Teaches in Twin Cities, MN

From Maple Grove, Minnesota

Plays Bass, Drums, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Voice, and Songwriting

About

Ashton Balder is a multi-instrumentalist with 15 years of experience teaching and performing across the Twin Cities. Having studied the Bel Canto technique (classical voice) at St. Olaf College, grown up with a professional rock musician, and participated in Theater, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Choir since 5th grade, Ashton brings a unique blend of technical skill, performance experience, and above all else—PASSION—to his lessons.
Ashton spends most of his time teaching and doing gig work, both in the studio as well as in live settings, and is set to release his debut solo album within the 2025 year.
His influences are as numerous as they are broad, spanning all the way from Bach, Schubert, Tarega, and Rachmaninov to Queen, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Al Di Meola, Radiohead, Mk.Gee, Led Zeppelin, and many more. This allows him to custom-tailor every lesson to each student’s unique interests and goals.
Ashton believes that music should be both simple and fun—but to truly enjoy it, students must develop consistency and discipline. His teaching approach balances creativity with structure, helping students not only improve as musicians but also build valuable life skills like critical and abstract thinking, emotional regulation, and self-discipline.
Ashton has worked with students as young as 4 and as old as 70 - whether working with a child just beginning their musical journey or an adult picking up an instrument for the first time, he ensures every student leaves as a more confident musician.
Ashton currently teaches voice, guitar, piano, theory, songwriting, electric bass, beginner drums, and the occasional ukulele student.
He lives in the Twin Cities with his favorite little dude, Buddy the Cat, and nothing excites him more than seeing his students light up with their own passion for music!