Guitar Lessons in Wood Dale, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

I am a professional saxophonist specializing in Jazz performance and have spent many years playing in cities such as Chicago, Boston, New York City, and Rochester, New York. I double on flute and am proficient in that instrument as well. I have taught students for several years now and have taken classes in pedagogy and teaching skills. In addition to the jazz musician side of me, I am also a music therapist. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

No two students are exactly alike. Studies have proven that we all interpret colors differently, and it is the same for music and how we learn it. Though there are standard commercial methods that will help keep lessons focused, the goal is to find the best and most creative ways to use that information which will help build our understanding of music on a very personal level and not just teaching with a "learn this etude and come back next week" mentality. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

My preferred method for very young students has been the Suzuki method, as I believe a well trained ear continues to be our best musical learning tool later in life as well. When students progress to reading, the full line of Suzuki books can of course be utilized, but it is very advisable to incorporate additional materials and techniques. The Kodaly method is also useful and even more traditional 'reading first' techniques can be used if requested. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

As a former Chicago public school teacher, I understand the importance of meeting students where they are at. Therefore, regardless of whether you are a beginner or not, I always begin by determining your level of skill and, combined with your goals for learning that instrument, create a lesson plan that you feel comfortable with before pursuing it. In particular, with djembe, it is important to be able to understand the balance and interaction between all of the instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I am goofy kind of gal who is a kid at heart so, while I do not allow the students to goof-off during practice, I definitely encourage the children to have fun and take breaks. Learning a new skill is taxing on the brain so I do enjoy inserting some brain-breaks here and there, when necessary. I'm also a very big sticker advocate! Most children enjoy them, and I love rewarding them after completing a song we've been working on. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Watching a student successfully progress through lesson form is an unparallel feeling that inspires and guides me to continue. I have given lessons to age groups ranging from 9 years old to 70+ and feel that it's important to first identify where the student is at and how to build on what they already know. I also see that setting small goals for all age groups to show progression through positive reinforcement is a beneficial tool not only for the student but also for the instructor. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Lute Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Given my experience of teaching for over 30 years, with the majority of my students I am able to develop a specific lesson plan that I stay close to in order to achieve the best possible results within a given desired time frame. At the same time, I think in flexible ways and adjust the lesson plans according to each student’s progress and needs. In other words, I maintain balance between following a plan and adjusting it as needed. Read More