Music Lessons in Clarendon Hills, IL

Instruments: Piano

Nothing is more important than seeing your students progress in their playing. I make sure that every lesson is fun and interesting for my students so they can learn faster and be inspired to practice even when they go home. I'm trying to find out what inspires the students so we can always have a successful lesson. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginner students, I use the Suzuki method. This is what I learned on and I find it is an incredibly effective method. With the later suzuki books, I begin to incorporate the staples of the cello repertoir. I focus very heavily on scales and excercise. I believe very strongly in forming a strong basis of technique and form before conquering the greats of the repertoir. Once a student has advanced to intermediate and advanced level playing, I focus very highly on musical experession and understanding, as well as teaching the importance of stage presence and performance. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder Piccolo

Prior to moving to Chicago, I ran a private flute studio out of my home for 6 years. I have also been on faculty at the Midwestern Music Academy, and was a clinician for the Blue Valley School District. Whilemy love of performinghas been a major motivator for me, my true passion is performing arts advocacy, education, and musical outreach. I have been involvedwith numerous non-profit organizations both in Chicago and Kansas City and have found that my greatest joy comes from sharing my love of music with others through education and outreach. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I have been instructing students from kindergarten to high-school all over the Chicago area for the past thirteen years. My highest accomplisment is having a high-school sophomore student playing second chair first violin in Chamber Orchestra and third chair first violin in Symphonic Orchestra at Maine Township, Park Ridge, Illinois. Other accomplishments are having students prepared for Granquist Memorial Music Competition, Geneva Illinois. Since 2015 I am a member of the Northwest Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

Young students love playing the pop tunes, so I whole-heartedly accept them finding a book of broadway or pop tunes and brining it to lessons. For the older students, I always go to the Rose 32 Etudes for Clarinet, focusing primarily on the slower etudes to continue developing tone. Scales are also a must for all ages - I stress the importance of tone with these exercises because it's not just about the fingers. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

As a professional musician myself, I am constantly working with new people and within new musical territories. Because of this openess to collaboration, I have garnered extensive performance experience, sharing the stage with acts ranging from Califone to Grizzly Bear, as well as with improvising musicians the likes of Anton Hatwich, Eli Namay, John McCowen, and Keefe Jackson. I possess a large rhythmic vocabulary from a variety of related and disparate traditions. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I frequently assign listening homework, and I play audio recordings and videos during lessons that directly pertain to the areas we are focusing on. For example, if we are working on a classical solo piece, the student may watch footage of that piece being performed by a world-renowned saxophonist. This approach helps to keep things interesting and engaging. I will also record the audio of certain lessons so both myself and the student can track improvement. Read More