Music Lessons in Kenilworth, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice

My lessons are about technique and applying the technique to repertoire. I spend about a third of the lesson on specific technique work and I always encourage students to bring in their own material that we can work on as well. I of course always have songs to suggest and I cater to each individual student's needs. If you need a high song, I'll find a high one. If you need a pop song, I'll find a pop song. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I began teaching private students many years ago when I was in college. I quickly realized that teaching was extremely fulfilling, in a completely different way than performing. With teaching I am able to give back to the community and help to inspire students in the way I was inspired as a child. Pursuing music completely changed the direction of my life, and I hope to share that experience with others. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

Beginning or advanced, all students require constant attention and care to their fundamentals. Scales, long tones, and articulation excercises should be addressed at every lesson, allowing a simple and clear opportunity to discuss these issues. Simultaneously, from the very beginning students should be given the chance to make music. No music, no excitement! It is important to maintain good communication with students about their hopes and desires for their art. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I tend to like the average guitar method book for it will usually consists of the fundamentals of music as well as left and righthand technique and also songs and pieces that are a part of the development process. My favorite courses are by Julio Sagreras and Fernando Sor for classical. Otherwise Gibson Guitar methods are excellent for a variety of levels and styles. I also like to write out lessons as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Dennis H. holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Moody Bible Institute of Chicago in Bible and Theology and has studied Piano Pedagogy and Literature at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He first privately studied piano with Mrs. Ethel Cliff Stried, a Zion Conservatory of Music graduate, from 1979 to 1989. At Bethel College he studied under Gordon Howell (1989-1990).  At Moody he studied under Gary Rownd (1992). Hello and welcome! If you are searching for piano lessons in Racine, you can meet with me at the Racine Family YMCA Lakefront campus, where my studio is located. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Over the past 20 years, I have developed a very successful method of getting students up and playing the guitar very quickly focusing primarily on the mechanics of playing the guitar. The guitar is a highly physically demanding instrument and requires very regular practice just to get to the point where sound that can be turned into music can be made. For more intermediate and advanced students, I draw on my extensive performance experience and focus on practical, real world techniques and theory to help them advance their playing. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I tailor the lessons to students' unique goals. No matter the age or experience, I try to have a continuous dialogue between the student and myself about their progress and what direction they'd like to head in to make sure they are engaging with material that suits their needs and goals at the same time. As long as we are working toward a common goal together, I'm happy to accommodate any particular goals a student may have, as long as we are still working toward proper technique and expressivity. Read More