Music Lessons in Itasca, IL

Instruments: Piano

I am a second generation pianist and piano teacher who began lessons at the age of 4 under M.M. DePaul graduate and longtime piano teacher, Kathryn, my mother. My musical studies were continued in college at the University of IL at Chicago, and after graduating, at the American Conservatory of Music, where I enrolled in private Masters classes for 7 years (jazz piano, improvisation & other styles). I have over 25 years of international piano and piano/vocal performance experience, which includes the opportunity to perform in Okinawa, Japan at the exquisite 5 star Manza Beach Resort Hotel for 4 months. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

My approach is definitely supportive and positive, but I don't let that get in the way of challenging the student. I am not afraid to tell the student that they can do better. It's very important to get to know the student's goals and inspirations. That way, I can focus on the skills they need. Also, I like to let the student learn songs by artists they love (if applicable) because it motivates them and sometimes it ends up being the sound they want to go for anyway. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar

No matter the student's particular interests, there are a few things that are fundamental to all drummers and percussionists. We will start with the most basic techniques for producing a note: grips and stroke types. I take care to make sure the student is aware of physical tendencies that will inhibit their motion, and I keep these bad habits in check. We move on to focus on reading rhythms and subdividing a pulse. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music Keyboard

Balancing the radically different musical backgrounds of each student was difficult at first, but I have realized that the core struggles are universal. The solution for each roadblock typically revolved around the students attitude, rather than their approach. Once the student figured out what they truly wanted to learn and feel from music, they were able to set their mind to it and drastically improve. I sincerely enjoy helping the student find their voice and interests, rather than enforcing my own upon them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a young professional bassist living in Chicago and am now fully submerged in the world of entertainment. I've traveled to all 7 continents after working in a cruise ship band for 3 years. Now I'm settled in the River North neighborhood and looking to pick up students who want to make great music and learn about advanced techniques and possibilities of their instrument. I'm a classically trained jazz major who has played in rock bands, punk bands, pop bands, and musical theater pits over 20 years of professional playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginner students that are younger, age 5 or 6, I will use the Faber primer lesson books. For older children, I like to use either Faber or Schaum Series music books. For adults I use either Faber or Alfred series music books. I purchase the books for the students and ask that the students to reimburse me the cost of the books. I also will use various sheet music of favorite songs the student would be interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Music 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 engaging students in conversations about realistic and individual growth goals. 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. Read More