Music Lessons in Aurora, IL

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I am a passionate musician and performer, and that passion is met with an equal passion for passing on the knowledge and inspiration I have had the opportunity to gain to others. I am a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky with degrees in Music Performance and Arts Administration and am now working on a Master of Music with a focus on jazz and world music at Northern Illinois University.I have had many invaluable opportunities so far in my life, but a few that stand out include opportunities to study and perform overseas (West African Drumming in Ghana, Steel Pan in Trinidad) and opportunities to perform and work with artists such as Jeff Coffin, Bob Mintzer, Wycliffle Gordon, Brad Dutz, Chris Wabich, Liam Teague, and many others. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

In addition to teaching trombone, music appreciation, and tutoring music theory, I have performed with the Tallahassee Symphony, Sinfonia Gulf Coast Orchestra, Lebanon Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic, Southwest Florida Symphony, and several other orchestras, wind bands, musicals, chamber groups, and jazz ensembles throughout Florida and Ohio. My father is an organist and so my upbringing has always been around classical music, but I have learned that all types of music are based on the same principles: solid technique, good concept of sound, and creative expression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Each of my students learns to read music, practices sight singing, and learns solfege. In my opinion, these are the neccessary fundamentals to being a great singer AND musician! Each student also does warm ups including breathing exercises, vocal technique exercises, and vocalises. Picking repertoire is always a lot of fun, and the choice of song is a shared decision between teacher and student! I try to tailor the lesson and approach to each individual student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone

As a teacher,I teach based on a students needs. Teaching methods are developed according to the weak areas in where a student needs to improve. Once i observed the problem a method is then developed. I can used methods from teaching books or create my own method. All methods are not the same for individual students. Observation is the key to a successful method. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Depending on the age group of the student, my methods vary. With children, I will usually start by trying to gauge their musical interest and develop a strategy from there. Usually, this involves learning basic chord forms and progressions, until they are ready to start learning a bit of theory, and therefore how to solo. For adults, I simply ask them about their musical interests and tastes, and ask them what their ultimate goal is, and then set shorter goals to help achieve the ultimate goal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

My teaching dates back to 2015! Through real life performance experience and studying of the voice I have been able to pass down many skills and technique practices. My performance experience includes: -Resident Artist|Jun 2022 - Aug 2022 Opera Steamboat|Summer Festival Worked on the following shows: La Boheme (covered Mimi), Company (performed the role of Jenny), and Three Feathers (performed the role of Frog) -Young Artist|Sep 2021 - Oct 2021 Opera Company Middlebury|C/D Level House Worked on Tchaikovsky's Maid of Orleans and covered Joan and Agnes -Apprentice Artist|Jan 2020 - Mar 2020 Sarasota Opera|B Level Opera House Worked on the following shows: La Boheme, La Wally, Romeo et Juliette, and L'elisir d'amore Read More

Instruments: Voice

The best thing about teaching are the "a ha" moments! I love seeing a smile - that tells me a student LOVES what they were just able to do. And then we high-five, of course! I love when students tell me they surprised themselves , saying something along the lines of , "I didn't know I could make that sound!". I start everyone with the same vocal overview when we first meet , to show you what your amazing voice is capable of doing. Read More