Music Lessons in Hartford, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Classical Guitar

I love Faber and Faber for piano. I have several very young students doing the series for preschoolers. These materials are supplemented with Keith Snell's literature books. All students do at least one duet per year and two recitals.I love to take students as far as they can go in their lesson books and then back that up with the technic books, which are generally a bit easier. That helps with pacing the lessons and it pads the practice times. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I teaching methods vary, depending on the age and experience of the student. With elementary, novice students, I use some of the progressive series of lessons, such as Hal Leonard and Bastien. As every lesson changes from what I had planned, using my own teaching methods seem to work the best. In the first 2-3 years, I combine playing songs with learning theory. It is all combined into one teaching method which assures the student is up to speed on both. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I also believe that Piano Lessons should be fun. Since I generally teach one on one, lessons can be tailored to each student and I add supplementary material to the Piano course as soon as possible based on the student’s progress and interests.  I am willing to add supplementary music in most any genre from current radio hits, to Pop Standards and soundtracks, as well as Holiday Music based on the student’s culture. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

All music can be broken down into three categories: melody, harmony and rhythm. I tend to explore everything we do by observing how the given material utilizes one of these three elements (with rhythm being chief!). I love to instill the ideals that I have learned from my mentors into my own students. All guitar students are taught to think as musicians and not just as guitar players. I often think back on some of Miles Davis's famous words, "If it sounds right, it is right!". Read More

Instruments: Voice

I teach holistically, believing the voice to be an instrument inseparable from the person. With all students we endeavor to sing healthily, preserving voices for longevity, and to meet whatever goals the students desire. I am studied in the Bel Canto, Lamberti, and Concone technique and have successfully prepared many students for auditions, contests, festivals, and self confidence for life. The techniques for singing that I use are to create a sound, healthy, and free voice. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I consider a number of variables when determining what and how to teach guitar to a student. First, I have to know what kind of music the student enjoys. Next, I need to know what level guitar player they are. If Im teaching a beginning guitarist, I will typically spend a majority of the lesson utilizing fun methods to build basic technique. If a student doesnt have a technical foundation, it may not benefit them to present them with music theory in the beginning. Read More