Music Lessons in Blue Island, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice

I enjoy setting goals with my students that are attainable and allow them to feel successful in their music study. I also want my students to feel that our lesson time together is a safe place to explore their musical growth, and I feel that this is only acheieved when students know that their teacher cares for them. Therefore, I also try to make lessons fun and lighthearted. We play games, talk about personal interests, and make connections between music and the world around us. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I like to start beginning students with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. When students move on to other materials, I draw upon their interests and the genre in which they are playing to find materials. I encourage classical students to listen to the repertoire so they can bring in pieces that they want to work on. I use a variety of method books with my jazz students, depending on the specific goals of the lesson, but I also place emphasis on ear training and transcription. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I really enjoy watching the week to week progress of a motivated student and sharing in their passion for the wonderful art of music! I remember when I was a young student and didn't understand why my teacher was having me prepare all those scales and arpeggios? Why couldn't he just make me play better. Well I realized many years later that it just didn't work that way. I had to practice the scales because just like professional sports teams work on fundamentals all the time to keep playing well, so do musicians need to work on fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

When I am introduced to a new potential student I try to assess the level of interest, and the reason behind the desire to take up an instrument. I also like to understand what the extracurricular activities are that may create a roadblock when it comes to practicing. As a father of 2 boys 8 and 11, I know the number of distractions, homework, and how life can get in the way. I enjoy working with everyone from the casual enthusiast, to the dedicated pupil. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I like to start with the basics. Its important to let the student gain confidence in their instrument. So I start with very simple task that would be easy to do while I'm present so if they have any questions I can answer. I also do everything in three's...if we are working on the C scale and we get it correct I like to do it three time straight for memory. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I have teaching experience in several areas of music. In addition to directing middle school and high school bands in the public school setting, I have also taught music appreciation (both middle and high school level), kindergarten music, and philosophy courses to college undergrads. No matter the setting, I have always enjoyed developing a strong relationship with my students. I am always interested in exposing students to new music and ideas and to help them grow into reflective and detail-oriented musicians. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it’s important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students’ desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying t find out what inspires the atudent, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More