Music Lessons in Jackson Park, IL

Instruments: Voice

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 instructor to their wants and needs. Read More

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: Saxophone

The most important aspect of teaching music is to keep the student excited and engaged! I want my students to be eager to learn. I keep all lessons fun and casual, but stress the importance of hard work. I always encourage daily practice sessions, even if just for 15 - 20 minutes. Repetition is key! I discuss our goals for the lessons (what do you want to get out of the lesson? why do you want to learn saxophone?) and strive to meet our goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I don't teach out of method books. I will write notes during the lesson and give them to the student, and sometimes give them websites to look up or other resources I feel would be helpful. I like to teach the student how to play songs from bands that they like, or whatever else they are interested in. I find that not having a book allows us the freedom to take the lessons in any direction that we want, without having to follow a set path. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I try to keep lessons fun even though there's aspects that might be boring. So, I will switch from snare drum to drum set. Learning how to combine rudiments with drum set music such as jazz and rock is very beneficial. When my students are having trouble with a certain area, I do well with taking out that area and making a drill out of it. One of my specialties is that I will play the bass with students for various styles so they can have a hands on experience of the relationship of a rhythm section, phrasing, and timing. Read More

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

I'm a graduate of Northwestern's Bienen School of Music and have been playing and performing music since childhood. I hold two degrees, one in Music Performance for Classical Guitar, and the other in Cognitive Science; both affect my teaching method--in different ways, of course! I think one of the most important things when starting out as a musician is to have the intent and drive to practice (encouragement counts for quite a bit too!). Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginners, after we learn the basics of the instrument, I employ a repertoire-based instruction model that has students bringing their favorite songs to me. I use this repertoire to teach important concepts, all while the students learns what they want to learn. As a student transitions into intermediate drumming, I start to introduce some technical exercises that will allow the student to grow into their own style and express themselves. Read More