Music Lessons in Graceland, IL

Instruments: Clarinet

I am a dedicated and patient instructor with many years teaching experience in many different settings. For the past ten years I was professor of clarinet and music technology at Mansfield University in rural northern Pennsylvania. I have recently returned to my hometown of Chicago for family reasons and I'm looking forward to teaching private students again. I completed my doctorate in clarinet perfomance at the University of Arizona, working with Jerry Kirkbride (Dorian Wind Quintet), in 2004. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums

I encourage regular lesson attendance and practice at home. Consistency is key when learning and developing a new skill set especially when concerning younger students. I feel that the balance of establishing a strong technical foundation and fostering a love for music is fundamental in fostering passion and enthusiasm for new students. I try and find out what the student is interested in and tailor each lesson to their specific needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I am a passionate musician and performer, and that passion is met with an equal passion for passing on the knowledge and inspiration I have had the opportunity to gain to others. I am a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky with degrees in Music Performance and Arts Administration and am now working on a Master of Music with a focus on jazz and world music at Northern Illinois University.I have had many invaluable opportunities so far in my life, but a few that stand out include opportunities to study and perform overseas (West African Drumming in Ghana, Steel Pan in Trinidad) and opportunities to perform and work with artists such as Jeff Coffin, Bob Mintzer, Wycliffle Gordon, Brad Dutz, Chris Wabich, Liam Teague, and many others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar

No matter the student's particular interests, there are a few things that are fundamental to all drummers and percussionists. We will start with the most basic techniques for producing a note: grips and stroke types. I take care to make sure the student is aware of physical tendencies that will inhibit their motion, and I keep these bad habits in check. We move on to focus on reading rhythms and subdividing a pulse. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I graduated with my Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Oberlin Conservatory in 1986. While there, I studied with Richard Miller, regarded by many as one of the greatest voice teachers of the 20th century. Millers books on singing are now standard texts in music schools all over the world. I then received a fellowship and teaching assistantship at Yale University (1986-88) while receiving my Master of Music in Vocal Performance. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Mandolin

I remain current in a wide variety of musical styles including Jazz, Rock, Blues, Classical and Mexican Folklore. I have also worked playing Greek music. My teaching experience includes teaching children in primary school, as well as individuals of all ages.Perhaps like me, you find that you have diverse inclinations with regards to musical styles. I will help you attain a clear path to follow in achieving your musical goals, while providing theoretical and auditory techniques.My personal goal is that the study of music becomes closer to the experience of playing music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Recorder Euphonium French Horn Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I am a teacher who looks to make music both fun and rewarding. As well as teaching the student how to make beautiful music, I also try and tie in our lessons as a way to becoming a better citizen. The habits that we form as a musicians will help us as individuals. Things like setting and working towards goals, tracking and monitoring progress, and educating ourselves beyond the lesson room are all things that will serve my students as individuals, no matter what discipline or situation that they will find themselves in down the road. Read More