Music Lessons in Countryside, IL

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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

First I think it is important to get to know the student and chat about what their intentions are musically. Then I can customize a lesson plan for them which includes warming up, techniques, and repertoire. I sometimes find it helpful to discuss of elements music theory, aural skills, and reading music depending on the students desires in those areas. I strive to motivate students by picking material they are excited about. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Beginner students with me, no matter what age, start by studying out of the Stick Control book which has many sticking combinations for developing strong hands. It's designed for snare drum but I convert those combinations to the drum set to make unique rhythms that exercise all four limbs. I also stress rudiments for everyone, which I apply to the drum set as well to make it fun. The other aspect of drumming I work on is independence of both hands and both feet. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

Helping a student become passionate about music is the most rewarding thing I can get from teaching. I set realistic goals that help the student progress at a rate geared towards the student's own pace. Positive feedback helps instill a desire to continue working and practicing regularly. This also pushes the student to wish to learn and work on more challenging materials. By learning where each student draws his/her own inspiration, I tailor our lessons to their goals while opening up their possibilities to go even further than what the student thought possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

écoutez et répétez. Translation: hear and repeat. There is simply no better methodology in grasping and understanding an instructor’s directions so that a student, no matter what the age, can progress confidently and successfully. In addition, theoretical and historical subject matter is also introduced appropriately to keep him or her engaged continuously. Performances throughout the year, which include solos, duos, trios, and quartets will further inspire the student to progress even further. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For my first class with my students, I typically would get to know them in terms of their goals, experience as a singer, and get to know where they are in their pursuit of those goals they set for themselves. After which, I would do warm-up exercises, vowel, and consonant work, and establish fundamentals of vocal techniques for the desired genre. Once the student feels more comfortable with their voice, I would suggest an introductory repertoire (usually an Art Song) according to their age, level, voice type, and their personality. Read More

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