Music Lessons in Lake Bluff, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

For beginning musicians, I like to start with the very fundamentals of music theory in order to get them comfortable with reading music and understanding what they are doing. Books I have used in the past include the Essential Elements series and the Melodious and Progressive Etude series. I also understand the importance of enjoying what one is playing, so I always urge students find pieces or books for themselves that they are interested in, and incorporate them into my lessons. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I believe every student pursues music for a different reason, so I approach every student with a custom curriculum. For all students I stress the importance of scales, arpeggios, ear training and scale patterns (3rds, 4ths, etc) to improve technical facility from the beginning. For beginners I typically use the Rubank Edute book to begin reading music. All students are introduced to 'Top Tones for the Saxophone' by Rascher early on to improve range, intonation, breath support and tone quality. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

For beginning students of any age I start out with basic open chords and how to switch between them. We'll eventually try out different picking patterns with these chords and some simple songs that utilize them. For more experienced students I will present some chords and scales and determine what level they are on and take it from there. Once my students have a grasp on some chords and scales I like to have them take turns soloing while the other plays rhythm. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience began with a few friends of mine in college. It was just for the fun of it at first, until others outside my circle of friends began to approach me about lessons, through word of mouth. I was soon known in my class to be the guy to go to learn more about music. In fact not all of these friends came to me for just guitar lessons, a couple I have taught beginner piano to as well. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. In 1992, I graduated from Mercyhurst University, The D'Angelos School of Music in Erie, PA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Guitar Performance. I am currently producing music for television and films. I'm also active in the local community with duo performances with my 12-year-old singer/songwriter daughter Meghan. We've played all over Chicagoland and have a successful youtube channel. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For my entire teaching career thus far, I have taught the Suzuki method. I find the sequence of pieces in each book is quite suitable for a young musician. However, I do believe note reading and general music theory should be incorporated into lessons right from the beginning, especially if the child does not have a background in piano. In addition to Suzuki, I like to integrate various exercises and scales into the lesson and daily practice routine as well. Read More