Music Lessons in Mchenry, IL

Instruments: Piano

Nothing is more important than seeing your students progress in their playing. I make sure that every lesson is fun and interesting for my students so they can learn faster and be inspired to practice even when they go home. I'm trying to find out what inspires the students so we can always have a successful lesson. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In my curriculum, students start off by learning the basics of the guitar. This includes understanding the various parts, accessories and so forth. Along with those basics we work on tuning and pitch so that the student is comfortable with all aspects.As we move on students  learn how to build and maintain a rhythm. Learning how to play chords is essential, and we begin to go through chord progressions, as well as how to recognize and memorize the various chords.I then show students how to read tabs and write music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

Every student is unique in their ability level, dedication to the instrument/craft, et. al; therefore, I cannot expect that every student will be the next Larry Combs. I do, however, expect that every student take their responsibility for practicing each week, coming prepared to lessons, and being a good student. In lessons, I am kind and personable as anyone should be, but I like to make clear my expectations right from the beginning. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

I'm an upbeat instructor who loves helping young singers realize their own potential. I pride myself on teaching not only the HOW but also the WHY technique works. No matter what the style the singer wants to perform, I firmly believe a solid base in classical technique can be transferred to any style. I have performed with multiple symphonic choirs and also had the chance to sing backup for Madonna at the Super Bowl in Indianapolis. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Almost immediately after starting to play music, I began teaching my friends and family members how to play. I became the guitar teacher at my high school, teaching beginning guitar students for the last semester of my senior year. Then, when I went to college, I continued teaching friends and starting picking up students who I did not know at all for the first time. These experiences taught me how to deal with all age levels, and different styles of student learning. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

I love using the Suzuki method for skill building, but I also believe that students should be musically literate! I utilize supplemental books, such as "I Can Read Music," Essential Elements, and other sight-reading materials to encourage note-reading from the get-go. All of my students, including those who are 4 years old read notes. I emphasize etudes (studies), scales, warm-ups, physical stretches, and favorite songs of my students as part of a balanced repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I have been teaching saxophone and clarinet since a student at the University of Wisconsin from 1984 - 1989, where I was an instructor with the School of Music Institute at UW-Madison. Through the Institute, I had the opportunity to teach students from the Madison WI area ranging in age from elementary through high school. I have also been a sectional instructor at the UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic for both jazz and classical saxophone sections. Read More