Music Lessons in Barrington, IL

Instruments: Voice

Mastering technique is the surest way to leave the student free to express themselves musically. After an initial assessment is made of the student's voice, I create a series of vocal exercises to address any vocal weaknesses/problems. The first 20 minutes of a typical lesson are spent warming up/performing technical exercises. The remainder of the lesson focuses on applying what was learned technically to the music that the student and teacher have chosen. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard

Basically I start with questions on why the individual wants to learn how to play that particular instrument. Then I follow with how much do they know about the instrument of their choice. So following a brief historical lesson we get into how to start playing that instrument. Also why I love to play that instrument and why I'm playing it with passion. I start teaching with basic scales or vocal warm-ups. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Hello, my name is Michael and I am a recent Berklee College of Music graduate living in Chicago. I have been playing guitar since I was 10-years old. Aside from being a teacher, performer, and songwriter, I would define myself as a "guitar nerd" because I love every aspect of playing. I still practice every day and have an insatiable hunger for new opportunities to play and learn. I have an encyclopedic knowledge of metal, rock, blues, country, and guitar. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

My main goal is to give each student the tools to be successful on their own. This is important because most progress is made outside of the lesson. This includes music reading and general knowledge of the music. I feel that success comes from the student feeling that THEY have accomplished something. Read More

Instruments: Viola

One of my primary goal when I am working with student is to set a goal point, and what we want to achieve while working together. Such as, we would like to pick a simple goal as learning a favorite piece within time frame to applying to a competition or festival student wishes to aim their goal. As a instructor, it is very rewarding to see the student students are working hard for their goals and making steps in order to achieve the goal. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

Inspiration. Without inspiration there is no possibility for excitement. A balance between a push towards goals and a freedom to try new things keeps students engaged. I also like to expose my students to all possibilities for music. Recordings, live performances, or even sharing my own repertoire with students opens their eyes to new possibilities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I have loved music from a very early age and I have been fortunate to study a variety of instruments and musical styles. I grew up studying the drums, piano, guitar, voice, and songwriting. I have been in a cover bands, original bands, jazz bands, choirs, a country band, a steel drum band, marching band, opera, a pop orchestra, a hip hop ensemble, and musical theatre productions. In college I took my studies further by learning music theory and aural skills while still performing in ensembles and writing lots of music. Read More