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HornSquad students received instrument-specific instruction from someone who actually plays a brass instrument!
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Group classes and private lessons are all taught by a professional musician with a detailed understanding of how the instrument works in actual performance.
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We break down musical and technical concepts, giving students the opportunity to process information in their own time frame, ask questions, and get immediate feedback.
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The answers to what to practice, when to practice, and how much to practice are all different for every student. Students practice goals and assignments that are tailored to their developmental needs, and fit their learning styles and pace.
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HornSquad helps students avoid developing poor playing habits and missing musical understandings that stall or impede young musicians later down the road, by teaching correct form and fundamentals during the early stages of musical development.
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Group classes and lessons happen in a creative space, where mistakes are welcome, exploring is encouraged, and confidence is built through eliminating the fear of failure!
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Private lessons can be expensive for many families; that’s why HornSquad is always looking for funding options! We are now have funding options through the Step-UP for Students provider and the Grilled Cheese Foundation.
We also are working on launching group learning options, designed with your budget in mind. Group classes, camps, and workshops offer similar content as private lessons, for a fraction of the price.
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Being a soloist is ok, but being a part of the band is an entirely different experience! The social elements of being a member of the HornSquad add camaraderie, shared experience, and friendly competition to the learning process.
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meet miss margaret
Photo By Joshua Jacobs
Meet Margaret Dixon, a vibrant and accomplished freelance performer and music educator based in Gainesville, Florida.
An Educator
With 15+ years of teaching experience, Margaret has led students of all ages and abilities to become stronger and more confident musicians.
Margaret believes that--with the right guidance--every person is capable of making great music, regardless of background, experience, or physical or intellectual challenges.
A Performer
Margaret actively performs with several professional orchestras and performing groups throughout Florida.
A Leader
Outside of the classroom and off stage, Margaret has helped launch and grow multiple music programs and schools, has held administrative positions within the music industry, and regularly volunteers throughout the community.
find out more
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Margaret has taught in a variety of different environments, from elementary music to Montessori bands to collegiate marching band. Whether she is working one-on-one with beginners, coaching groups or full bands in school, prepping collegiate students for orchestral auditions, or helping retirees get back into playing, Margaret approaches every teaching opportunity with energy and a creativity.
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When she's not teaching, Margaret is making her own music on stages near and far.
She currently holds Principal Horn positions in both the Ocala Symphony and Gainesville Orchestra, assistant principal in the Venice Symphony, and she often preforms with the Craig Turley Orchestra, Brevard Symphony, and various freelance ensembles throughout Florida. She regularly performs in a variety of genres from Classical to Rock to Folk; she has recorded for UF Composers, UF Opera, and with Carl Fischer and the Trade Winds Ensemble; and she has shared the stage with renowned artists like Johnny Mathis, Celtic Woman, Cirque Du Soleil, and Classic Albums Live.
Margaret’s musical journey has not only taken her around the state, but around the globe as well! She's had the privilege of performing for audiences from Rio to Rome!
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Margaret's passion for music education has led her into a variety of leadership and administrative positions over the years, all of which have helped her refine her teaching skills and create more pathways for access to music.
Currently, Margaret holds the position of Director of Education and Community Outreach for the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala, Florida. She is the creative force behind the inception of the Ocala Symphony Community Music Conservatory in the Fall of 2022. With her vision and tenacity, the CMC has reached hundreds of students and awarded over $35,000 in scholarships in just a few short years!
Prior to transitioning into the position at the Reilly, she lent her expertise as the former librarian and personnel manager of the Ocala Symphony. Other previous activities include Librarian for UF bands, Technician for Gator Band, Office Manager for Great Southern Music, and creator and director of the Milhopper Monterssori Band.
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When she's not making music, Margaret likes to make other things! Her hobbies include, cooking, knitting/crochet, Movies, Board Games, and lifting weights!
She loves dark chocolate, strong coffee, and traveling!
Margaret holds Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Horn Performance and has studied with some of the finest horn players in the country, including Lowell Greer, Michelle Stebleton, Michelle Baker, Joseph Anderer, Robert Watt, PAul Basle, and Charles “Skip” Snead!
Her dedication and excellence have been recognized in local magazines, radio spots, and podcasts, and she was recently featured in Ocala Magazine's "40 under 40" for 2024.
