Music Lessons in Mount Prospect, IL

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I tend to like the average guitar method book for it will usually consists of the fundamentals of music as well as left and righthand technique and also songs and pieces that are a part of the development process. My favorite courses are by Julio Sagreras and Fernando Sor for classical. Otherwise Gibson Guitar methods are excellent for a variety of levels and styles. I also like to write out lessons as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I typically divide my lessons into quarters so that the first part is just scale work. The second part is scale patterns and technique. The third portion is prepared materials, and the final portion is listening. I bring an Ipod with close to 750,000 songs on it for kids to choose pieces featuring their own instruments for inspirational purposes. I find that listening can be just as informative as pressing down keys:) Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I am a passionate musician and performer, and that passion is met with an equal passion for passing on the knowledge and inspiration I have had the opportunity to gain to others. I am a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky with degrees in Music Performance and Arts Administration and am now working on a Master of Music with a focus on jazz and world music at Northern Illinois University.I have had many invaluable opportunities so far in my life, but a few that stand out include opportunities to study and perform overseas (West African Drumming in Ghana, Steel Pan in Trinidad) and opportunities to perform and work with artists such as Jeff Coffin, Bob Mintzer, Wycliffle Gordon, Brad Dutz, Chris Wabich, Liam Teague, and many others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

First I think it is important to get to know the student and chat about what their intentions are musically. Then I can customize a lesson plan for them which includes warming up, techniques, and repertoire. I sometimes find it helpful to discuss of elements music theory, aural skills, and reading music depending on the students desires in those areas. I strive to motivate students by picking material they are excited about. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

I always figure out where a student is at, and prefer to grow off the student's strengths as opposed to harping on their weaknesses. I have been in lessons before where teachers couldn't get past the smallest details, and these ruined the experience for me, as well as greatly affected what I was able to accomplish in my lessons. The opposite is also true, in that I have had teachers that haven't even informed me of a weakness that I had, and I wasn't able to improve because of it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Organ

One of the best things to experience is watching someone progress. I began teaching because I wanted to help others and share my musical abilities. During lessons one of my main focuses is to promote encouragement. After encouragement is passion, because with passion come everything else. When you have passion and love what you’re playing you have fun. And when you have fun you stick to it. I help students find passion by catering to their needs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Music

For beginning students, we begin with learning how to read music and go over the basic fundamentals of playing the instrument. Then, we will go through the Rubank Elementary Methods books while including scales and practice techniques. We will also take time to listen to other instrumentalists and discover what concept of sound is best for you. For advanced students, we will start with fundamental reinforcement through scales, exercises, and sight-reading. Read More