Music Lessons in Fox River Valley Gardens, IL

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I use various methods to help students become independent artists and I take pleasure in discovering the most effective method to approach each student. First, I take an intellectual approach when students learn a new piece. I expect students to understand historical background of composer and piece before they actually read music notes. This approach allows students to develop appropriate stylistic interpretations and to articulate their own thoughts. During lesson time, I always ask students how they want to lead performance in music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

The methods I use to teach depend on a number of factors. For enrolled in beginner band at their school, I will use whichever method their school is using. If the school is not using a specific method, I use the Rubank method supplemented with my own materials. For more advanced players I assign various etude books, jazz play along books, and method books based on the students needs. I provide all the materials for my beginning piano students for the first few months, then assign method books based on the student's interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.I would love to give my students opportunities to give recitals in public because that is a way to check themselves of what they actually learned from class and also that will gain their confidence and interests of playing piano in public. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For every student I always start with the basics. What are the basics? Well, first and most important for getting you started is open chords. That along with pentatonic scales will really help to develope finger dexterity and get the student adjusted to proper hand and finger positioning on the guitar. During that same period we will practice strumming patterns and exercises to fully bring the use of both hands up to a level that allows us to play simple songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am a pianist, composer, and educator who strives to bring out the best in all my students. I have composed for film, internet, and theatrical productions and performed across the country in classical and jazz contexts. I hold a masters degree in jazz studies from the Jacobs School of Music, where I studied with Luke Gillespie, Steve Houhgton, and David Baker. In the summer of 2013 I performed with the Disneyland All-American College Band. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet

I am passionate about teaching. Music education is but a second thought of most of our children's primary educational settings, so I wanted to create a learning environment that focuses on performance and execution. I am a composer and arranger, so I also like to infuse some basic music theory and compositional/improvisational techniques into my lessons. In short, I am trying to foster new artists! Read More

Instruments: Voice

I started teaching private voice lessons in 1984 during my junior year at Oberlin. While at Yale, I was awarded a teaching assistantship (1986-88). Since then I have maintained a private studio of voice students in Chicago. Ive had experience both with students who love classical music to those who sing musical theater, spirituals, choral singers, etc. I love teaching and nothing is more gratifying than hearing a students progress. Read More