big Band.  He has performed with Mankato Symphony Orchestra, St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, Applause Theatre Company in the pit orchestra, and All God's Children Spirit! Praise Team.  His primary instrument is clarinet and doubles on bassoon, saxophones, trombone and trumpet.  He enjoys incorporating various styles of music into the lessons.  He is amember of Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA), Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA), Music Educators National Conference, and Minnesota Jazz Educators Association (MNJEA).

Steve Blons: Guitar

Steve has been playing guitar for 5 decades and has been teaching at Groth Music since 1997.  Steve is a well respected free-lance musician in the Twin Cities metro area who is in demand for his exceptional jazz guitar playing.  Steve will accept all levels of guitar students and tailors his instruction to each student's particular musical interests.

Joe Vogel: Beginning Guitar, Bass, 
Composition and Music Theory

Joe has a Master of Arts degree in music composition and has been teaching for 7 years.  Joe is a member of the American Composers Forum and a member of ASCAP.  Joe will teach students of all ages in beginning guitar, electric, and upright bass, as well as music theory and composition.

Steve Clarke: Woodwinds

Steve is an accomplished tenor, soprano, baritone sax, flute and alto flute player and winner of 11 Minnesota Music Awards (MMA)  including 6 Minnesota Music Awards for “Horn Player of the Year.” He has appeared on over 50 recordings including commercials and jingles. Formerly a member of Lamont Cranston and The Strawdogs, Currently a member of Felonious Bosch. His band The Working Stiffs is a highly energetic and rhythmic Jump / Swing ensemble. Steve was inducted into the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame in October 2010.

Nathaniel Riley: Piano

Nate has a Bachelor of Arts degree in piano performance and composition from Northwestern College, and has been working towards his Masters degree at the University of Minnesota.   Nate started teaching piano in the twin cities in 1997, and over the past 4 years has been teaching pre-K thru 12 music in Brazil.  Nate is also a well versed composer and vocalist and has won several awards from his compositions over the past 10 years.  Nate is very skilled and personable, and will work with all levels of ages and experience in piano study.

Mike Storms: Brass Instruments

Mike has been teaching and performing in the Twin Cities for over 20 years.  At the core of his approach, Mike is an expert at blending fun with learning.  Mike's vast knowledge and experience mixes time tested fundamentals with the most recent songs and methods.  Students make 2 CD's each year as part of their studies with Mike.  Mike will accept all ages and all levels of experience.