Music Lessons in North Chicago, IL

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been performing/teaching private lessons for 32 years but I always like the opportunity to work with motivated students from all levels. I have performed throughout the USA and was lucky enough to play in Carnegie Hall in 1990. In addition, I have performed with the orchestras of Elgin, Lake Forest, Milwaukee, South Bend, Springfield, Ft. Wayne, Savannah as well as the pit orchestra for numerous Broadway in Chicago musicals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I love to teach my students the basic tools of what it takes to be a professional musician, whether or not they are into music as a hobby or as a serious profession. I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

My teaching dates back to 2015! Through real life performance experience and studying of the voice I have been able to pass down many skills and technique practices. My performance experience includes: -Resident Artist|Jun 2022 - Aug 2022 Opera Steamboat|Summer Festival Worked on the following shows: La Boheme (covered Mimi), Company (performed the role of Jenny), and Three Feathers (performed the role of Frog) -Young Artist|Sep 2021 - Oct 2021 Opera Company Middlebury|C/D Level House Worked on Tchaikovsky's Maid of Orleans and covered Joan and Agnes -Apprentice Artist|Jan 2020 - Mar 2020 Sarasota Opera|B Level Opera House Worked on the following shows: La Boheme, La Wally, Romeo et Juliette, and L'elisir d'amore Read More

Instruments: Voice

Mastering technique is the surest way to leave the student free to express themselves musically. After an initial assessment is made of the student's voice, I create a series of vocal exercises to address any vocal weaknesses/problems. The first 20 minutes of a typical lesson are spent warming up/performing technical exercises. The remainder of the lesson focuses on applying what was learned technically to the music that the student and teacher have chosen. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I make sure all of my students have a solid foundation in technique and rythm with Progressive Step to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer by Ted Reed, Stick Contro by George Lawrence Stone, and then try to tailor the lessons to the students specific needs. I use standard method books based on the students goals along with personal exercises and techniques to help supplement the development of the focused area of study the student wishes to pursue. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I am patient, friendly, and always looking for ways to spark a student's passion for music and interest in the clarinet as a vehicle. I try to find something the student does well and build on it. For beginning students, I try to find simple exercises that build on previous successes. For more advanced students, I try to find new challenges and help build consistency and flexibility through a combination of basic technical exercises, challenging repertoire, exploration of new styles, and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary depending on the background and interests of the student. Typically I shy away from tabs since I read music notation. I do recommend learning the basics of reading music for anyone who is thinking of self study in their short or long-term commitment to any instrument. I usually suggest to the parent or student, that they research method books for guitar basics. Many times, a family member or friend will have a method book that will be more than suffice if it is a standard method book. Read More