Music Lessons in Cragin, IL

Instruments: Cello

I believe that playing the cello should be effortless natural . A student will play their best when they feel at ease with the instrument and discover how naturally and physically rewarding playing the cello can be. The materials I use with students depend completely on the student’s current playing level. With complete beginners I tend to work from the Suzuki Books or Hal Leonard’s Essential Element books and in addition supply a collection of specialized exercises, scales and warm ups focused on developing fluid technique from the start. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have been playing the Cello for 19 years, and it is my greatest passion in life. I can rarely contain my excitement when it comes to Classical music, and it is my goal as a teacher to encourage this same excitement about music in my students. I have not only studied as a cellist, but as a conductor and musicologist. I have had the opputunity to study with some of the countries greatest pedagogues, including Nancy Hair, Peter Howard, and Raimi Solomonov.I just recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Drake University, and I am currently working on my Masters of Music at the Chicago College of Performing Arts with renowned cellist Richard Hirschl. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginners, I typically start with Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence Stone, and The Drumset Musician by Rod Morganstein. Once the student has grasped the fundamentals, I sculpt the lesson plan depending on the style(s) the student would like to learn, from Rock and Funk to Jazz, Latin and more. For intermediate to advanced students, I try to figure out what goals the student would like to achieve, and then plan a lesson that will help the student achieve those goals. Read More

Instruments: Violin

The best feeling is watching a student progress week by week. By opening up their minds to the world of music, I believe a student can learn more about themselves and the world around them. I always encourage of art of listening with my students. Whether it be a specfic sonata or just a classical music and/or jazz mix tape. When a student knows the potential for talent that exists, it makes the desire to be a good musician even bigger. Read More

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

I have been teaching music to students since I was in high school. Having taken years of music lessons since childhood, I went on to teach in ...In college we were required to take a pedagogy course specifically on the best ways to teach students, and as a result can have a somewhat structured method. For most students, I find that it's best to teach the theory behind the music at the same time as they're learning the basics; Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I am always conscious of myself to aim to be fun, understanding, and motivating. As long as my student is motivated to learn I could not care less if they were the worst player on the planet; I will endure thick and thin to guide them to success. The motivation to become better and to strive for excellence is what I look for in my students. I love music and while I don't expect all my students to pursue music as a career, I want my students coming away from my lessons purely enjoying music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Music

I am an avid believer that a student's personal enthusiasm for learning and improving is the sole catalyst for their development. I do not believe in enforcing practice regiments on students as the motivation to practice should come from within. That being said, it is my job as the teacher to foster the student's passion for music by introducing them to exciting concepts and pieces that can grow their passion. Read More