Music Lessons in New Douglas, IL

Instruments: Voice

I teach holistically, believing the voice to be an instrument inseparable from the person. With all students we endeavor to sing healthily, preserving voices for longevity, and to meet whatever goals the students desire. I am studied in the Bel Canto, Lamberti, and Concone technique and have successfully prepared many students for auditions, contests, festivals, and self confidence for life. The techniques for singing that I use are to create a sound, healthy, and free voice. 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: Guitar Bass Guitar

I feel its important to take very basic elements and build upon them. I always like to keep things interesting and fun, yet challenge my students at the same time. Students have different needs, wants, and goals. Its important to consider those things when structuring a music program. If a student wants to be a metal guitarist, Im probably not going to spend a great deal of time teaching them standard guitar chords. 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: Piano

I began teaching during pedagogy classes at the University of Illinois. I've continued to teach piano whenever possible during other careers. (I also have a degree in journalism and communications, so I've worked as a writer, editor, public relations director and related fields). It's important that students have fun while learning, and I attempt to engage them as much as I can in endeavors they enjoy. I love seeing laughter and joywhen someone masters amusicproblem which with they previously struggled. 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