312-789-4185
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24 Years
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Thornton . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar
I have a diverse background in multiple musical styles and instruments. I also have ample experience teaching students of all ages. Read More
Instruments: Piano
I am a pianist, composer, and educator who strives to bring out the best in all my students. I have composed for film, internet, and theatrical productions and performed across the country in classical and jazz contexts. I hold a masters degree in jazz studies from the Jacobs School of Music, where I studied with Luke Gillespie, Steve Houhgton, and David Baker. In the summer of 2013 I performed with the Disneyland All-American College Band. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums
First I think it is important to get to know the student and chat about what their intentions are musically. Then I can customize a lesson plan for them which includes warming up, techniques, and repertoire. I sometimes find it helpful to discuss of elements music theory, aural skills, and reading music depending on the students desires in those areas. I strive to motivate students by picking material they are excited about. Read More
Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium Music
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with a compilation of books that I have founded very helpful through my research in methods or etudes. There is a goal per lesson which should be aproached easily to practice. 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. Read More
Instruments: Piano
Shortly after graduating from college, I began teaching private lessons part time in students' homes, and have taught continuously for 20 years. Within this period, I also taught both private piano to children and adults and group piano for pre-schoolers at Chicago's renowned Old Town School of Folk Music for 4 years. I am passionate about teaching, enjoy watching my students progress and am thrilled to see their enthusiasm for music grow. Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin Music
To me, it is important that I meet each student exactly where they are at. Each student is unique and no two paths will be the same, so my instruction varies from student to student. Typically with the younger students, I do like to incorporate a lot of games, challenges, and rewards to help them find their motivation. For my older students, I encourage them by setting realistic goals and acknowledging their accomplishments, no matter how small. Read More
Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe
I love treating each student as they are. Every student is their own unique artist and my job is to help shape them and to give them confidence in their vision. I view my job as a tour guide pointing the students in the right directions while not restricting to any particular instrument/genre. Book work, ear training/playing to tunes, improv, technical focus are all aspects of how I teach. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
As a vocalist I believe the hardest thing to master is understanding your own instrument, how sound is created, and how to create and support that sound unique to your own voice. As a brass player I believe the hardest thing to master is proper embouchure technique (how to properly blow into a mouthpiece) and breath support. As a guitarist, muscle dexterity is crucial for chord progressions and finger techniques. These are all basic fundamentals of each instrument. Creating a strong foundation when learning any instrument will make the rest of the process easier!
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I prefer to use Hal Leonard books for voice students, Hal Leonard and Rubank books for students interested in playing brass instruments, Hal Leonard books for guitar students, and Alfred and/or Bastien & Bastien books for piano students. Each of these methods books provide a balance of musical concepts, technique, and repertoire. I am always happy to teach repertoire brought to me by a student.
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a bachelors in music education from Western Michigan University. I chose a degree in music education because not only because of my passion for music education, but also because I believe a music instructor should have pedagogical experience if they wish to instruct music. I was fortunate to study under the direction of many fine career music educators at WMU.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
A normal practice session for me always begins with a proper warm up and posture alignment. After
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
My dream piece to perform would have to be any piece written by Stephen Sondheim for the male voice. Songs specifically from the musical, "Sunday in the Park with George" contain melodies that are both challenging and beautiful.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I weren't a musician, or teaching music, I think I would be working for the National Park Service. I love the outdoors, and some of the most beautiful areas of our country are preserved because of the NPS.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I enjoy singing classical, jazz, pop/rock, musical theater and country music genres. I like to play pop/rock and country songs on the guitar. I also like playing classical and jazz music on the piano or with my brass instruments.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I began singing and playing the piano at an early age. I was introduced to the trumpet in the 5th grade. By the 7th grade, my band director suggested I learned the Euphonium horn. It wasn't until college where I found interest in playing the guitar while pursue a degree in music education.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes! My grandfather played the trumpet when he was younger, and that played a major influence in me wanting to play trumpet at a young age. My family has always had a strong appreciation for music.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in music, but it wasn't until I was in high school that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in music education. I had the opportunity to serve as the drum major of my high school's marching band for two years. This experience taught me the value of discipline in music, and the importance of music education in the classroom.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Thornton to students of all ages and abilities.
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