Welcome to the
hornsquad
Designed for Horn and Trumpet Students. Low brass lessons by request
Private lessons are one-on-one sessions tailored to your individual needs and goals. You’ll receive customized practice material designed to help you improve your technique and musical understanding.
Open to ALL Brass instruments!
These group classes cover many of the same fundamentals as private lessons, in a fun and social environment.
Performer - Educator - Administrator
Not your granny’s music teacher!
Margaret Dixon has the background experience, knowledge, and network connections to help you become the best musical version of yourself, and the energy and creativity to help you have a blast in the process!
Private Lessons
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Standard lesson lesson length and perfect for Beginner-Intermediate Players
$30/session, paid monthly
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Great for students who want to be more competitive or who need extra help with band assignments.
$42/session, paid monthly
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Open to Advanced students working on high level Solo music, High-School All-State, or college.
$55/session, paid monthly
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Have more than one child looking for lessons? Siblings can book individual half-hour lessons and pay the 60 minutes rate (a $5 discount per hour)
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Step-Up for Students: If you qualify for funding through the Florida Step-Up for students program, your lessons might be covered!
Single Parents can apply for funding for extra curricular through our friends at the Grilled Cheese Project.
Find more info on scholarships here: SCHOLARSHIPS
group classes
Beginning OCTOBER
By Student and Band Director requests, HornSquad group classes are finally back!
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Open to beginners in the fall semester, this 45-minute group class covers basic brass technique and music fundamentals in a fun and social environment.
Cost: $150/semester
Schedule: Monday 6:15pm -7pm
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This 45-minute group class is open to middle school students who have completed at least one semester of band. We will cover extended fundamentals, scales, sight-reading, and basic ear training.
Cost: $150/semester
Schedule: Tuesdays 7:15pm -8pm
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Spring 2026!
This brass ensemble is open to students in grades 8-12, who are interested in reading and performing advanced level brass ensemble literature. We will work on group playing, chamber ensemble playing and advanced techniques.
Students must meet certain playing requirements to participate.
Get in Tune with the hornsquad!
Have questions or looking for more info?
Fill out the contact form and connect with Miss Margaret Directly!
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.
She has extensive experience working with Alachua County Schools, Marion County Schools, Central Florida College, The University of Florida Bands, and many other local institutions.
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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 other local ensembles ,including 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.
