Piano Lessons in Thornton, IL

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Harp

I have been a private lessons instructor since 2006. The instruments I have taught include: piano, harp, saxophone, and clarinet with an emphasis on classical music. I have also worked as an elementary general music teacher since 2014. Our curriculum includes developing knowledge and skills in performance (vocal/ instrumental), literacy, history, composition, appreciation and evaluation. In addition to my teaching experience, I also have many years worth of performance experience in both classical and jazz settings, which has greatly helped me in being able to provide instruction and direction to students seeking to pursue music performance as a career. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

I encourage students to set their own goal, no matter the age. For youth, I desire the parents to be involved and provide encouragement in between lessons to ensure that students get the best result. I use positive reinforcement with my students as I have with my own children. I find that rewarding student with praise for accomplishing their goals helps them grow their confidence and self-esteem within their skill set. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Faber Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Selecting the best piano teaching method can be a daunting task. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

Dan M is a freelance musician and private lesson instructor in the Chicago area. Born in the Chicago suburbs, Dan graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Music in euphonium performance, and traveled to Colorado where he earned a Master of Music in trombone performance at the University of Colorado at Boulder. As an active musician, he has performed on trombone, and euphonium in many musical groups ranging form wind ensembles and orchestras to brass quintets and other chamber groups. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music Keyboard

Balancing the radically different musical backgrounds of each student was difficult at first, but I have realized that the core struggles are universal. The solution for each roadblock typically revolved around the students attitude, rather than their approach. Once the student figured out what they truly wanted to learn and feel from music, they were able to set their mind to it and drastically improve. I sincerely enjoy helping the student find their voice and interests, rather than enforcing my own upon them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For all students during the first lesson I have them play something regardless of their skill level. Based on personal experience I’ve noticed that not all students have the same level of ability. For example in drum lessons I’ve had some entry level students sit down and play a groove and have another sit down and have no coordination. After determining the students ability level, my next step is to determine what the students likes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

To me, the most important thing about teaching is listening to a student's goals and interests. I do my best to keep my ears open as we work to make sure I am structuring a program that helps them feel fulfilled and challenged every step of the way. For younger students, the goal is to keep them engaged in music until the point when they have such mastery that they can see the results of their work tangibly. Read More