Music Lessons in Berkeley, IL

Instruments: Drums

First and foremost, my number one goal is to help my students achieve their goals - always! I believe that in order for anyone to make progress in anything, there must first be a (decently) strong foundation on which to build upon. What that means in terms of an overall application towards the drums (and percussion instruments in general) is that I believe having a strong understanding and foundation in reading music and general hand/feet technique (i.e. how to hold the sticks) should be developed in order to, for example, properly facilitate around the drum kit, regardless of genre and/or style. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I’ve enjoyed teaching the clarinet since I first decided to get serious about music in high school. I got my start by offering lessons to younger students in my neighborhood and the surrounding towns in the western suburbs of Chicago. During my undergraduate years in Greencastle, IN, I took several clarinet pedagogy classes and began teaching local students in the DePauw University Preparatory Program. In my junior year, I entered a 2-year apprenticeship with the Chicago-based Fifth House Ensemble where I worked with community partners to engage students in classical music performances and appreciation. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet

Since I have so many ages and levels of students, I customize lessons to fit each student. Through feedback from the student (and sometimes with the help of parents) we figure out together what the students musical goal is. These evolve over time of course, but focusing on playing a certain song, learning scales, composing original music, gaining performing confidence (among other goals) are what I base lesson plans off of. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have a very hands-on teaching style. My style is very "goal-oriented," and I will teach students to set short-term goals, medium goals, and then demonstrate to them how reaching the short and medium-term goals leads to accomplishing long-term goals. This system allows students to remain motivated and track their progress as efficiently as possible. As a visual learner, I find it's extremely beneficial to teach shapes and how they can be manipulated to better serve a musical purpose along with the theory behind the shapes themselves. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My goal is to cultivate a relationship with music that will enrich the life of the student--of any level! I studied under two Jazz Messenger Alumni at Pitt, Leon Lee Dorsey, and Nathan Davis. In Chicago I got my MA at DePaul studying under Ron Perrillo, Dennis Carroll, and Dana Hall. I have blessed to perform with many important figures in jazz. Although jazz is my main focus, I truly love all forms of music and want to help the student mature their own taste and proficiency in whatever musical vain they desire. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University as a Music Minor. I have been playing guitar for 15 years, and taught lesson for last eight years. After performing in lots of different venues, I have had opportunities to incorporate musical theory with live performances. Playing different genre's of music such as reggae, jazz, blues, rock, progressive rock and metal, I have become versatile in my playing style and can teach people not only on a specific genre but many. Read More

Instruments: Drums

The exciting part of teaching is when the students eyes are opened to the possibilities that are in front of them. I'm so lucky that I get to share that with them. Understanding is the key to momentum so it is up to me that each student sees what I see. Then the fun really begins. Teaching has been an exceptional gift for me to share. Every student of mine will achieve and succeed because they see how much fun it is to play. Read More