Music Lessons in Hillside, IL

Instruments: Piano

For 5 to 6 year old beginners, I create an individualized lesson plan based on observing the student's learning style, strengths and weaknesses as well as personality. For the first 4 or more lessons, this includes my own big-note, large-symbol work sheets and simple songs. Next, and with older or more advanced students, I use a combination of lesson, technique and performance method books (Faber, Bastien, Hal Leonard), a scale/chording book and adjunct material consisting of songs the student wants to learn such as pop/rock, movie themes, holiday and theme music, and classical, to maintain interest and enjoyment. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I emphasize with students that the goal is to find their own unique voice, and not an imitation of another singer or a more mature sound than their age healthily permits. Consistent practice goals and body awareness are key as students learn how to harness their voice! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet

I am not a teacher of "cookie cutter" lessons. I like to consult with parents and students before preparing an individually-tailored lesson plan for each of my students. It's my goal to engage students through music they already love, and (at the same time) introduce them to new music ideas and musical concepts/challenges. Building early repoire between teacher and student is crucial to building a working knowledge for performing music later on. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Aside from whatever primary genre they (or their parents) care to learn, students under my tutelage should expect to learn bits and pieces of everything; jazz, bluegrass, classical, metal, and anything else that I feel can create a 'musician-of-all-genres,' so to speak. One note: for parents interested in having their child learn classical guitar, I feel it's good to have the kid learn at least some other genres prior to moving onto classical. Read More

Instruments: Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music

The student can only progress and accomplish as far as they are willing to go. Keeping that in mind, realistic but exciting goals are made and worked on through each lesson and individual practice time. There are necessities that need to be set as goals, but I push my students to set their own goals by their desires and inspirations with music. I use these aspects to tailor each individual students lesson plans. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

After one summer there, I knew I would have to return for many more. Every summer I am astonished by how much fun students can have in just 3 weeks while they are working and improving their playing. The real skill I try to teach all my students is how to enjoy practicing. If a student can learn that, they will have a way to enjoy themselves for the rest of their life. Read More

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

Beginning students will start out with technique practices, while introducing solo literature when appropriate. Technique studies can always be improved and studied, no matter a student's age or proficiency. I try to work within the repertoire a student is interested in at first, then expanding to materials and genres the student may find interesting to help broaden the experience and knowledge a student can gain from our lessons. No matter the age or ability level, I help students understand that each lesson and new idea or piece we learn adds to their experience, and experiences are building blocks for our futures. Read More