Music Lessons in Long Lake, IL

Instruments: Piano

I'm an English Teacher with a passion for music and education. I've been playing the piano for 17 years and I know the joy that comes from the ability to play beautiful music. I want to share that joy with others! I taught piano in High School and after college for a while and I absolutely enjoyed the experience of teaching a skill that is being taught less and less often. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Bastien Piano Basics, Faber Piano Adventures, Alfred's Basic Piano Library etc. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet

I have been singing since I was 6, playing trumpet since I was 10, and I picked up guitar in my early 20's. I am now 49 and have taught voice, guitar, trumpet for over 7 years from my cozy home. I have been part of many musical ensembles (in many genres) in my 30 year career and have session work that's currently located in the Seattle Rock Roll museum. I have performed in varying capacities over 2,000 times in my career, and my emphasis is to help musicians prepare for live performances. 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 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: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I have always loved teaching. I taught martial arts for several years, and I have also taught private lessons for most of my college career. I think that there are fundamentals that are necessary to brass playing, and that if you work to build those fundamentals then you can be successful in any playing situation. I am also adament that musicianship has to come first and technique issues have to be subservient to making great music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I don't believe there is one absolute method and encourage my students to find whatever sparks musical joy in them, so I can help them pursue that. I can learn so much as a teacher by being shown what makes other people creatively stimulated. This is one my favorite parts about teaching! I can provide the knowledge and exercises to build a strong musical foundation, but it is up to the student to use these skills to express their own musicality and to access all the of the music they love on a deeper level. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

If they are frustrated, I work out the problem with them. If they are very eager to learn a specific exercise, then I stay out of their way but remain present to lend a guiding hand. My goal is to create not just great drummers, but great musicians, and when I see my students exude joy in playing, making mistakes, trying again, and exploring unknown territories, I know that I am making strides toward this goal. Read More