Music Lessons in Oak Brook, 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: Piano Voice

I began teaching when I was in middle school when I got the opportunity to assistant direct theater workshops in my town. I was hooked and for my Girl Scout Gold Award in high school, I ran a theater company for children of social service recipients. In college, I tutored struggling music theory and piano students and felt it was the perfect way to use my enthusiasm for music in a positive way beyond teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

Mary began taking music lessons at age 5. She still retains the record at her high school for most awards in music. After high school, she earned a Music/Business Administration degree from Millikin University, a certification in audio engineering from the Conservatory of Recording Arts Sciences, and an MBA in e-Business from the University of Phoenix. Mary is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), as well as the National Academy of Recording Arts Sciences (NARAS). Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Depending on the age group of the student, my methods vary. With children, I will usually start by trying to gauge their musical interest and develop a strategy from there. Usually, this involves learning basic chord forms and progressions, until they are ready to start learning a bit of theory, and therefore how to solo. For adults, I simply ask them about their musical interests and tastes, and ask them what their ultimate goal is, and then set shorter goals to help achieve the ultimate goal. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My teaching style is loose but stern in the same respect. I insist in practice but am understanding toward the students priorities. Read More

Instruments: Viola

For beginning students, I primarily use scale cycle, and some of Suzuki Music to start with the ear opening to how the sound or melody work can be done and see how it can be applied from the scale work we do on the technical practice. I try to find what student want from the overall lesson time because that set up the different goal for different student. When the student enters in the intermediate level, I try to find a little longer literature for student to learn in long term goal, and expanding students music literature. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

“I am a professional musician and violin, cello, and viola teacher with over 25 years of experience in Europe and the United States. I teach students of all ages and at various stages of their development as musicians, including helping them prepare for University auditions, study for their own enjoyment or prepare to join a local community string ensemble or orchestra. My teaching philosophy is that of encouraging and inspiring my students to do their personal best in a creative, positive and enriching learning environment. Read More