Music Lessons in Island Lake, IL

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginning students (pre-Suzuki), I like to take material from different method books and even write my own songs. This way, each student has their own, individualized curriculum to help with technique or material that they find to be difficult. Once the student has a good grasp of the fundamentals, I like to use Suzuki books. I like to use the Suzuki method for younger beginners because it can be more challenging to learn to read notes, but I encourage note reading for older students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. as all students are different, I always respect that and teach accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every person is different and I take that to heart constructing a lesson plan for each student that is suited for their personal tastes and speed. I have taught people of various ages starting at 5 years old all the way up to 60. It just goes to show you are never really done learning, especially when it comes to music. I have developed my ear to a point in which most any music you play me, especially if it's guitar based, I can learn to play in a matter of seconds or a few short minutes if it's something really tricky. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student have an ah-ha! moment, and it is my passion to help students reach and exceed their goals in the most enjoyable way for them. I realize all students learn differently, so I have experience with starting beginners on a strict fundamental basis, starting them on figuring out a favorite song on their instrument for fun, and generally helping them in a unique way that suits them best. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

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. I studied at Berklee College of Music and I have a huge passion for teaching. I offer the option for students to get their lessons recorded via audio/video so they have a reference to stay on task for their next lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

Later, I went to Concord University in Athens, West Virginia from 1971-1974 where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and organ performance. Starting in 1979-1985, a Master of Applied Music and Organ Performance at Norfolk State University in Virginia where my teachers were Dr. Allen Shaffer and Dr. Carl Haywood. More recently, I attended Concordia University in Chicago completing a Master of Church Music and Organ in 2011. Read More

Instruments: Viola

Teaching is one of my greatest joys and students of all ages, backgrounds, and interests are welcome to study with me. I have taught private lessons since 2012. My violin and viola pedagogy teachers include Dr. Olga Kaler, Dr. Carla Trynchuk, Dr. Clifford Colnot, Dr. Frank Diaz, and Mimi Zweig, director of the internationally renowned Indiana University String Academy. I am interested in focusing my teaching on viola lessons only. I had the privilege of studying with Edward Gazouleas, Rami Solomonow, Dr. Read More