REFERENCES & Reviews
If I were enrolling my children in a private school I would like to feel assured that the school principal and teachers will be a positive influence, espousing the highest virtues of moral fiber and excellence. To help you feel confident in the quality of our staff, I have posted some references and reviews.
Over the course of my music career, I have had the privilege of working with dozens of music professionals. Here is what a few of them have to say.
I have also received over 500+ written reviews from past students. You can read them here.
Our parents love our school. Check out their endorsements here.
I have been privileged to witness Dan’s superb instructional and performance skills. Not only is Dan a talented vocalist/pianist, but he is also a caring and genuine person. His passion for teaching and student engagement has fostered some of the highest student retention rates among of all of my instructors. Dan is creative and caters each and every lesson to the specific needs and goals of the student. His positivity and energetic spirit is refreshing and a breath of fresh air.
It is a rare combination to find someone so talented, yet so humble, outgoing, and kind. Dan is honest and has the highest of integrity. He gives 110% every day, every lesson, every student, every time. As you can see, I give Dan Hegelund my highest recommendation. I will forever be grateful God allowed our paths to cross. He is a very special person, and anyone would be lucky to work with him.
Dr. Jessi Jumper
Owner of Voice In The Valley Music Academy
Dan Hegelund is able to reconcile an atmosphere of love to people. I know of no one more favored than Dan when it comes to bringing this healing atmosphere.
Dan is a top grade professional in every way. There are few people that are more passionate and committed to their purpose in life. Dan goes above and beyond for people to ensure their success in life. He is incredibly gifted, patient and successful in teaching and training and encouraging people in their talents and their gifting.
I can't recommend anyone more than Dan. Dan is a delightful person who makes everyone's life better by his presence. I cannot say enough great things about Dan. He is extremely polished and professional. He has a can-do attitude, and always goes the extra mile.
Dan Tapia
Pastor
Dan Hegelund is an absolutely gifted music teacher and vocal coach! I have watched Dan lead and teach multiple bands of amateur vocalist and musicians and produce incredible results. Dan enthusiasm for his craft is inspiring. He has an energy about him that motivates others to be better.
Dan's knowledge of music theory and decades of experience allows him to pin point what students are struggling with and he has the technical skills to then coach them through it in a clear and direct manner. The best part of about Dan is his hunger. He’s passionate about developing himself and those around him. He is also extremely hard working and punctual.
Gerrit Hoeks
Executive Pastor, CCS
I have had the privilege of working on the TV-project, "Clash of the Choirs” with Dan Hegelund for seven weeks. He has impressed me greatly with his knowledge, his pedagogic skill as a choir director, with his voice, his commitment, and his love of music. He is always full of energy and a contagious joy, without ever loosing an eagle’s perspective.
Besides his incredible specialized skill in gospel music, both as a soloist, producer, and choir director, Dan has demonstrated a breadth, curiosity, and flexibility in working together with other musicians and participants in this project. It is my pleasure to recommend Dan as a motivated and engaged music professional.
Henrik Rongedal
Vocal Artist & Producer
I have worked with Dan Hegelund on the Christmas Spectacular music project. After checking many references – and websites – interest in Dan Hegelund arose because his large, dynamic, engaging choirs had been presented on European TV and other concert settings. Dan proved that he has the gift of inspiration and can engage his choir in such a way as to bring out the very, very best of their qualities. Our Cast and audience alike all loved Dan and his choir.
Dan has an anointed gift to inspire, engage, and involve other people in a way that brings out their best qualities. Dan works well with all ages and skill levels, whether it be with individuals, teams, and large productions. Dan has arranged and taken part of large studio, television, and concert production, making an expert in his field. I am pleased to give Dan Hegelund my strong recommendation as an experienced music professional.
Sanford Wright M.D.
Neurosurgeon and Producer
I have known Dan for many years through the various projects that I have either seen or been involved with Dan organizing. Dan has not just a passion for music, but a passion for people and the desire to see them work together as a unit. He has had successes with every ensemble, young and old, he has either worked with and, most importantly, put together.
What has impressed me about him is that he is definitely a man who knows what he wants and goes about the right way in how to get it. He has always put people first. I have been totally blessed by seeing how, with all that he does, he makes time for his family. He has the most adorable family, from the time I have known his wife, Mary, I have seen how she has supported him every step of the way.
Jnr Robinson
Vocal Artist & Producer
Here's what our parents say about River Tech
Shannon
It was a leap of faith to join a brand new school, but now in our second year at River Tech, I can say I couldn't have dreamed of a more perfect school for our child.
I love that it's competency based, so she can fly ahead in areas where she's able or get extra help when needed, no matter what "grade" she's in. I love to see how genuinely delighted the teachers are about teaching and challenging their students. I appreciate the shorter school days that leave plenty of family time and the minimal amount of homework.
I am amazed to look at her schedule and see how she gets to practice multiple instruments, art, robotics, coding, choir, theater and more every week (without me having to run her around ten different after-school classes). I really appreciate that social skills and a Biblical worldview are intentionally taught and how she's thriving academically and socially. It seems that no matter what topic comes up she says, "Oh, I learned about that at school!" She looks forward to going to school each day to see her teachers and friends, and I think that alone says it all.
River Tech is such a blessing to our family, and I pray it continues to grow and serve many more "out of the box" students!
Katrina
All of the values they instill in the children is right on par with how we want our daughter raised at home as well, integrity, kindness, respect, biblical world view, and importance of academia. As well as the social/emotional education she is learning… Not to mention the vast array of subjects; piano/ukulele, robotics, coding, art, dance, singing, etc. She is experiencing far more than I could have provided homeschooling on my own, while still diving deep in the core subjects of math, English, science, history, and geography.
Above all though is how the school is competency based, and now they are sculpting each child’s day to better suit their needs and foster the areas they are passionate about. Our daughter is learning first had the results of her efforts, since the kids aren’t just moved along the conveyor belt with or without effort, with letter grades to discourage her or being put in a box. She has gained so much confidence in school, from her knowledge and performing on stage with the many plays and concerts she’s involved in.
She loves River Tech and often says she wishes she had school everyday. Her love and enjoyment of the school and all the teachers, speaks volumes in itself. Dan and Mary have created a solid school, with admirable policies that we value very much. We thank God everyday for leading us to River Tech. We can not imagine her attending another school.
Dustin
We stumbled upon River Tech in a last-ditch search effort to get our daughter in in anywhere BUT public school. Everyone was leary at first but decided to give it a try. We are so thankful that we did.
The changes we have seen in our daughter are remarkable. She enjoys all the subjects and being in this school setting very much. She is always excited to tell us about her day and makes sure she covers every little detail.
These are our praises:
* The low student to teacher ratio
* The technology aspect is wonderful, and she is always eager to teach/show us what she is learning
* The arts program is fantastic, and she enjoys learning new instruments, as well as the drama
* How the school emphasizes critical thinking
* The awesome teachers
* The conservative Christian values
We love how they give kids the ability to move at their own pace.
Carolyn
This school is amazing. 6th grade in regular middle school was the worst. We had to do something different. This school saved us. The school has great teachers that not only teach math and English, but they teach morals and social interaction. Music is a big part of school in the afternoon. The child to teacher ratio is great. As a Christian what they do and teach can apply to all churches and religions.
Rebecca
River Tech school has been an answer to a prayer for my eight year old son. After a year of public school and a year of homeschool, both of which did not work for us, we found River Tech. My son has loved River Tech from the very beginning. He loves his teachers and has made best friends.
Before I had threaten, plead, and bribe to get him to school. He now looks forward to school every day. I greatly appreciate the small class sizes and conservative values that RiverTech offers. I also appreciate the wonderful teachers Dan, Mary, Jordan and Luke and all the hard work they do. I can’t imagine a better school for my son!
Shannon
We were pleased to find a school that had a homeschool model with self-paced academics. However, the emphasis on theatrical arts is the area in which we are most pleased. Our daughter really enjoys this and is learning not just how to act or sing, but have confidence to do this in front of others. As a result of her participation in school plays and musicals, she has stepped out in other ways. We are so grateful for the size of the school and how that allows for an atmosphere where each child’s strengths, weakness, and different personalities are known. There is a true feeling of safety, fun, and excellence at River Tech.
500+ reviews
Dan Hegelund has received over five-hundred positive reviews from his students at Udemy and TakeLessons—the overwhelming majority being five-star reviews.
By Grace T.
I was impressed with my first lesson with Dan. He adjusted lessons according to my needs. Will continue to take lessons with him. Thank you.
By Rick C.
Dan is awesome! Love his teaching technique.
By Logan M.
Dan is an incredible coach. I enjoyed the lessons I took with him and learned alot. I look forward to working with Dan in the future.
By Georgia
My daughter is enjoying her lessons! Dan is great.
By Junho
Great first lesson! I’m super happy with how much I got out of my very first lesson. Looking forward to future lessons.
By Minh N.
I have zero music background. After a lesson with Dan, the amount of knowledge that I learned from him makes a huge different of what I can do after just 1 lesson. I can’t wait for more lessons. Dan is also very friendly and knowledgeable.
By Emiliya
Very kind, and intuitive , knows how to approach working with children . Pleasant , funny and inspiring at the same time .
By Paul
Although Dan has extensive experience with professional singers as well as choir, he is a great teacher for beginners as well. I am learning a lot and enjoying every lesson.
By Stephanie
Dan is a fantastic teacher. He listens to my questions and answers them clearly. Dan is very patient while I learn and challenges me to keep advancing. I would highly recommend Dan.
By Logan M.
Dan is great! He’s very friends and engaging and has helped me make big improvements in my voice in a small amount of time.
By Charlie
Dan is wonderful with our twin 11 year olds. He quickly got them very engaged and enthused to sing.
By Delon P.
Very friendly and professional.
Step by step detailed instructions for young age beginner.
By Daniel C.
Dan is an awesome instructor - and teaches not just from the music but from the heart. It's not only the mechanics but the ART - and Artistic presentation of music counts!!!
By Glen
I intend to study more with Dan in the future. He is focused, insightful,
and passionate about communication through music and about helping
others to find our most authentic voice. Lessons with Dan have been wonderful.
By Angela B.
Very helpful and super fun personality!!
By Mich Ta
Dan is an amazing teacher. He makes class fun and is very patient with a beginner like me. In just a few lessons he has helped me improve tremendously. My husband even noticed and commented how better my singing is. If you are unsure, book him and you will be glad you do!
By Emily Zachariasen
He is the best voice teacher ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Theresa D.
I had my first singing lesson with Dan in person, and he was awesome. Already, I can tell I have found a very good teacher to help me on this new journey.
By Hannah
Dan is a very energetic and dynamic instructor. He uses clear analogies to explain his reasoning in terms my daughter could understand. Looking forward to learning lots more from Dan!
By Vlad
Great instructor. His goal is for you to succeed and understand effectively.
By Andy
Dan is a very good instructor and coach ... I'm making satisfying progress.
By Andy
Dan is a very good instructor and coach ... I'm making satisfying progress.
By Jaclyn
I can't say enough about Dan. I was nervous signing up my 5-year-old for singing lessons online because I didn't think it would be engaging enough to keep his attention. Dan is not only engaging, but patient and and works great with my child. Thank you Dan!
By Jonathan L.
Dan is a great teacher who pay attention to details and take lot of efforts to make proper different arrangements for my two boys who are at different levels of skills. As my son Jonathan mentioned, Dan makes piano lesson lots of fun!
By Viviann
Dan is a great teacher. Very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and easy to work with.
By Daniel C.
Dan has been a lot of fun - and he is definitely pushing my skills. I'm getting better week by week and his input and guidance is really valuable. It has been a combination of classical and learning to play by ear too.
By Lea G.
It was wonderful Lea really like her lesson and can't wait till the next one. Dan is great at teaching her and she understands what he is telling her. Thanks Dan. Truly happy.