Music Lessons in Hawthorn Woods, IL

Instruments: Drums

I am a long-time musician and educator; I have been doing both professionally since I was sixteen-years-old. My first student was my band director's son. My first gig was with a polka band. I now have a masters degree in ethnomusicology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a masters degree in music performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee along with a certificate of advanced study in chamber music. Additionally,I have been a professional musician for forty years, versed in many styles, and have a good reputation among musicians within the State of Wisconsin and the greater Midwest. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I typically begin by teaching students how to visiually identify the keys on the piano, as well as notes on sheet music. Then I like to begin to work on finger shape when playing, as well as basic scales. As we continue practicing with the fundamentals, I like to pick simple identifiable songs for students to move into next. Easily recognizable melodies make the learning process easier, more attainable to the student, and fun! Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching method will vary according to the student age and preferred music style. I will work invariably though with all students in building a solid vocal technique based on singing with the air flow and always promoting a healthy tone quality. For opera or classical vocal style I will work based in the italian school of singing paired with a strong influence of my mentor W. Stephen Smith's method, author of "The Naked Voice, a wholistic approach to singing". Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching dates back to my high school days, as I began teaching private lessons in my students' homes. I learned as I went along the different ways to engage different types of students, and I loved seeing the growth from week to week. I've found that my students took a lot of pride in learning to play a song they thought was too difficult for them, or in overcoming a specific hurdle. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been playing the drums for 16 years and the guitar for 18 years. I started by learning how to play rock beats and songs independetly and eventually started taking lessons from drummer, Martin Dosh of Andrew Bird's live band. Martin, a jazz and hip-hop drummer from Minneapolis taught me how isolation techniques and jazz/swing exercises derived from Hal Leonard's methods book. Since College, I have been playing in local and touring bands as well as teaching out of my studio space in Ukrainian Village, Chicago. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Keyboard

I love it when my students ask questions. Being curious is one of the most important elements of learning an instrument and fostering the students innate curiosity and giving them a space to personalize their interest in the instrument is vital to my teaching style. Of course, there are basic expectations, which grow from year to year, but I don't mind straying from classical rep into other genres or experiments with sound because it allows them to connect what they are learning in lessons, to their inner voice that needs a vehicle of expression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Music Keyboard

I have been in numerous music videos with the group and have led recording sessions. A few videos I have worked on ("This Is Me" and "From Now On") have even gained several million views! I have had the honor to star in the film "First String" as Rebecca Carlisle, and I am reprising my role in the sequel. I have had so many wondrous opportunities to share my craft with others, and I am enthusiastic about sharing even more through teaching and performing. Read More