Music Lessons in Downers Grove, IL

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Latin Percussion Djembe

Nowadays, being all around percussionist and drummer requires presence of ability to adjust to every style of music. My idol, Steve Gadd, said,, Adjustments never stop!Opportunity of being a part of a NIU Jazz Orchestra thought me about Big Band concept in music, where also I performed on some outstanding Jazz Festivals like Chicago Jazz Festival and Peoria Jazz Festival. I gave a few masterclasses in Illinois area, in high schools. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

for the beginner student, we will start off by going through things such as scales, arpeggios, and exercises to build a solid foundation. While doing this, I will have the student pick a song they like, whether it be pop, country, jazz, classical, and begin to learn it by ear to begin to develop solid aural recognition. Once the fundamentals are solid, we will move on to either working on a sonata or concerto or a transcription and a tune (depending on if you are a jazz student or classical). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I love to teach my students the basic tools of what it takes to be a professional musician, whether or not they are into music as a hobby or as a serious profession. I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

I was known as the "Music Mentor" and would help those graffiti writing kids who wanted to funnel their creativity into a positive musical outlet. Also, I founded an arts start-up five years ago that creates opportunities and a platform for independent artists. So, in short, I am very passionate about helping the struggling young musician get to the next level, and this is why I talk about providing advice on the other aspects of becoming a musical artist, if needed. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am a second generation pianist and piano teacher who began lessons at the age of 4 under M.M. DePaul graduate and longtime piano teacher, Kathryn, my mother. My musical studies were continued in college at the University of IL at Chicago, and after graduating, at the American Conservatory of Music, where I enrolled in private Masters classes for 7 years (jazz piano, improvisation & other styles). I have over 25 years of international piano and piano/vocal performance experience, which includes the opportunity to perform in Okinawa, Japan at the exquisite 5 star Manza Beach Resort Hotel for 4 months. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For younger students I try to focus on simpler concepts and to revisit lessons to help solidfy the material until they feel comfortable progressing. Familiarity with material before it's necessary for application I feel is also a good approach. I currently study using the guidance of University of West London's curriculum for practical knowledge as well as theory and my lessons are geared towards mastering the instrument and not just learning songs. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Every student is different. Rather than approach each of my students with a pre-existing teaching methods/style, I take the approach of catering to each of one my students specifics needs. I want my students to always feel comfortable and to tell me what they want to learn from me. I also do not believe in pushing things on my students, such as a certain musical style or genre, just because it's something I what them to learn. Read More