Music Lessons in Graceland, IL

Instruments: Clarinet

Beginning or advanced, all students require constant attention and care to their fundamentals. Scales, long tones, and articulation excercises should be addressed at every lesson, allowing a simple and clear opportunity to discuss these issues. Simultaneously, from the very beginning students should be given the chance to make music. No music, no excitement! It is important to maintain good communication with students about their hopes and desires for their art. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach students to read music and achieve excellence, and learn to play contemporary music using chord sheets, depending on the goals and preference of the student; Teaching the importance of training the ear, which is where the confidence lies and the ability to play. Using methods that enables musicians to play what they actually conceive or hear rather than bore their listeners with licks and notes that work off a page. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Lesson materials are customized based on each student's individual goals. I use a combination of tried and true books along with materials that I have created over my 16 years of teaching. Here is a quick list of some of the books I use: General Guitar Skills - Progressive Guitar Method, A Modern Method for Guitar, Melodic Rhythms for Guitar Jazz Guitar - Jazz Harmony on the Guitar, Approaching the Guitar, Jazz Conception for Guitar, The Brazilian Guitar Book Classical Guitar - Pumping Nylon, 100 Graded Classical Guitar Studies, The Library of Guitar Classics, The Solo Lute Works of J.S. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe in a balance between challenging my students and encouraging them. Students are at their very best when they feel affirmed and empowered, but also when the teacher is aware of their full potential and pushes them to achieve that. I believe in a very detailed approach where I am actuely aware of each of the student's particular strengths and areas for improvement and closely monitor their progress in areas of technique, musicality, expression, articulation, facility, and finesse. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

For beginning voice students, I focus on opening and relaxing the throat by way of diaphragm support and healthy, strong breathing. These are the fundamentals of good singing, regardless of the style.We work on these techiniques with both vocal exercises and repertoire.From there, I focus on the student's quality of tone and helping them find their "natural voice." The best singers use their authentic sound, and are not a second-rate imitation of someone else. Read More

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

I have a passion for teaching music! It is so rewarding to watch others grow and develop not only as musicians, but as people. In my studio, students learn in a fun and challenging environment that leads to rapid musical growth. I use aural and visual teaching methods, along with demonstration and imagination, to create a holistic approach to teaching that all students can grasp. In my instruction I try to be balanced in music selection. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

As a child of parents who have been/currently are teachers, I understand the utter importance of a good teacher. Personally, I believe the teacher/student relationship can be incredibly impactful and inspiring. I was always very inspired by my favorite teachers and I do not believe I would have progressed as a musician/human without the lessons I learned from my teachers over the years. I love watching the lightbulb go off in my students' heads and encouraging them when they're struggling or when they nail a concept. Read More