Music Lessons in Livingston, IL

Instruments: Guitar

My experience began as an instructor for two different music stores in my early college years. I have had a well rounded musical education because I come from a family of professional musicians and have had the oppurtunity to play in a wide variety of scenarios. I encourage regular practice because it is the only way to see results in your playing. I have taught students of all ages and all experience levels. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I started playing guitar at the age of ten. Inspired by numerous classic rock musicians, I began to develop an immense passion for the guitar. However, I was only able to play guitar by ear early on in my development. So although I had a basic technique, I had no real understanding of how to create music or what is often considered the language of music. Finally at the age of 16, I took lessons from a local teacher who introduced me to scales and theory. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I have something unique and wonderful to share with people, music. Making music brings joy to students - teaching them how to explore their creativity and artistry, express themselves, and grow to become more confident and capable people. The most exciting part about teaching to me is starting with a student who is a bit shy or unsure of their abilities at first and watching that student grow into a confident person who enjoys playing their instrument as they reach a new level of artistry! Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate students I utilize the Bastien Method books series, which includes supplemental Theory and Technique books that can be purchased if needed.  These students each select performance pieces which they enjoy and are level-appropriate from a variety of sources. More advanced students focus primarily on challenging performance pieces, several of which are selected as 'keepers' for practice and review.  Lessons include technique practice (scales, arpeggios, finger exercises), theory (from textbooks, flashcards etc.) music history, instrument mechanics, ear training and musicianship (such as rhythm and sight reading drills, dictation) and student compositions (notation and continuation methods). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Classical Guitar

I love Faber and Faber for piano. I have several very young students doing the series for preschoolers. These materials are supplemented with Keith Snell's literature books. All students do at least one duet per year and two recitals.I love to take students as far as they can go in their lesson books and then back that up with the technic books, which are generally a bit easier. That helps with pacing the lessons and it pads the practice times. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Mallet Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have had great success in continually trying to adapt my methods to what works best for each student. This makes the lesson very personal for the student as well as very fresh and exciting for me. I have had 8 different piano teachers, varoius band directors, college professors, personal private flamenco and jazz lessons. I have played with some of the best players in St. Louis- many of which were also university professors or symphonic performers. Read More