Meet the Teachers
Helen Gassenheimer is a classically trained violinist and seasoned fiddle player who has her degree in music and theatre arts from Bennington College. She studied violin and music education with legendary artist and teacher Ladonna Smith and has toured the world as an artist and performer. Helen was also a nanny and early childhood educator for 12 years and accepts students starting at age 3. She lives in Rutland City with her son, Otis.
Steven Wilson lives in Pittsford, Vermont where he works as a local musician, teacher and videographer. His passion is the guitar, which he has been playing nearly every day for the last decade. Steven is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a BA in Music Composition for Film, Television, and Video Games. Along with the guitar, Steven sings, plays bass, drums, and piano. He is a guitarist, singer and songwriter in his band Dirty Red Hearts. His favorite bands are Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Beatles, Cheap Trick, and Kiss.
Instrument
Rentals
$25/Month
Please contact us for instrument availability
Lesson Rates
30 Minutes $150/mo
1 Hour $300/mo
family discounts are available
What to Expect
At Green Mountain Music we pride ourselves on our students' self-sufficiency and enjoyment of playing, whatever their age or level of experience. You will learn to read and understand written music as well as how to play in any preferred styles. Whether you love country, rock, classical, celtic, old-time, bluegrass or all of the above, your teacher at GMM will follow your lead and get you on your feet.
In lieu of a formal recital Green Mountain Music hosts 4 music potlucks a year. Bring a song and a dish to share!
Weddings & Events
An experienced soloist will work with you personally throughout your event planning process to ensure that you have the unique music experience you've been planning.
Solo package pricing starts at $650
Soloist Package
Band Package
Green Mountain Music will provide a string band or chamber ensemble for your wedding or special event. Our experienced and professional musicians are available to play your requests in all musical genres or to provide you with their personal favorites and expert recommendations.
Band Package pricing starts at $1100
Testimonials
I started with Ms. Helen almost 5 years ago and I have learned everything from her! She always knows how to challenge you in the best way and helps you fix errors in creative ways. She makes learning the violin fun!
-Kendall
I've been playing violin for almost 5 years now, and taking lessons with Helen from the start. Violin is very difficult; the patience and encouragement Helen shows is helpful no matter your age.
-David
They played and sang beautifully at our wedding, and met with us to make sure they understood exactly what we wanted and came through so superbly. We were so happy their music was perfect for our special day.
-Susan
I recall the sounds of birds, of rustling pine needles, and then the sweetest lilt of song to solemnize that moment of agreement and introduction that marks a wedding ceremony. Being a musician myself, I eminently trusted Helen with this moment. She is a delight - precise and reliable, with warm, intuitive tone, impeccable taste, and extraordinary commitment to beautiful music.
-Janell, bride
We asked Helen to play the ceremony music at our wedding and we couldn't have been more pleased! I didn't know exactly what I wanted, so she was kind enough to send me ideas of music pieces I might like. Ease of planning is an understatement, she did the hard work for me. All I had to do was pick out a few songs and she took care of the rest! Her selections paired so beautifully with our ceremony. I highly recommend her!
-Nicole
I've been taught by Helen for about five years now. In that time, her guidance has allowed me to develop musically in a way no other teacher has before: she allows me to find the styles and methods that suit me best, and truly find a passion for music.
-Molly