Music Lessons in Maryville, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Piccolo Keyboard

My first experience teaching music began immediately after graduation college and had continued to the present day. Originating as the music teacher at a girl's club the summer after my college graduation, my music profession soon began. There my eyes were opened to the benefits music has on children. This is also where I learned a lot about myself musically. While teaching music theory, choir & directing the summer musical started its cycle of my evolution here, this was only is beginning. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

All music can be broken down into three categories: melody, harmony and rhythm. I tend to explore everything we do by observing how the given material utilizes one of these three elements (with rhythm being chief!). I love to instill the ideals that I have learned from my mentors into my own students. All guitar students are taught to think as musicians and not just as guitar players. I often think back on some of Miles Davis's famous words, "If it sounds right, it is right!". Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

My teaching experience goes back to college when I would help out non-piano playing music students for their piano class. (Yes, if you go to school for music, you have to learn some piano, no matter what!). I've also taught students as young as 7, and I was a piano and band instructor at Columbia College Chicago's Blues Camp, which is for students ages 6-18. I was also a keyboard instructor at School Of Rock before having to leave due to touring with Nick Moss. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I consider a number of variables when determining what and how to teach guitar to a student. First, I have to know what kind of music the student enjoys. Next, I need to know what level guitar player they are. If Im teaching a beginning guitarist, I will typically spend a majority of the lesson utilizing fun methods to build basic technique. If a student doesnt have a technical foundation, it may not benefit them to present them with music theory in the beginning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with note naming and sound. 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. My goal in my method is to get my students fluent in playing the piano and knowing the methods of piano. Read More

Instruments: Voice

As a voice teacher, I have greatly enjoyed sharing the gift of music with others. It is important to me that singers always find joy and fulfillment in making music. I work with each singer to choose repertoire that is interesting and enjoyable to work on, and that will allow them to grow musically. We set goals from week to week that will encourage home practice as well, since just like any other skill, learning to perform musically takes time and dedication. Read More