Music Lessons in Alhambra, IL

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate students I utilize the Bastien Method books series, which includes supplemental Theory and Technique books that can be purchased if needed.  These students each select performance pieces which they enjoy and are level-appropriate from a variety of sources. More advanced students focus primarily on challenging performance pieces, several of which are selected as 'keepers' for practice and review.  Lessons include technique practice (scales, arpeggios, finger exercises), theory (from textbooks, flashcards etc.) music history, instrument mechanics, ear training and musicianship (such as rhythm and sight reading drills, dictation) and student compositions (notation and continuation methods). Read More

Instruments: Guitar

All music can be broken down into three categories: melody, harmony and rhythm. I tend to explore everything we do by observing how the given material utilizes one of these three elements (with rhythm being chief!). I love to instill the ideals that I have learned from my mentors into my own students. All guitar students are taught to think as musicians and not just as guitar players. I often think back on some of Miles Davis's famous words, "If it sounds right, it is right!". Read More

Instruments: Piano

Looking back over my professional career -- which includes several public relations, marketing and advertising positions -- my favorite and most rewarding activities have centered around music. Whenever possible, I use my own method, which includespromoting spatial relationships and patterns. Although composition is not my specialty, I certainly can do the basics and then point them to a more accomplished musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Classical Guitar

Each lesson starts with technical exercises, follwed by repertoire. Each student does theory during the lesson with twenty questions at the end. During this time, I do all review theory material. Difficult passages are marked with a "P" chart. They have to play the difficult part four times and get a "P" for each perfect playing. Every fifth time they have to repeat from the beginning to integrate the difficult part with the rest of the song. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have performed all over the country since my days in middle school. I took on my first student in Denver about 10 years ago. I am still building my studio in St. Louis and would love to get the chance to include new students! At school, I regularly lead sectionals to help my fellow violists master the repertoire. I am a firm believer in the growth mindset and I believe that everyone can be successful in music with the right instruction. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develops passion for music! Therefore, it’s important that each student progresses at his or her own pace.I encourage this by settling realistic goals for my students at each class. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress , and makes students eager to learn more.By trying to find out what inspires the students,,l can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs . Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Piccolo Keyboard

It is very important for students to understand the theory associated with their teaching. Therefore, students are constantly quizzed to verify cognitive relation to newly learned information. If students can connect the science & skill of knowledge it is retained long term. This encourages the student to think and respond quicker. ...keeps them on their toes. I teach for matey of information, therefore, I am always reviewing. In addition, as the student learn, I also play along with them on most occasions. Read More