Piano Lessons in Thornton, IL

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.

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