Music Lessons in Madison, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Classical Guitar

Each lesson starts with technical exercises, follwed by repertoire. Each student does theory during the lesson with twenty questions at the end. During this time, I do all review theory material. Difficult passages are marked with a "P" chart. They have to play the difficult part four times and get a "P" for each perfect playing. Every fifth time they have to repeat from the beginning to integrate the difficult part with the rest of the song. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Music lessons are not math class. It is first important to discover what the student is interested in learning. I balance the learning of material that the student is interested in with excercises and other concepts that I know to be important for any musician. I always encourage students to play with their peers! 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: Voice

As every voice is unique, it is important to me that the lessons I give are personalized for each student. It is always my goal to unlock the singer's true, natural voice, so that they can create their own personal sound. I use a functional bel canto method that focuses on a natural expression of the voice and an active breath and resonance. This ensures a healthy sound production, avoiding undue pressure on the vocal folds. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

At this point, I was able to develop very rapidly and also implemented various guitar styles into my playing. I would eventually discover a passion for classical guitar and pursued studies with Alan Rosenkoetter at Washington University. During this formal stage of my musical development, I graduated from the University of Missouri St. Louis with a Bachelors of Music Degree, with an emphasis in Music Education. I play and teach the following styles: rock, blues, metal, classical, funk, pop, country, alternative, and folk/acoustic. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I use Piano Adventures as the basic course guide. I have found it the most productive and enjoyable for my students. I use a minimum of the Lesson and Theory book for my younger students with either the basic course or Accelerated course depending on their age and maturity. Adults begin with the All In one adult book. I add the other books that accompany each level based on the particular students needs and interests. Read More