Music Lessons in Deer Park, IL

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: Trumpet Trombone

I have experience performing and teaching in a wide variety of settings. While a music student at the University of Iowa, I performed with all three concert bands and two jazz bands as well as playing in orchestral and chamber settings. After graduating from Iowa with a degree in music performance and education, I performed with the Idaho Falls Symphony Orchestra as well as a ska/rock band. I have also had the opportunity to perform abroad, playing with the University of Kent concert band, orchestra, and jazz band in the United Kingdom. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I have extensive materials and exercises that can be used to get a firm grasp on the fundamentals that are needed to both play the saxophone and improvise freely. I love working with students on improving their sound, their range, and their fluidity on the saxophone. No matter their experience level, I know what steps are needed to unlock the next level in someones sound and playing. I have been lucky enough to study under masters of the instrument and can translate all of the knowledge I have been given to help students on a case by case basis. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

My teaching style is casual with an emphasis on developing love for the music alongside a technical and musical understanding of it. I encourage this by promoting practice methods which are likely to foster a deep experience of the music in the student, setting realistic but challenging goals in lessons which require the student to grow in order to succeed, and providing honest feedback with lots of encouragement. By discovering how I can help the student to feel inspired, I can successfully guide them to a rewarding and enriching music-making experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

Philosophy on Music- There is imitation and creation, but to truly create one must first learn the established forms before one can break them. Eventually through discipline to these forms, one will see these forms not as absolutes governors, but instead a variety of tools that aid us in our artistic expression and enjoyment. Philosophy as an Educator- To be an effective educator I believe that one must not only create a curriculum and pay attention to the individual needs of their students, but one must also provide an environment that fosters growth. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 10 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my studio for the last 5 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I believe every student pursues music for a different reason, so I approach every student with a custom curriculum. For all students I stress the importance of scales, arpeggios, ear training and scale patterns (3rds, 4ths, etc) to improve technical facility from the beginning. For beginners I typically use the Rubank Edute book to begin reading music. All students are introduced to 'Top Tones for the Saxophone' by Rascher early on to improve range, intonation, breath support and tone quality. Read More