Music Lessons in Burr Ridge, IL

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For beginner students, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements provides a simple and easy to understand method to learning an instrument. For trumpet students, I like to integrate Earl D. Irons, H. L. Clarke, Arban, Stamp, Chicowicz and Caruso studies. In addition to technique, these books offer etudes and duets. For jazz improvisation students, iRealPro, The Real Book and Jamey Abersolds ii-V-I book (Volume 3). In addition to these method books, I also like to stress the importance of sight reading; books like Alan Raphs Dance Band book and other solo repertoire provide good sight reading training. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Music

For beginners, introductory lesson books are very helpful for teaching the fundamentals of reading and playing music. I take a split approach with students working on basics such as scales/arpeggios along with repertoire so students can develop multiple skills at one time. I approach technique for both cello and piano as the art of releasing tension in the body while achieving the desired sound of the instrument. The goal is to play efficiently and relaxed, as this is the most productive and safe way to make music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

This is my very first time teaching private lessons, but I promise you that the knowledge that I have for music and the saxophone will be worth your musical needs. I want to make sure the student is having fun making music while in my private lessons. I encourage all of my students that I would teach to practice at least 30 minutes a day. I also encourage my students to join ensembles outside of their school. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I am a passionate and dedicated instructor who loves working with students of any age and interest. In 2013, I graduated from Lawrence University with a Bachleor of Music in Double Bass Performance (with a Jazz Emphasis). While at Lawrence I studied bass with Mark Urness, jazz improvisation with Bill Carrothers and Jose Encarnacion, and compostition with Fred Sturm. In 2011, I spent a semester at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where I studied with Dutch bassist Frans van der Hoeven and bass guitar with Lene Te Voortwis. 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: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

Seeing a student progress week-by-week is an exubertant experience. I encourage all of my students to be honest about what makes them inspired to play music and from there we work on capturing all of the components of that source of inspiration. What is so effective about this approach is that it blends both discipline and humanism. By critically examining our strengths and weaknesses in a musical context, we become better able to do the same in other areas of life. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Im a 25 year old graduate of Iowa State University, with a bachelors degree in World Languages and Cultures. From January 2012 until May 2013, I studied guitar and Contemporary Writing and Production at the Berklee College of Music.When I was 13 years old, I started taking weekly percussion lessons. Not long afterwards, I picked up the electric guitar, and was eager to teach myself. Since then, my musical interests have expanded to include arranging and production. Read More