Lisa Skaff is a music educator, director, songwriter, and producer with more than 25 years of experience inspiring and developing musicians of all ages. Holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education, Lisa has dedicated her career to cultivating creativity, confidence, artistry, and authentic musical expression.

​

She began her professional career with Edina Public Schools directing choir and theater productions while teaching vocal music, choreography, drama, music composition, theory, and history. She later continued her work within an arts-focused school in Uptown Minneapolis, where she expanded programming in choir, theater, and guitar, while also leading collaborative songwriting initiatives connected with the Elders’ Wisdom Children’s Song program.

​

In 2018, Lisa founded Skaff Music, a thriving music studio built on the philosophy that every student’s musical journey should be uniquely their own. Offering instruction in piano, voice, guitar, bass, ukulele, percussion, strings, woodwinds, brass, and theater audition preparation, Skaff Music has become known for its highly individualized, relationship-centered approach to teaching. Lisa’s philosophy is simple: “This studio is your ship and you are the captain — my role is to be the map that helps guide you wherever you want to go.”

​

Through her mentorship, students frequently grow beyond a single discipline, becoming multi-instrumentalists, songwriters, performers, and recording artists. Lisa has passionately fostered the creative development of countless singer-songwriters, collaborating closely with students to transform original ideas into fully realized compositions and productions.

​

This work naturally evolved into the creation of Cardinal Studios, a professional recording studio in the heart of Excelsior founded in collaboration with renowned producer and engineer Michael Koppelman. Michael is best known for his work with Prince on albums including Graffiti Bridge, Diamonds and Pearls, and Love Symbol, as well as projects with Ingrid Chavez, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, and many other acclaimed artists.

Together, Lisa and Michael are building a collaborative creative environment dedicated to developing emerging artists and original music. Cardinal Studios offers a professional-level recording experience within a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere where songs are thoughtfully written, arranged, produced, and mastered into release-ready projects. Their mission is to cultivate and elevate the next generation of singer-songwriters and composers, helping local artists confidently break into the music industry with music that is both authentic and professionally crafted.