Music Lessons in Mokena, IL

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in setting clear goals so that progress can be easily seen. I also focus on the music that the students are interested in, and work on getting them up to a level where they are able to play (at least part of ) some of their favorite songs. Each student requires a slightly different approach. For younger students I generally approach it from a wide variety of angles and have them focus on method books in addition to learning more practical skills like rhythm guitar and tablature reading. Read More

Instruments: Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I swear by the Suzuki method. Ive tried various methods, and nothing has worked better than this. Suzuki not only incorporates, but makes it a necessity to be able to sight read, learn by ear (listening followed by playing), and understand the theory behind the piece. I believe that being well educated in different styles of playing makes one a greater musician. My students start off with music theory and the basics of violin, beginning with classical repertoire that can be solo pieces or group pieces from Suzuki book 1. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching music to students since I was in high school. Having taken years of music lessons since childhood, I went on to teach in ...In college we were required to take a pedagogy course specifically on the best ways to teach students, and as a result can have a somewhat structured method. For most students, I find that it's best to teach the theory behind the music at the same time as they're learning the basics; Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For beginners, I advise them to purchase Essential Elements or another book of equivalent level, and we would be able to work through these basic exercises and melodies so that the student can learn fundamentals. I also ask beginners what song they would like to play, and I would transcribe the notes for them so that we can work towards something they want to achieve in the near future. For players who are intermediate level and above, I think it is important to point out what people do well, and then as a teacher provide feedback on how they can get better. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I've been a private bass instructor for a number of years now. I have had both double bass and bass guitar students. In addition, I've taught jazz improvisation to other instruments as well and have experience coaching both large and small ensembles. In 2013, I spent a summer interning as an assistant teacher for the New York Jazz Academy (NYJA). The NYJA is all ages jazz academy located in New York, NY. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Notebooks! I'm a big believer in writing things down so before your lesson, don't only bring your guitar but also a notebook to write down what we learned, and what you should practice before our next lesson. It is vital that students have a physical reminder of our lessons and the techniques we covered, because in my experience, I've found this really helps with not only learning but retaining the information we go over. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I like to start with the basics. Its important to let the student gain confidence in their instrument. So I start with very simple task that would be easy to do while I'm present so if they have any questions I can answer. I also do everything in three's...if we are working on the C scale and we get it correct I like to do it three time straight for memory. Read More