Music Lessons in Gurnee, IL

Instruments: Clarinet

I always start out just seeing where each student is at in their music career, no matter the age. Every student is different and might need a different approach. I personally am big on fundamental skills, such as embouchure, hand position, tongue position, and articulation as these are all important foundations to build both skill and fun off of. However, I know some people are more focused on just having a good time playing, and might take a different approach with that kind of player. Read More

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

I am a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and loves showing that making music can be both rewarding and fun! I have a degree in Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University, and I am on my last semester to get my Master's in Orchestral Conducting from Illinois State University. I have sung in numerous choir, played jazz and classical trumpet all through college, and have a burning interest in Music Theory and how it relates to playing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I tend to like the average guitar method book for it will usually consists of the fundamentals of music as well as left and righthand technique and also songs and pieces that are a part of the development process. My favorite courses are by Julio Sagreras and Fernando Sor for classical. Otherwise Gibson Guitar methods are excellent for a variety of levels and styles. I also like to write out lessons as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar

My teaching style is that I set a plan for every student I have. For instance, I will apply reading notes, but that will not work for each student, each student is different and would prefer another style of teaching. That's when i would test their own level of memorization. I would teach each student chord structure of memorizing maximum 2 chords. Once each student fully has the 2 chords memorized I would hand them a sheet of paper, giving them instructions on top of the paper, stating Now that you have mastered memorizing the chords I would want you to come up with a small melody by building a staff with a time signature and writing the notes on the sheet of paper. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer French Horn

At this point in time I've been blessed with the opportunities to teach in both private one-on-one tutoring settings as well as with large groups of children through volunteering, student teaching and substitute teaching. It was through the summation of these experiences that I predicted- and have ultimately discovered- that I love being a music educator. The height of what fulfills me about being a music educator is the essence of the work: Exploration and nurturing for both the student and the teacher. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I teach from a book from the Berklee Press. IT has proven to be the best method to combine modern styles with traditional teaching methods. I teach students to read music and encourage them to compose their own piece by the end of 3 months. A mix between learning songs in the style that they are interested in and traditional music education seem to produce the best results. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

For beginning students I usually start with either Fundamentals of Piano Theory or just basic note reading and writing. Since each student is different and responds differently to any variety of instruction methods, it’s important for me to be flexible and find the right one for the student. For kids, keeping the material light enough to understand while being challenging and engaging is important. For adults, being aware that they have busy lives with not as much time to practice as kids is something I always take into consideration. Read More