Music Lessons in Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Instruments: Clarinet

Beginning or advanced, all students require constant attention and care to their fundamentals. Scales, long tones, and articulation excercises should be addressed at every lesson, allowing a simple and clear opportunity to discuss these issues. Simultaneously, from the very beginning students should be given the chance to make music. No music, no excitement! It is important to maintain good communication with students about their hopes and desires for their art. 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: Piano

I am a pianist, composer, and educator who strives to bring out the best in all my students. I have composed for film, internet, and theatrical productions and performed across the country in classical and jazz contexts. I hold a masters degree in jazz studies from the Jacobs School of Music, where I studied with Luke Gillespie, Steve Houhgton, and David Baker. In the summer of 2013 I performed with the Disneyland All-American College Band. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I believe every student pursues music for a different reason, so I approach every student with a custom curriculum. For all students I stress the importance of scales, arpeggios, ear training and scale patterns (3rds, 4ths, etc) to improve technical facility from the beginning. For beginners I typically use the Rubank Edute book to begin reading music. All students are introduced to 'Top Tones for the Saxophone' by Rascher early on to improve range, intonation, breath support and tone quality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My lessons are about technique and applying the technique to repertoire. I spend about a third of the lesson on specific technique work and I always encourage students to bring in their own material that we can work on as well. I of course always have songs to suggest and I cater to each individual student's needs. If you need a high song, I'll find a high one. If you need a pop song, I'll find a pop song. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a graduate of Northwestern's Bienen School of Music and have been playing and performing music since childhood. I hold two degrees, one in Music Performance for Classical Guitar, and the other in Cognitive Science; both affect my teaching method--in different ways, of course! I think one of the most important things when starting out as a musician is to have the intent and drive to practice (encouragement counts for quite a bit too!). Read More

Instruments: Voice

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More