Music Lessons in North Riverside, IL

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I always try to encourage students to see the small victories in playing music; regardless of how significant or noticeable an achievement is. Many students get down on themselves because they can't play something or they make a mistake. This is a deficit mindset that stunts growth long term. When I first teach a student I want them to set a short term goal between each lesson and one long term goal that spans from a month to a year. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

For classical double bass, I do stick to a number of method books depending on the level of the student. (Progressive Repetoire - George Vance, Yorke Etudes, Bottessini Etudes, and Simandl). In addition to technique excersizes and etudes, my students will also focus of solo works and orchestral excerpts. Jazz bassist will also focus on technique and some classical study. Even as a jazz bassist, it is important to learn how to use the bow and perform with excellent intonation and tone. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I am an experienced and enthusiastic musician who enjoys sharing the joy of music with students young and old. I have performed professionally with small jazz ensembles, classical saxophone quartets, show bands (Rita Moreno, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and more), orchestras (Madison and Milwaukee Symphonies), big bands (Russ Morgan, Dick Sargent, Paula Carberry, Al Chase, Karlos Moser), and was a founding member of the Madison Arts Players at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My first experiences with music began in the car, listening to the hits of 60s and 70s as my parents drove me around. I quickly realized music was going to be an important part of my life and begged my parents to get me a saxophone. By the time I was 10, I was performing music regularly for large audiences and loving every second of it. Then I turned 14 and picked up a guitar; Read More

Instruments: Guitar

While I taught some guitar lessons here and there in high school, I got my first steady gig teaching at a music store at the age of 19. Now, at the age of 25, I have taught hundreds of lessons, and had jobs teaching at a few different locations. I am constantly looking for better ways to explain things, ways to get students more motivated, and most importantly, ways to make learning music more fun! Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching methods involve a mix of real music, etudes, dexterity exercises, and rudimentary technical drilling. In each of these lessons I choose in one of the aforementioned areas the one I feel is the most pressing and in need of improvement. I am very strict about students using their metronomes to practice what I teach them. My view is that playing a song or drill slowly and in time with a metronome is better than playing it at the proper tempo incorrectly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

My approach to teaching is very "person-centered"- in that I will adapt to the needs of the student. I do not have one stuanch approach in teaching music. I want to help students engage early on in "Music Experiences"- not just learning scales, but truly playing music with me, improvising, and enjoying themsevles. This sort of music work really formsm the bedrock of my music lesson and music therapy practice. Read More