Music Lessons in Calumet City, IL

Instruments: Voice Music

For beginning students, be they young or seasoned, I start from the very beginning with breathing and the anatomy of the body as it pertains to singing. As my students progress (or depending on their understanding of the basics) I move into more detailed work, such as how to feel and focus the placement of the sound in a locations within the singing mechanism. For adults, or pupils with more advanced understanding, I focus on musicality and how to use the lyrics and to make the song more interesting and grab the audience's attention. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have experience teaching from the beginner to the collegiate level. I teach technique, songwriting, theory lessons, or any style the student prefers. Each lesson is specifically tailored to a student's individual needs and musical desires. I teach an effective practice routine involving a metronome and egg timer to promote good habits. This serves a dual purpose in measuring both time and technical progress. Further, it gives beginner students the ability to develop good habits early. Read More

Instruments: Violin

My top priority in teaching violin is for my students to develop a love for music. This includes tailoring my teaching style dependent on the student's learning style. Typically, I like to begin my lessons with developing musical foundations (which includes scales, rhythm, and different bow and finger exercises). Then, I choose a piece that challenges the student in some artistic capacity. I balance the challenging repertoire with a piece of the student's choosing, whether that be a pop song, fiddling, or a duet. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My style of tutelage differs from many other teachers in that I place as much emphasis improvisation as on fundamental techniques. Etudes are fun and all (really, they are), but nothing beats having the ability to ... This, of course, entails important theory elements and special techniques, when needed. I have taught students since high school, and all throughout college was a guitar teacher; even TAing for special guitar courses over the summer. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I never imagined God had plans for me to be a music teacher. I had taken piano lessons for about 15 years (later adding recorder, guitar, violin, clarinet, saxophone, and cello) and was working as a front desk receptionist in a music school when a teacher notified us of an unexpected long-term absence. My boss--who had known me for almost 20 years, and who taught me piano-- approached me and said she would like ME to teach the affected students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

While instructing private voice students, I teach the functional approach to singing. This mindset allows the vocalist to focus on singing freely in all genres. I believe it is important to not only teach a wide variety of repertoire, but to also inform my students on vocal health. Along with a functional approach to the voice, I promote a safe and welcoming environment to make music in. If a student does not feel comfortable in the space they are in, then they will not perform to their fullest potential and I would not have completed my job. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

In my lessons, I aim to not only cover the skills in playing the instrument, but also basic music theory. I also incorporate reflective questions for students to get them thinking about the music in new ways (e.g., structurally, historically, philosophically, etc.). My aim is that students are able to do a lot of playing in lessons and to be able to ask questions (especially why some aspect of music works the way it does!). Read More