Music Lessons in Hinsdale, IL

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

I do not believe in the "cookie-cutter" teaching method, which means that I do not utilize the same teaching method with every student. I realize that each student is a unique individual with different learning preferences. With each student, I design a different approach that caters to the student's needs. Also, I do not have a set curriculum and with each student, I will set up an individualized plan. Some method books I use include: Faber Faber, John Thompson Piano Course, and the Suzuki Method. Read More

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

So I want my students to come away not only with an understanding of how to play, not only with knowledge of what they're hearing and even how they're hearing it, but importantly, an enjoyment of the instrument and a respect for it's difficulties. More concretely, students should expect to receive handouts and homework for each lesson, as well as recommendations for music apps they can use. As alluded to earlier, we'll work out of some books, but I just copy and print the pages we need so there's no need to spend extra cash. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

My main objective as an educator is to share my enthusiasm for music and develop a lifelong love for music in my students. I do not have one specific style of teaching because I believe it to be my job to cater my teaching style to the learning style of my students. Every student has different objectives and interests. I do my best to help students learn what they are interested in while insuring they develop excellent fundamentals on their instrument and a strong knowledge of music theory. Read More

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: Violin

For my beginner students who are children, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and sometimes Lee W. Kikuchi's Musicianship for Strings. Scales and arpeggios follow shortly after. As the student progresses, I follow up with Harvey S. Whistler's Introducing the Positions (this book can also work with adults). Etude books such as Wohlfahrt and Kreutzer come into play when the student is ready. As far as repertiore, I use the first few Suzuki books and Barber's "Soloists for Young Violinists" for my younger students (the latter can also work with adults). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I have been singing since the tender age of three! I have loved singing and performing since then. This love has propelled me into the classrooms where I honed my craft. I also learned the discipline of practicing on other instruments as I went through high school at Emerson School for the Visual and Performing Arts. I graduated with honors as a vocal major. I later attended Wabash College and graduated as the only music major in the class of 2003. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I love to teach my students the basic tools of what it takes to be a professional musician, whether or not they are into music as a hobby or as a serious profession. I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. Read More